Had tmj for 30 years but now my jaw cracking!?

TMJ: Have you had a night guard from age 13? Has the cause of your TMJ been diagnosed? Have you had orthodontic treatment? You should see your dentist to diagnose the cause of your TMJ (born with a malformed joint, need for orthodontics, stress). 99% of cases can be treated with a night guard, please see your dentist.

Progression of TMJ: What could have just been an annoying clicking in a joint could now have progressed to a disk perforation or disk displacement where the cushioning disk of the TMJ has become dislocated and makes that noise when you open too wide. Go get it looked at for a more definitive diagnosis. May need an arthroscopy of the effected joint.

Check it now: The TMJ may have deteriorated more. You may need a tomogram to check the bony structure of the joint. You may have arthritic changes that can substantially deteriorate the joint. Visit a good TMJ dentist to start, nut you may need to visit with an oral surgeon as well.

Disc problem: Something within the joint has changes. Disc position, disc perforation. Perhaps degenerative changes. If it bothers you, see a TMJ specialist.