Jaw Popping

I have been wearing a CPAP for 5 years with no issues. Now I have developed a bad case of jaw popping. I am assuming it’s related to TMJ which has never been an issue for me. Anyone experience this? Any suggestions?

I have been dealing with severe TMJ issues for over 30 years. TMJ is the abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint, or jaw joint. Jaw popping is the mandibular bone getting "stuck" and "unstuck" on the articular disc in the joint. Here is an excellent short video explaining how the TMJ works and what happens when it pops:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB468Jh9aAY

Does popping mean you have or are developing a TMJ disorder? Maybe. Maybe not. Do you have other symptoms:
headaches, pain in front of the ears or "earaches", sore jaw muscles, neck and/or shoulder pain?

The major issue with CPAP and TMJ is the type of mask you use. You need to choose one that does not put pressure on the lower jaw, particularly pressure that pulls the jaw back toward the ears. The lower strap on a full face mask, when tightened, can pull the jaw back, which moves the ball joint of the jaw back and can cause TMJ pain and symptoms. So a nasal pillow or a nasal mask is best for people with TMJ issues. I use a nasal pillow, along with mouth tape to manage mouth leaks. What mask are you using?

Are you grinding your teeth at night, or clenching during the day when stressed (bruxism)? Your dentist can examine your teeth for wear patterns that indicate bruxism. A custom-fitted night guard that you wear at night can protect your teeth and ease stress on the TMJ.

If you chew gum, stop! Use mints instead. Do not chew on pencils, your fingernails, ice, or other items. Do not use your teeth as tools. Your jaw should be used only for eating, drinking, and talking. If you have jaw pain, eat softer foods for a few weeks and take ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory and see if that helps.

There are many issues which can cause TMJ discomfort and popping. Your dentist is a good place to start looking for answers. Be aware that TMJ treatment is complex and requires a dentist with specialized training. If your dentist does not have this training, they will hopefully refer you to someone with the necessary expertise.

If you do have a TMJ disorder, physical therapists who have special training in TMJ can be very helpful in treatment. They can provide therapy to relieve tension in the jaw, neck and shoulders. They can also teach you exercises and self-massage techniques to help you manage your TMJ symptoms. Biofeedback training can also help you learn how to relax your jaw.

It is extremely important that only conservative treatments (night guard or dental appliance, physical therapy, etc.) be your first steps if you need treatment. DO NOT agree to orthodontics, surgical procedures or any nonreversible procedures before all other avenues of treatment have been exhausted. If the practitioner immediately suggests nonreversible procedures, find someone else!

The TMJ Association is an excellent source of information:
https://tmj.org

Wishing you the best!

readingteacher wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 06, 2021 2:14 pm

The lower strap on a full face mask, when tightened, can pull the jaw back, which moves the ball joint of the jaw back and can cause TMJ pain and symptoms.

It's not possible to pull the jaw back from its resting position. If the strap is too tight, it can put undue pressure on the jaw joints but not move it back.

WC04AG wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 05, 2021 3:45 pm

I have been wearing a CPAP for 5 years with no issues. Now I have developed a bad case of jaw popping. I am assuming it’s related to TMJ which has never been an issue for me. Anyone experience this? Any suggestions?

Since this is a recent thing after 5 years of uneventful cpap use,
it's got to be something else.
See your doctor or dentist.