Is cracking your jaw dangerous? 3 ways to treat a clicking jaw

According to studies, temporomandibular joint (TMJ/TMD) disorders affect approximately 5–12% of the population, with many individuals frequently experiencing jaw clicking, pain when opening their mouth, chewing, or speaking. Many people have a habit of cracking their jaw to feel more comfortable, but if done incorrectly, this action can put additional pressure on the jaw joint and prolong symptoms.

In this article, Tiptory will help you understand when cracking your jaw can provide temporary relief from stiffness, when it should be avoided, and provide guidance on stretching, massaging, and changing daily habits to improve jaw clicking and reduce discomfort from TMJ disorders. Additionally, you will learn about warning signs that require early medical attention to protect your jaw joint and prevent long-term complications.

Method 1: Crack your jaw to relieve fatigue and muscle tension

Step 1: Relax your jaw before cracking it

Relax your jaw muscles before starting

• If you want to crack your jaw to relieve stiffness, start by completely relaxing the muscles around your jaw and face. This is an important step to reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint and minimize the risk of joint damage.

• Allow your lower jaw to drop naturally, opening your mouth slightly so that your upper and lower jaws are a small distance apart, without forcing your mouth wide open or using force to create a clicking sound in the joint.

• Breathe slowly and steadily for a few cycles to relax your chewing muscles before performing any jaw-cracking or jaw-stretching movements.

• If you experience jaw clicking, pain when chewing, jaw stiffness in the morning, or have a TMJ disorder, relaxing your jaw muscles before movement can help reduce discomfort and improve range of motion.

• If cracking your jaw causes pain, jaw locking, or increases clicking, stop immediately. Instead of trying to make the joint click, prioritize relaxation exercises and functional rehabilitation as guided by a doctor or physical therapist to protect your temporomandibular joint long-term.

Step 2: Place your hands correctly on your jaw

Place your palms gently over both sides of your jaw joint

• Place your palms lightly against both sides of your face, directly over the temporomandibular joint in front of your ears. Do not apply strong pressure; just keep your hands in light contact with your skin to help control jaw movement.

• Form a "U" shape with your thumb and index finger, so that your ear fits snugly in the space between the two fingers. This hand placement helps you pinpoint the correct location of the jaw joint and feel its movement when opening or closing your mouth.

• Keep both hands balanced to prevent your jaw from shifting to one side during movement. This is especially helpful if you frequently experience jaw clicking or show signs of TMJ disorder.

• Throughout the exercise, only use light support from your hands; do not press or push hard on your jaw. Applying too much force can increase pressure on the temporomandibular joint, making pain or stiffness worse.

• If you feel increased pain, jaw locking, or difficulty moving your jaw when placing your hands and moving your jaw, stop and consult a doctor to assess the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Step 3: Gently move your jaw from side to side

Move your jaw from side to side with gentle force

• Using very light support from your palm on one side of your jaw, slowly move your jaw to the left and then to the right within a comfortable range. Perform slowly, avoiding jerky or forceful twisting movements.

• The goal of this movement is to help the temporomandibular joint move gently and reduce stiffness, not to force a clicking sound or crack your jaw with strong force.

• If your jaw clicks during movement but is not accompanied by pain and your mouth opening range is still normal, simply continue performing gently. Conversely, if pain occurs, your jaw feels displaced, or you have difficulty closing or opening your mouth, stop immediately.

• Do not try to force your jaw until you hear a "pop" or feel the joint "go back into place." Excessive force can increase pressure on the cartilage, ligaments, and muscles around the temporomandibular joint, making symptoms more severe.

• If you frequently experience jaw pain, persistent jaw clicking, jaw locking, or difficulty chewing, you should seek medical attention. Identifying the correct cause will help choose appropriate treatment instead of repeatedly cracking your jaw yourself.

Step 4: Move your jaw in multiple directions

Gently move your jaw in multiple directions

• After relaxing your jaw muscles, slowly move your jaw to the left, to the right, forward, backward, then open and close your mouth within a comfortable range. Each movement should be performed slowly, with control, and without strong force.

• Everyone has a different degree of temporomandibular joint flexibility. Therefore, you can try each direction of movement to determine which motion helps reduce stiffness or improves jaw clicking without causing pain.

• If you feel more comfortable after moving, repeat each movement 5–10 times with a moderate range of motion. Do not try to open your mouth too wide or rotate your jaw beyond its natural limits.

