I Have Symptoms Of A High-pitched Sound When I Move My Jaw

Posted on Fri, 5 Mar 2021

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 5 Mar 2021 Answered on

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I have symptoms of a high-pitched sound when I move my jaw up and down while eating, yawning and even when I turn my head sideways to the affected side as well as grinding the teeth. I also have fullness/pressure in the ear when the jaw is motionless. I went to see the doctor a couple of days ago who thought it was due to the jaw joint although there is no pain or soreness and recommended that I see a stomatologist but she didn't think it was because the Eustachian tube is blocked. Does this make sense?

I also had an x-ray performed on the jaw a few months ago and it said that the left mandibular condyle is positioned very slightly in front of the most pronounced point of the temporal condyle.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can be TMJ disorder.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I think that the main cause of the high pinched sound while eating, chewing and fullness and pressure when joint is motionless may be related to temporomandibular joint disorder.
You may have not pain because it possibly happened gradually for years.
You may need an MRI to check joint and other soft tissues around it.
I think visiting a maxillofacial surgeon is better then dentist.
You may need to use muscle relaxers and the night guard.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

I had an mri scan recently but it didn't appear to detect anything.

I have had these symptoms for about 16 months and have also seen a stomatologist last XXXXXXX who fitted me with a nightguard together with a physiotherapist who gave me about 10 sessions on the jaw.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
If you have used the night guard since last XXXXXXX it may have given some results related to the high pinched sound while eating.
Also it is a bit difficult to understand that the MRI was quite normal in a situation that you feel the sound while eating, chewing , yawing.
Better visit a maxillofacial surgeon to examine you physically and to check your MRI.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng