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shoegal · Sep 15, 2006, 05:04 PM

Hello
I'm not sure if this has to do with dentistry or not-but it was the closest subject to what my problem is.
Ok, well when I was around 15, my jaw started to make little tiny quiet popping noises every time I moved my jaw to the left, but never to the right. It actually seems like I can move my jaw WAY further to the left than I can the right. Within months, the popping got louder. It became a habit to move my jaw to the left. And then, a while later, if I moved my jaw to the left more, it would make a crunchy sound, and if I did that 10-20 times in a row, it would make a very loud CRACK noise, like the sound when you crack your knuckles. Then, if I moved my jaw to the left right after that, there would be little or no noise, but if I waited about 20 minutes, I could move my jaw to the left until it cracked. This became a huge habit, and in class when I was bored, I'd move my jaw, and wait for the loud CRACK. I would do this probably 20-100 times a day. All day long, every single day. I have been doing this for a while, and am even moving my jaw to the left right now as I type. It is a habit I've done for years. There is never any pain, so I do it constantly. I'm just wondering if there is a problem with my jaw, if this is normal, or if I'm really screwing my jaw up by doing this. If anyone else has similar experience, please share!
Thanks!

DrBSM · Nov 7, 2006, 01:47 PM

Hi
First you should stop this habit immediately because its worsen the problem
U had problem with your mandible joint " the disk of the TMJ"
U should go to a dentist and he would instruct an appliance this would improve the case
And thanks

just4thisquesti · Apr 22, 2009, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by shoegal

Hello
I'm not sure if this has to do with dentistry or not-but it was the closest subject to what my problem is.
Ok, well when I was around 15, my jaw started to make little tiny quiet popping noises everytime I moved my jaw to the left, but never to the right. It actually seems like I can move my jaw WAY further to the left than I can the right. Within months, the popping got louder. It became a habit to move my jaw to the left. And then, a while later, if I moved my jaw to the left more, it would make a crunchy sound, and if I did that 10-20 times in a row, it would make a very loud CRACK noise, like the sound when you crack your knuckles. Then, if I moved my jaw to the left right after that, there would be little or no noise, but if I waited about 20 minutes, I could move my jaw to the left until it cracked. This became a huge habit, and in class when I was bored, I'd move my jaw, and wait for the loud CRACK. I would do this probably 20-100 times a day. All day long, every single day. I have been doing this for a while, and am even moving my jaw to the left right now as I type. It is a habit I've done for years. There is never any pain, so I do it constantly. I'm just wondering if there is a problem with my jaw, if this is normal, or if I'm really screwing my jaw up by doing this. If anyone else has similar experience, please share!
Thanks!

I do this all day.. I googled it and found this. It's unbearable.. I can't stop doing it. Sometimes trying to make myself stop is like holding my breath. I do it because I feel like it will relieve some of my discomfort but all it does is make me want to do it more. I feel like there's something wrong. Even my boyfriend notices how often I do it.:confused:

flossie · Apr 23, 2009, 05:21 AM

It sounds just like the habit of knuckle cracking. You should try to stop as it could lead to arthritic symptoms in the future. If you are having discomfort see a dentist first, he may suggest physiotherapy or a splint to be worn to help relieve the discomfort.

lindseylei · Feb 12, 2010, 11:23 PM

Hi. I have had a similar problem sense about the age of 14yrs old. Im now 23. It started I would move the right side of my jaw and Id do it ALL day. It just started one morning as far as I can remember. Then it kind of went away but not until like 5-6yrs later. Now my jaw locks up a lot. When I yawn it hurts because my jaw needs to open more but it won't. I can't move the right side of my jaw like I used to, only my left.
I know its been like almost 3yrs sense you posted this, but if your still having problems and don't have any answers feel free to contact me. In fact if you have found answers it would be great to hear them as I have never found out what's going on with my jaw. I do know my dad has had the same problem.

tootalljayray · Mar 29, 2011, 01:41 PM

I have been doing the same thing for over 25 years. It's not the worst thing, but stop if you can. I managed to stop the habit a few years back, but now it just cracks on its own from normal chewing. My dentist said you are literraly popping a little ligament off you jawbone. Tnen it goes back into place after a while. Now my jaw gets sore very easily and opeing my mouth for the dentist kills my jaw. Stop if you can. But don't worry too much, your jaw won't fall off.

sinnerman · Oct 18, 2011, 04:16 AM

I have the same habbit, I started when I was about 4,5, or 6. I'm only 12 now, nothing hurts but it is still a habbit anf I can't stop. I feel like my jaw is really restricted when I stop for about 15-30 minutes. I can't help it when I forget about not doing it. Its unbearable and sometimes when I haven't cracked it starts hurting the slightest bit and its unconfterble.