• The goal of these movements is to increase the flexibility of the temporomandibular joint and relax the chewing muscles, rather than trying to crack your jaw to create a "pop" or "click" sound. Forcing a click does not provide proven therapeutic benefits and can increase pressure on the joint.

• If the movements increase pain, cause jaw deviation, locking, or you cannot open your mouth normally, stop immediately and seek medical attention for evaluation. These could be signs of a TMJ disorder that needs proper treatment instead of continuing to crack your jaw yourself.

Method 2: Jaw muscle stretching exercises to relieve temporomandibular joint pain

Step 1: Check jaw joint position before exercising

Observe jaw alignment in the mirror

• Stand in front of a mirror with your head straight and eyes looking forward. Relax your jaw to check if your lower jaw is aligned with your face or shifted to one side.

• Close your lips gently but do not clench. Your teeth should not touch when at rest. This is considered the natural resting position of the temporomandibular joint, helping to reduce pressure on the joint and chewing muscles.

• Observe if your chin is centered on your face. If your chin is shifted to the left or right even when relaxed, you may be unconsciously clenching your jaw muscles or showing signs of a TMJ disorder.

• Next, slowly open and close your mouth in front of the mirror. Observe if the path of your chin is straight or deviated, and also pay attention to whether your jaw clicks, hurts, or feels stuck during movement.

• If you notice frequent jaw deviation, difficulty opening your mouth, persistent pain, or jaw clicking accompanied by restricted movement, do not continue to crack your jaw yourself. Early examination will help determine the cause and choose appropriate treatment, avoiding further damage to the temporomandibular joint.

Step 2: Slowly open your mouth to stretch jaw muscles

Open your mouth within a comfortable limit

• Slowly open your mouth to a comfortable level, without trying to open it fully. Imagine your jaw dropping naturally instead of using force to widen your mouth opening.

• You should feel a gentle stretch in your chewing muscles and the area around your temporomandibular joint. If you experience sharp pain, a feeling of being stuck, or significant discomfort, stop immediately and reduce the range of motion.

Do not overstretch

• The temporomandibular joint and cervical joints are small and easily irritated or damaged if stretched too forcefully. Therefore, you should not try to crack your jaw or open your mouth beyond your body's tolerance limit.

• If you frequently experience jaw clicking, prioritize slow and controlled movements instead of trying to create a "pop" in the joint. Gentle movement is usually safer and more appropriate for people with TMJ disorders.

Hold the position for about 5 seconds

• Once you have reached a comfortable mouth opening range, hold the position for about 5 seconds and breathe evenly. During this time, you can look up or slightly tilt your head back if it feels comfortable, but do not overextend your neck.

• If your cheek muscles or chewing muscles are tense, you may feel them gradually relax as you hold the position. Then, slowly close your mouth to the resting position and repeat the movement 5–10 times if it doesn't cause pain.

Monitor your jaw joint's reaction

• If after exercising, your jaw clicking decreases, jaw movement becomes more flexible, and no pain occurs, you can continue the exercise daily.

• Conversely, if pain increases, your jaw locks, you have difficulty opening your mouth, or symptoms of a TMJ disorder persist, stop trying to crack your jaw yourself and consult a maxillofacial surgeon or musculoskeletal specialist for appropriate examination and treatment.

Step 3: Close your mouth correctly after exercising

Close your mouth slowly and with control

• After completing the stretching movement, slowly close your mouth instead of snapping it shut quickly or clenching your jaws. Slow movement allows the temporomandibular joint to return to its resting position naturally and reduces pressure on the joint.

• At the same time, return your gaze forward and keep your head straight to avoid changing the position of your jaw during mouth closing.

Return jaw to central position

• When your mouth is closed, ensure your chin is centered on your face and your jaw is not deviated to the left or right.

• Keep your lips gently closed but do not clench your teeth. In the resting position, your teeth should only be close together, not clenched or pressed tightly. This helps reduce muscle tension and prevents worsening of TMJ disorders.

Check alignment in the mirror

• Observe in the mirror to check if your chin and the midline of your lower jaw are aligned with your face.

• If you notice jaw clicking, jaw deviation, difficulty closing or opening your mouth, or an uneven bite sensation after exercising, stop trying to crack your jaw and monitor your symptoms.

