Is cracking your jaw, intentionally, bad for you?

Question

I have a bad habit of purposely cracking my jaw. Could this long term effect me or could this possibly make me get braces on?

Answer 1

The answer to your question is YES! There are many reasons why not to pop your jaw, one being arthritis forms in jaw joints, jaw joint replacement just to name a few.(all of the mentioned have pain, inability to chew and digest your food properly) If i we're you i would get to a dentist to see where you are in the progression of TMJ. Good luck.

Answer 2

If you're forcibly cracking your jaw, then yes because you're forcing it to move in a manner in which the jaw is not intended to go.  I don't know if this would affect the need for braces later on, but it could definitely affect how your jaw moves in the future.  If you find that your jaw is hurting, then talk with your dentist/oral surgeon as there might be something else causing the problem.  They may also be able to give you some recommendations on gentle massages that you could do the area to naturally help relieve the stiffness.