Jaw problems

[Marie_1981]

Hi I've had a clicking jaw for around 10 years it didn't cause no pain but last week I woke up and couldn't close my mouth fully it feels although my jaw is out of place can anyone tell me what this may be please

[Toothpickdentistry]

Marie - you have classic symptoms of teeth grinding. The usual causes are recent increases in stress (particularly emotional stress) coupled with an uneven bite.

The treatment a dentist will advise will include a bite guard to wear when you are asleep so you don't further damage your teeth and jaw joint. It may also help in the long term to have your bite analysed to make sure your teeth meet evenly.

Taking simple steps like avoiding chewing gum and cutting your food into smaller pieces all act to reduce the workload your jaw is doing. Its similar to what a doctor would advise if you sprained your ankle. If you do wear a bite guard already , then it sounds like time for a replacement and even taking anti inflammatories ( if there is no reason why you shouldn't) before sleeping to help reduce the muscle spasm and stabilise your jaw joint.