Repeat the movement if there is no pain

• You can repeat the entire exercise a few times if all movements are gentle and do not cause pain.

• If persistent pain, swelling, jaw locking, or worsening jaw clicking occurs, consult a specialist for proper evaluation and treatment of TMJ disorders, instead of continuing to crack your jaw yourself.

Step 4: Stretch jaw to the left

Gently move your jaw to the left

• From the resting position, slowly slide your jaw to the left within a comfortable range. Do not use strong force or try to push your jaw beyond the natural limits of the temporomandibular joint.

• Throughout the exercise, keep your teeth from touching or clenching to avoid increasing pressure on the joint and chewing muscles.

Combine with eye movement

• When moving your jaw to the left, gently look to the right. This movement can help increase the stretching effectiveness of the facial muscles and the muscles around the temporomandibular joint in some individuals.

• If you feel a slight tension in the temporal region or along the jaw, this is usually a normal muscle reaction to stretching. However, if sharp pain or numbness occurs, stop the exercise immediately.

Hold the position for about 5 seconds

• Hold the position for about 5 seconds, while continuing to look to the right and breathing slowly and evenly to relax the jaw muscles.

• You may feel a slight tension on the opposite side of your jaw or in the temporal region. This sensation should only be comfortable and will gradually decrease when the movement is finished.

Return to center position

• Slowly return your jaw to the center position, then relax for a few seconds before moving to the other side.

• If the exercise worsens jaw clicking, pain when opening your mouth, or symptoms of a TMJ disorder, stop exercising and consult a doctor or physical therapist for appropriate guidance.

Step 5: Return jaw to natural resting position

Slowly return your jaw to the center position

• After completing the stretching movement, slowly return your jaw to the center position. Perform slowly and with control to allow the temporomandibular joint to gradually adapt to the resting state.

• Avoid closing your mouth too quickly or clenching your jaws, as this can retighten the chewing muscles and increase jaw clicking.

Close lips gently, no teeth clenching

• When the movement is finished, close your lips naturally but do not clench your teeth. In the resting position, your teeth should be separated by a very small gap, while your tongue can rest gently on the roof of your mouth behind your upper front teeth.

• This position helps reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint and also prevents unconscious teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

Return gaze forward

• If you previously combined eye movement with stretching, return your gaze straight ahead. Keep your head and neck in a straight position to relax the entire jaw area.

• Breathe slowly and evenly for a few cycles to allow the muscles around your jaw to completely relax.

Assess how you feel after exercising

• After returning to the resting position, pay attention to whether your jaw clicking, stiffness, or pain has decreased. The exercise should only create a feeling of relaxation, not increase pain or discomfort.

• If you still experience persistent pain, jaw deviation, difficulty opening your mouth, or signs of a TMJ disorder, do not continue to crack your jaw repeatedly. Instead, consult a specialist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Step 6: Stretch jaw to the right

Gently move your jaw to the right

• After completing the stretch on the left side, slowly move your jaw to the right within a comfortable range. Only go as far as you feel a gentle stretch in the muscle; do not force it to increase the range of motion.

• Throughout the exercise, keep your upper and lower teeth slightly separated, avoiding contact or grinding, as this can increase pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Combine with eye movements

• When moving your jaw to the right, look to the left. Combining eye and jaw movements can help some people relax their facial and neck muscles more effectively.

• If you feel a slight tension in the temple area or the opposite chewing muscle, this is usually a normal reaction to stretching. However, if the pain increases or your jaw joint clicks more, stop the exercise.

Hold the position for about 5 seconds

• Hold the position for approximately 5 seconds, breathing slowly and evenly, allowing the muscles around your jaw to relax.

• Afterward, relax your facial muscles and slowly return your jaw to its natural resting position. Avoid jerky movements or cracking your jaw to make a sound.

Return your jaw to the center position

• After completing the movement, bring your jaw back to the center of your face, gently close your lips, and keep your upper and lower teeth from touching.

• If you have TMJ disorder, perform symmetrical exercises on both sides an equal number of times to prevent muscle imbalance.

Monitor your jaw joint's reaction

• If, after exercising, your jaw joint clicking decreases, jaw movement becomes more flexible, and no pain occurs, you can continue the exercise as directed by your doctor or physical therapist.

