What causes a popping sound while opening the mouth?

Question

Hello doctor,

When I eat, my jaw makes a popping sound, but it does not hurt. The jawbone near my ear makes this popping sound even when I open my mouth. When I open my mouth, the left side of my jawbone near my ear opens more widely than the right one. I have been experiencing this issue for four years now, and again I want to mention that it does not hurt.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

First of all, if it does not hurt and inflammation is not there then it does not involve risk. In fact, in some people, it does pop for always but as you said it began four years ago in your case so just wanted to know if there was any injury or if you kept your mouth open for a longer time or just woke up one day with this problem.

You may visit a dentist once and an OPG (orthopantomogram) may tell where the problem actually comes from because that is a joint called the temporomandibular joint in some cases, the disc gets displaced which can easily replaced to its original point with the help of some massages or exercises.

I hope this helps.

Feel free to contact me if you have any further queries.

Thank you.