A clicking jaw is something many people notice from time to time, particularly when opening their mouth wide, chewing, or yawning. It can sound like a small pop or feel like a shift in the joint, just in front of the ears.
The jaw popping or a clicking jaw might only happen occasionally and not become a particular issue. However, if it starts to happen more regularly, becomes louder, or is accompanied by discomfort, stiffness, or jaw locking, it may indicate an underlying issue that should be looked at more closely.
Often, clicking in the jaw is linked to issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull. If this joint becomes irritated, misaligned, or overworked, it can cause a variety of symptoms – clicking being one of the most common.
If your jaw keeps clicking, or you’ve noticed it more frequently, we recommend checking in with a dentist who has experience with jaw and bite-related concerns. They can help identify whether your symptoms require monitoring, jaw joint support, or any other treatment.
Our experienced general dentists at Oasis Dental Studio in the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Pottsville can assess patients with jaw clicking, stiffness, or TMJ discomfort. If you’re experiencing symptoms that don’t seem to be subsiding on their own, we can discuss possible contributing factors and provide you with management options that are tailored to your specific needs.
What a Clicking Jaw May Feel Like
Jaw popping or clicking can feel like a small pop or movement when opening or closing your mouth.
It may be painless at first, or it might be accompanied by a dull ache or sharp sensation near the joint.
Some people notice clicking during certain movements, such as when chewing or opening the mouth wider. Sometimes, the jaw may feel like it momentarily locks in place or gets stuck before it fully opens.
You might also notice tightness in the jaw muscles, headaches, or pain near the ears, particularly after periods of clenching or teeth grinding. Sometimes, clicking is the only symptom, but it can still be a sign that the joint isn’t moving quite as it should be.
How Common Is Jaw Clicking?
Jaw clicking is relatively common and can affect people of all ages, though it often first appears during your teenage years or in early adulthood.
Although jaw clicking can start at any age, it tends to be more common that symptoms are reported in adults who are between 20 to 40 years old.
It’s often quite mild and doesn’t cause any pain or lead to long-term issues, however, it can become more persistent or worsen.
Mild jaw clicking that isn’t painful or interfering with daily life is often considered normal and may not need any treatment. However, if the clicking is accompanied by discomfort, jaw stiffness, or limited movement, it could be linked to a condition that is affecting the jaw joint, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
TMJ-related symptoms can sometimes develop gradually, and many people might not realise the issue is coming from the jaw joint itself.
What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) is the hinge joint that allows you to open and close your mouth, speak, chew, and move your jaw side to side. It’s located just in front of your ears, where the lower jaw meets the skull.
The joint is supported by muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and a small disc that acts as a cushion between the bones. When it is functioning normally, the movement of the TMJ should be smooth and silent.
However, you can start to experience issues if the disc slips out of place, the joint becomes inflamed, or if there’s ongoing strain in the area. These issues can cause the joint to move less freely or out of sync, which may lead to jaw clicking or jaw popping sounds.
Common Causes of a Clicking Jaw
- A clicking jaw can happen for a few different reasons, most commonly relating to how the joint moves or how the surrounding muscles are functioning.
- It often develops gradually, particularly if you clench or grind your teeth, have had a history of dental work that’s affected your bite, or experience high levels of stress. You might first notice it when eating something chewy or opening your mouth wide.
- A common cause is disc displacement, where the cushioning disc inside the joint shifts out of its usual position. As the jaw moves, the disc can snap back into place, causing that familiar clicking or popping sound.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching, especially during sleep or times of stress, can also place excess pressure on the joint. Over time, this strain can lead to stiffness, inflammation, or uneven movement in the jaw.
- Other causes might include a history of jaw injury, arthritis in the joint, dental misalignment, or even uneven chewing habits. Identifying the specific cause is important in deciding the right way to manage it.
How Long Can Jaw Clicking Last?
Clicking jaw symptoms can come and go, or they may become persistent over time.
For some people, the clicking might only last a few days or weeks, especially if it’s related to short-term jaw tension. However, for others, it may be more constant, particularly if the joint or surrounding muscles remain strained or misaligned.
If the clicking continues for weeks at a time, worsens, or starts affecting how your jaw moves, it’s a good idea to get it looked at. Ongoing or worsening symptoms might point to a more significant issue with the joint or bite that may need further treatment.
How to Treat Jaw Clicking at Home
If your jaw is clicking but not painful, using some at-home self-care strategies may be enough to ease the pressure on the joint.
Resting the jaw by avoiding wide chewing, using cold or warm compresses, and sticking to soft foods for a while can often help reduce any strain. Gentle jaw exercises or stretches may also help, if recommended by your dentist.
If you grind your teeth at night, a custom-made night guard can help to protect the jaw joint and reduce tension while you sleep. Over-the-counter pain relief may also help if you’re experiencing discomfort.
If the clicking still doesn’t subside or is linked to locking, pain, or restricted jaw movement, it’s best to speak to a dentist for a closer look.
When to See a Dentist
If your jaw is clicking frequently, causing discomfort, or affecting how easily you can open your mouth, we recommend booking in with one of our experienced dentists.
Our dentists at Oasis Dental Studio can assess the movement of your jaw, check your bite alignment, and discuss any habits or behaviours that could be contributing to the issue.
We can then provide you with advice to relieve your symptoms, based on your individual needs. If you do require further treatment, we will explain what you can expect from the process during your initial consultation.
Please get in touch with our team in the Gold Coast, Brisbane or Pottsville to schedule your appointment.
It’s especially important to get your jaw clicking symptoms checked if:
- Your jaw locks, catches, or feels stuck when opening
- You feel pain or tightness near the ears or cheeks
- You have regular headaches or jaw tension
- You’ve noticed clicking that’s getting louder or more persistent
- You clench or grind your teeth regularly
- There’s swelling or inflammation near the jaw joints
Possible Treatment Options for a Clicking Jaw
The best treatment for a clicking jaw or jaw popping will depend on what’s causing the symptoms. Often, a combination of short-term relief strategies and long-term management can be the most effective.
At Oasis Dental Studio, our team can outline your options and help you decide what’s appropriate based on your specific symptoms and how they are affecting your day-to-day life.
- Monitoring
If the clicking isn’t causing much pain or limiting your jaw movement, your dentist might recommend simply monitoring the joint. You may be asked to avoid wide chewing, manage stress, and return for a follow-up appointment if symptoms worsen.
- At-Home Management
Simple changes like switching to soft foods, applying warm compresses, and doing gentle jaw stretches may help ease tension in the muscles and improve joint movement. Avoiding chewing gum or very tough foods can also help.
- Splints or Night Guards
If teeth grinding or clenching is a factor, a custom-made splint or night guard may be recommended. These are designed to reduce pressure on the joint and prevent further strain, especially overnight.
- Jaw Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy tailored to jaw function can sometimes help, especially if the muscles around the joint are stiff or overworked. This treatment may guide you through specific exercises and stretches to support your jaw movement.
- Further Treatment
In rare cases, more structured treatment might be needed, such as orthodontics to correct bite issues or a referral to a TMJ specialist. Surgery is very uncommon for jaw popping or clicking, but it may be considered if all other options have been explored and your symptoms remain quite severe.