• If the pain persists, your jaw locks, dislocates, or symptoms of TMJ disorder worsen, stop trying to crack your jaw yourself and seek medical attention for proper examination and treatment.

Step 7: Repeat the exercise when your jaw feels stiff

Perform the exercise when your jaw starts to feel tense

• If you feel your jaw is tense, tired, or your jaw joint clicks, you can repeat the entire stretching sequence to help relax the muscles around the temporomandibular joint.

• It is advisable to exercise when symptoms first appear or after activities that involve heavy jaw use, such as chewing hard food, talking continuously, or teeth grinding.

Repeat 3–5 times

• Perform all stretching movements 3–5 times in each session, maintaining a slow pace and a moderate range of motion.

• Do not try to crack your jaw or create a clicking sound in the joint. The goal of the exercise is to improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and help alleviate symptoms of TMJ disorder.

Monitor your body's reaction

• If, after exercising, stiffness decreases and opening your mouth and chewing become easier, you can continue the exercise daily or as directed by your doctor.

• Conversely, if your jaw joint clicks more, pain increases, your jaw locks, or you have difficulty opening your mouth, stop exercising and seek medical attention to assess the cause.

Combine with daily habit changes

• For long-term effectiveness, combine the exercise with good habits such as avoiding teeth grinding, limiting chewing gum, not biting hard objects, and prioritizing soft foods when your jaw is sore.

• If symptoms of TMJ disorder persist for several weeks or recur frequently, you should see a dentist or orthopedic specialist for appropriate treatment, rather than repeatedly trying to crack your jaw yourself.

Method 3: Bad habits that cause jaw fatigue and how to treat them

Note 1: Wear a night guard while sleeping

Use a night guard at night

• If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw, jaw joint clicking, or facial muscle fatigue, the cause may be teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching during sleep.

• In this case, your dentist may prescribe a night guard (bite splint). This is a removable device that fits over your teeth to reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint and protect your teeth from wear due to grinding.

Benefits of a night guard

• Reduces clenching force on chewing muscles and the temporomandibular joint during sleep.

• Minimizes pain or jaw stiffness upon waking.

• Reduces the risk of enamel wear, cracked, or chipped teeth due to prolonged grinding.

• Helps improve symptoms related to TMJ disorder in some individuals, especially when combined with other treatments.

Recognizing signs of teeth grinding during sleep

• You should see a dentist for an examination if you have one or more of the following signs:

  • Teeth that are worn, flattened, chipped, or unusually loose.

  • Worn enamel that makes teeth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets.

  • Sore or tired jaw upon waking.

  • Headaches, especially in the temples, in the morning.

  • Pain around the ear despite having no ear problems.

  • Tongue indentations from pressing against teeth during sleep.

  • Jaw joint clicking or difficulty opening your mouth after waking.

Notes on using a night guard

• It is best to use a custom-fitted guard made by a dentist to ensure proper fit and optimal effectiveness.

• Do not buy overly hard or ill-fitting guards without consultation, as they can alter your bite or worsen TMJ disorder symptoms.

• If jaw pain, jaw joint clicking, or teeth grinding persists despite wearing a guard, revisit your dentist for reassessment and adjustment of your treatment plan.

Note 2: Practice relaxing your jaw daily

Regularly check for jaw tension

• Many people unconsciously clench their jaw when working, driving, concentrating, or feeling stressed. Over time, this can increase pressure on the temporomandibular joint, leading to more frequent jaw joint clicking and jaw pain.

• Actively check for jaw muscle tension several times a day. If you notice yourself grinding or clenching, immediately relax and return your jaw to its natural resting position.

Create "reminder cues" in daily life

• To form a new habit, link checking your jaw with activities you repeat daily, such as:

  • Every time you walk through a doorway.

  • Every time you close a browser window or complete a task.

  • Every time you get up to use the restroom.

  • Every time you drink water or receive a phone notification.

• These repeated cues will help your brain gradually recognize and reduce unconscious jaw clenching.

Return your jaw to the correct resting posture

• When you detect jaw tension, relax your shoulders and facial muscles, gently close your lips, but keep your upper and lower teeth from touching.

• Keep your tongue lightly resting on the roof of your mouth behind your upper front teeth. This is the physiological resting posture, which helps reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint and chewing muscles.

Persistence for long-term symptom improvement

• Changing habits does not bring immediate results, but if maintained daily, you can significantly reduce jaw joint clicking, jaw pain, and symptoms of TMJ disorder.

