My jaw locks up and cracks when i chew. why?

TMJ damage.: "clicking" when opening or closing is caused by trauma or damage to the tmj, temporomandibular joint. If you have pain in the morning you are probably clenching or grinding during sleep, which is common. Your dentist can make a custom fitted anti bruxism appliance, commonly known as a night guard. Also many chiropractors can do adjustments that relieve pain associated with the tmj.

Disc: there is a catelagenous disk in your joint that is dislocated. A splint may help in recapturing the disc, but cause of the dislocation must be addressed. It may be from trauma (sports, accident, etc), clenching/grinding, malocclusion, etc. See your Dentast. Consultation w Orthodontist and/or Oral Surgeon may be indicated. You may also need Meds, exercises, behavior modification.

See an OFP: TMJ Disc Displacement . This condition is characterized by displacement of the disc (cracks) on closing followed by a failure to reduce (jaw locks ) the disc on opening. See an OFP practitioner for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.

Advanced TMJ: Advanced TMJ problem. See TMJ expert. Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society for referrals.