Oral Care Team of Dr. Susan Bravo-Manangan

01/04/2026

A clicking sound from the jaw during mouth opening is not just a sound — it’s a signal.

🦷 What’s really happening inside your jaw?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It allows you to talk, chew, yawn, and open your mouth smoothly.

Inside this joint sits a small cartilage structure called the articular disc.
Its job? To act as a shock absorber between the skull and the lower jaw.
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🔊 So why does the clicking happen?

In a healthy joint, the disc moves in perfect harmony with the jaw.
But when the disc slips out of position, the jaw has to “jump” over it during opening or closing — creating the familiar clicking or snapping sound.

This is often an early sign of a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
It may start without pain, but it should never be ignored.
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⚠️ Common causes include:

Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)

Chronic stress and muscle tension

Bite problems or poor occlusion

Jaw trauma or injury

Repeated wide opening (forced yawning, long dental procedures)

Poor neck and head posture
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📌 Possible associated symptoms:

Clicking, popping, or cracking sounds

Pain in front of the ear or jaw

Difficulty opening the mouth fully

Jaw locking or stiffness

Headache, neck pain, or unexplained ear pain

Accelerated tooth wear
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🚨 What happens if it’s ignored?

Over time, the disc may stop returning to its normal position, leading to:

Chronic jaw pain

Limited mouth opening

Persistent joint inflammation

Degeneration of the TMJ

Difficulty eating, speaking, or chewing
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🛑 Important reminder:
A clicking jaw doesn’t always hurt — but it almost always warns of underlying joint dysfunction.
Early assessment can prevent complex treatments and long-term joint damage.
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📢 Final note:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person medical or dental evaluation. Any symptoms should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.

11/01/2025

10/26/2025

ORAL BACTERIA CAN TRAVEL TO THE HEART 🫀

Recent research has revealed a striking connection — bacteria commonly found in dental plaque have been detected inside the arteries and even heart tissue of patients who suffered heart attacks.

How does this happen?
When gums are inflamed or infected, bacteria can enter the bloodstream through microscopic openings in the gum tissue. Once circulating, they may trigger inflammation inside blood vessels, accelerating vascular injury and contributing to heart problems.

This doesn’t mean oral bacteria directly cause heart disease — but their presence highlights how closely oral and cardiovascular health are intertwined. Ignoring gum health can silently add to systemic risks far beyond the mouth.

Maintaining healthy gums through regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings isn’t just about preventing tooth loss — it could also play a role in protecting the heart.

🧠 Sources:
Lockhart PB, et al. (2012). Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: Does the Evidence Support an Independent Association? Circulation.
Tonetti MS & Van D**e TE (2013). Periodontitis and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Consensus Report. J Clin Periodontol.

07/10/2024

02/28/2024

12/15/2023

https://www.linysmiles.com/about-us/blog/is-it-ok-to-brush-teeth-in-the-shower.html

We all lead busy lives, and sometimes we have to multi-task even the most basic of activities, including brushing our teeth. Some people even brush their teeth while they shower. But is this a good idea? Find out the pros and cons of multitasking oral health routines, and get some tips on making the...

12/07/2023

12/07/2023

05/10/2023

Elk Grove dentist, Advantage Laguna Dentistry is a local, trusted dental practice offering general and cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, implants, veneers & other dental care. Call today to make an appointment!

05/10/2023

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Fotografía 📸: .world

05/10/2023

This is why a wisdom tooth a culprit.😈
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Most of the patients delay the extraction of their impacted teeth cause either they are scared of surgery or they simply don’t know the importance of getting it removed...
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Now in 2018 removal of an impacted tooth is almost painless.
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See how an impacted tooth caused damage to the adjacent tooth..❗️
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so getting it removed will help patients to save the adjacent teeth and a lot of pain.

~ Dr suhail