• If, despite habit adjustments, you still frequently experience jaw pain, difficulty opening your mouth, or jaw locking, see a specialist for evaluation and appropriate treatment. This is a more effective solution than repeatedly trying to crack your jaw yourself for temporary relief.

Note 3: Avoid opening your mouth too wide

Limit excessive mouth opening

• Opening your mouth too wide can increase pressure on the temporomandibular joint, especially in individuals with TMJ disorder. In some cases, the jaw joint can dislocate, causing pain or difficulty closing the mouth.

• Try to open your mouth only as much as necessary to reduce strain on your jaw and chewing muscles.

Be mindful during daily activities

• Maintain the habit of controlling your mouth opening range when:

  • Yawning.

  • Eating and drinking.

  • Talking for extended periods.

  • Singing or laughing too loudly.

  • Having a dental exam or undergoing procedures that require opening your mouth.

• If you need to yawn, gently support your chin with your hand to prevent opening your mouth too wide.

Eat in a jaw-protective way

• Cut food into small pieces and chew slowly on both sides of your mouth to distribute force evenly.

• During periods of pain or frequent jaw joint clicking, prioritize soft foods and avoid biting directly into overly hard or chewy items like ice, hard candy, sugarcane, or hard-crusted bread.

Reduce the risk of worsening TMJ disorder

• If you frequently hear jaw joint clicking, feel pain when opening your mouth, or have experienced jaw dislocation, limiting excessive mouth opening is a simple but effective measure to protect your temporomandibular joint.

• If pain, restricted mouth opening, or dislocation recurs frequently, see a dentist for examination and treatment. Do not try to crack your jaw yourself or force the joint back into place, as this can damage ligaments and joint cartilage.

Note 4: Limit foods that require a lot of chewing

Reduce pressure on your jaw joint while eating

• If you are experiencing jaw pain, jaw joint clicking, or have TMJ disorder, limit foods that require prolonged chewing or strong biting force. Excessive chewing can fatigue the chewing muscles and increase pressure on the temporomandibular joint.

• During a flare-up of symptoms, prioritize soft, easy-to-chew, and easy-to-swallow foods to allow your jaw joint time to recover.

Foods to limit

• To reduce the risk of jaw pain and stiffness, you should avoid or limit:

  • Chewing gum.

  • Sunflower seeds or other seeds that require biting with your teeth.

  • Gummy candies, chewy candies.

  • Ice cubes or the habit of chewing ice.

  • Jerky, dried squid, and other very chewy foods.

  • Hard-crusted bread or foods that require strong biting.

Better food choices

• When TMJ disorder is causing pain or frequent jaw joint clicking, prioritize:

  • Porridge, soup, or broth.

  • Soft rice.

  • Yogurt, smoothies.

  • Eggs, tofu.

  • Cooked fish and tender meat.

  • Well-cooked vegetables.

Change eating habits to protect your jaw joint

• Cut food into small pieces before eating to reduce biting force.

• Chew slowly and distribute chewing force evenly on both sides of your jaw.

• Do not try to bite off overly large or hard pieces of food.

• If you experience increased pain, more jaw joint clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth after eating, adjust your diet and consult a doctor if symptoms persist. Changing eating habits often provides longer-lasting results than repeatedly trying to crack your jaw yourself for temporary relief.

Note 5: Massage your jaw to relieve pain

Maintain daily jaw massage

• Gentle massage can help relax chewing muscles, reduce stiffness, and help alleviate symptoms of TMJ disorder. When combined with stretching exercises, this method can help reduce pain and improve the mobility of the temporomandibular joint.

• It is advisable to start massaging once a day, preferably in the evening before bed, to allow the muscles to relax after a day of activity.

• If pain or jaw joint clicking increases for a short period, you can add one massage session in the morning. When symptoms improve, return to once a day.

Steps to properly massage your jaw

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and sit or stand in a comfortable position, relaxing your shoulders and neck.

2. Place your fingertips on your lower jaw on both sides of your face.

3. Using gentle pressure, move your fingertips from your lower jaw upwards towards your temples, massaging in circular motions or light strokes on the skin.

