As we get older, things change. Your hair changes color, maybe your waistline changes, and getting around can become more difficult. Things also get noisier; you may notice more creaking and popping in your knees, hips and back. But, have you noticed changes in your jaw joints? You may notice your jaw is creaking and popping and grinding more than it did before. Should you call Dr. Konig? The answer is yes!
Noisy Jaw Joints
The first thing we want to say is that if you have noise in any joint in your body, it’s a cause for concern. Not necessarily an emergency, but it is something you need to get looked at. Why? Well, noise in your joints is an indication that the tissues that cushion that joint are wearing away, and this goes for your jaw joint too.
You Should Also Know
The temporomandibular joints are the most complicated joints in the body. They’re also the most dynamic and allow the jaw to move up and down, side to side, and back and forth.
When these jaw joints become damaged from injury, aging or wear and tear, or they become out of alignment, moving the jaw gets noisy. It can also become difficult or painful.
Think of it like a door. When the door is new and aligned with the door frame, the hinges work fine and quietly. When the door comes out of alignment over time and as a result of use, the hinges stop working as well and become noisy.
Don’t Write It Off
So, you may have been living with noise when you talk, chew or yawn for years – or it may have just started. But, you still need to get it checked even if you’re not having pain.
In nearly every case of temporomandibular joint disorder, a noisy jaw develops into a painful jaw. In many cases, patients report living with jaws that snap, click, crack, creak and pop for months or years before feeling pain.
If you’re experiencing noises like popping and cracking, it’s time to give Dr. Konig a call. If you wait to get checked for TMJD or other jaw condition, it could result in painful and life-changing complications.
Call now 713-668-2289 to schedule your consultation.