4. When your fingertips reach your temples or hairline, lift your hands and return to the starting position on your jaw.

5. Repeat the sequence continuously for about 2 minutes, breathing slowly and evenly to enhance relaxation.

Notes on massaging the jaw joint

• Use only moderate pressure to create a comfortable sensation. Do not press hard directly on the temporomandibular joint, especially if the joint area is swollen or painful.

• If you experience increased pain, numbness, dizziness, or more jaw joint clicking during the massage, stop and rest.

• You can apply a warm compress for 10–15 minutes before massaging to help the chewing muscles relax better, if there are no signs of acute swelling.

Combine with jaw joint protective habits

• Massage will be more effective when combined with limiting teeth grinding, avoiding chewing gum, reducing stress, maintaining correct jaw resting posture, and performing stretching exercises as instructed.

• If pain persists, jaw joint clicking continues, opening your mouth is difficult, or symptoms of TMJ disorder do not improve after a few weeks of self-care, see a dentist or physical therapist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Note 6: See a doctor if jaw pain persists

Don't delay seeing a doctor if jaw pain persists

• Most cases of jaw pain or jaw clicking can improve with rest, lifestyle changes, massage, and stretching exercises. However, if the pain persists, recurs frequently, or becomes increasingly severe, you should see a doctor or dentist for an examination.

• Early diagnosis helps accurately identify the cause of temporomandibular joint disorder, thereby allowing for appropriate treatment and limiting long-term complications.

Signs that require early medical attention

• Seek medical attention if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Severe or prolonged jaw pain that does not subside after several days.

  • Jaw clicking accompanied by pain or restricted movement.

  • Difficulty opening or closing your mouth completely.

  • Jaw locking in an open or closed position.

  • Pain when chewing or swallowing food.

  • Jaw swelling, fever, or signs of infection.

  • Persistent pain radiating to the ear, temple, or neck.

What will the doctor check?

• The doctor or dentist will assess:

  • The range of mouth opening and closing.

  • Movement of the temporomandibular joint.

  • Clicking or jaw popping during movement.

  • The tension of the chewing muscles.

  • Bite and tooth condition.

• In some cases, you may be prescribed X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to evaluate the structure of the temporomandibular joint and rule out other causes.

Possible treatment methods

• Depending on the cause and severity of the temporomandibular joint disorder, the doctor may recommend:

  • Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs when needed.

  • Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth in your sleep.

  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises.

  • Bite adjustment in some special cases.

  • More specialized intervention if conservative treatment is ineffective.

Do not self-treat severe symptoms

• If your jaw clicks with severe pain, or if your jaw is locked or dislocated, do not try to manipulate your jaw or self-adjust it at home. This can damage the cartilage, ligaments, and surrounding tissues.

• Early examination and proper treatment of the cause are the most effective ways to control temporomandibular joint disorder, reduce pain, and protect the long-term function of the jaw joint.

Note 7: Go to the emergency room if your jaw is locked

Go to the hospital immediately if your jaw is locked

• If your jaw is locked in an open or closed position and you cannot return it to normal on your own, go to the hospital or Emergency Room immediately. This could be a sign of a dislocated temporomandibular joint or a condition requiring prompt medical attention.

• Do not wait for symptoms to resolve on their own or try to continue eating or talking, as this can severely damage the joint and surrounding tissues.

Do not attempt to manipulate or adjust your jaw yourself

• When your jaw is locked, absolutely do not try to force your jaw, pull it hard, or self-adjust the joint in different directions.

• Incorrect manipulations can tear ligaments, damage muscles, joint cartilage, or worsen the temporomandibular joint disorder.

How will the doctor handle it?

• After examination, the doctor will determine the cause of the locked temporomandibular joint.

• If the cause is a dislocated jaw, the doctor may use pain relievers, sedatives, or muscle relaxants to help you relax and reduce discomfort before performing the procedure to return the joint to its correct position.

• After the joint is successfully reduced, the doctor may instruct you to limit wide mouth opening, follow a soft diet for a few days, and perform rehabilitation exercises if needed.

Follow-up after treatment

• Once your jaw joint is back to normal, follow your doctor's instructions to reduce the risk of recurrence.

• If you frequently experience jaw clicking, recurrent dislocation, or symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder, you should have a follow-up examination for a thorough evaluation and to develop a long-term treatment plan. This helps protect the function of the temporomandibular joint and limit complications in the future.

References

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Content editor: Sidney Bailey Hoang.

Information consulted and verified by expert: James Mitchell.