What Causes Jaw Clicking When Opening? Signs, Causes , Care

Having a popping or clicking jaw when opening can be worrying. Whether it happens when you are eating, yawning wide or talking jaw clicking can be a common issue that millions of people suffer from around the world. The joint where your lower jaw bone connects to your skull is known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is complicated and works like a sliding hinge so you can move your jaw up, down and from side to side.

Knowing what causes jaw clicking can help you keep your joint healthy, avoid long term facial pain and help you see a qualified professional.

How Does the Jaw Joint Work?

To know why your jaw clicks you need to understand how your TMJ works. The temporomandibular joint joins together your lower jaw bone (mandible) to your temporal bone on your skull.

• Articular Disc – Between your jaw bone and skull there is a small, flexible disc of cartilage known as the articular disc. This acts as a cushion reducing friction between your bones.

• Mastication Muscles – Strong muscles in your face control your jaw joint.

• Clicking – When the cushioning disc becomes displaced it will snap back into place causing a clicking or popping sound.

What Causes Jaw Clicking When Opening?

Can Disc Displacement with Reduction Cause Jaw Clicking?

The most common cause of a clicking jaw is due to an issue known as disc displacement with reduction.

• Displaced Cartilage – The disc should sit correctly on top of the rounded end of your lower jaw bone. However, when the disc is displaced it will slip forward in front of the joint when your mouth is closed.

• Snapping – When you open your mouth wide to talk or eat the jaw bone will slide forward and snap back behind the displaced disc causing the clicking or popping feeling.

• Secondary Click – When closing your mouth the disc may also slip forward causing a less pronounced click.

Can Teeth Grinding and Clenching Cause Jaw Clicking?

Bruxism and clenching will cause large amounts of pressure on your jaw joint and facial muscles.

• Bruxism – Many people unknowingly grind their teeth at night. This causes large amounts of pressure on your TMJ and stretches the ligaments holding your disc in place.

• Clenching – Due to high levels of stress many people will clench their jaw throughout the day. This causes constant pressure on the joint making it out of alignment and causing painful clicking.

• Tired Muscles – The jaw muscles become very tired causing uneven pulling on the joint.

Can Arthritis Cause Jaw Clicking?

Arthritis can cause damage to the smooth cartilage in your jaw joint similar to your knees, hands or hips.

• Osteoarthritis – This causes damage to the cartilage protecting the ends of the bones. This can cause clicking, popping or crepitus.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis – This causes chronic inflammation in the lining of the joint. This causes large swelling of the joint making the ligaments weaker and causing the disc to become displaced. This causes constant popping in the joint.

• Stiffness – People with arthritic joints will often suffer from stiffness in the morning.

Can Trauma Cause Jaw Clicking?

Trauma to your head, neck or face can cause immediate issues with your TMJ.

• Impact – Sudden impact to your jaw such as in sport, car accidents or falls can cause your jaw joint to become misaligned or damage the ligaments.

• Whiplash – Sudden movement of your neck can cause over stretching of your facial muscles and make your disc displace.

• Hyper extension – Opening your mouth too wide when having long dental appointments or forceful yawning can cause over stretching of the joint.

Can Malocclusion Cause Jaw Clicking?

The way your upper and lower teeth fit together will affect how your jaw joint works.

• Crooked Teeth – If your teeth are crooked or your bite is uneven your jaw muscles will have to constantly compensate to fully close your mouth. This causes your TMJ to be thrown out of alignment causing uneven pressure on one side.

• Missing Molars – Missing molars in the back of your mouth will cause your jaw joint to have uneven pressure causing the disc to move and cause popping.

• Poor Crowns/Fillings – High fillings or poor crowns will change the way your jaw fits together causing unexpected pressure and clicking.

When Should You See a Professional for Jaw Clicking?

An occasional mild click without any pain can be harmless however if you are experiencing:

• Pain – Sharp pain in your jaw, ears, temples or neck along with clicking you should see a dentist or doctor.

• Locking – If your jaw is locked open or closed you will need to see a dentist or doctor urgently.

• Pain whilst Eating – If you are constantly experiencing pain or clicking then you may be suffering from joint issues.

• Swelling – Swelling or warmth around your jaw joint near your ear indicates inflammation or infection.

What Home Remedies Can Help Mild Jaw Clicking?

If your jaw is clicking but not causing much discomfort simple changes can be made to help ease the area and reduce pressure on the joint.

• Soft Food – Eat soft foods that are easy to chew such as smoothies, cooked vegetables, eggs and soups for a few days.

• Avoid Extremes – Avoid chewing gum, biting your finger nails, shouting and taking large bites out of large sandwiches.

• Warm Compress/Cold – Apply a warm damp cloth to your cheek for 15 minutes to help ease tight muscles. Or apply an ice pack to help reduce localized inflammation.

• Relaxation – Try to do some relaxation techniques, deep breathing or gentle stretching to help reduce clenching during the day.

What Medical Treatments Are Available for TMJ?

Professionals will treat your jaw clicking using the following steps.

• Night Guards – Your dentist will provide you with a clear acrylic mouth guard to wear at night to help prevent grinding. This will reduce pressure on your disc.

• Physiotherapy – You will be guided by a specialized physio to do gentle jaw exercises to strengthen your muscles.

• Medication – Your doctor may prescribe short courses of anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxants.

• Orthodontics – Your dentist can use braces or clear aligners to fix severe bite issues.

What Should You Include in Your Daily Jaw Care Checklist?

• Eat soft foods to give your jaw a rest.

• Avoid chewing gum, biting pens and opening your mouth too wide when yawning.

• Use warm compresses on tight muscles.

• Keep a good posture with your head above your shoulders.

• Visit your dentist regularly to check for any bite issues, worn teeth or early signs of bruxism.

• Wear a night guard each night if you suffer from bruxism.

• If your jaw is locked or you are experiencing severe pain see a professional.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Clicking?

Can Jaw Clicking Go Away?

Mild clicking can often settle by giving your joint a rest, eating soft foods and reducing stress. However, if you are constantly clicking and experiencing pain it is likely due to a displaced disc and should be checked by a professional.

Is Jaw Clicking a Serious Issue?

No, if there is no pain and you are not restricting how wide you are able to open your mouth then it is unlikely to need any complex treatments. Simply keeping an eye on your joint.

Who Should I See for Jaw Clicking?

You should see a licensed dentist. Dentists have lots of training in understanding the jaw, bite and TMJ. They will be able to check your joint, take digital images, create a night guard or refer you to an oral surgeon/physio if needed.

Will a Mouth guard Stop My Jaw Clicking?

A personalized night guard can greatly reduce or eliminate jaw clicking caused by bruxism. The mouth guard will cushion your teeth, slightly realign your jaw and reduce pressure on your joint disc whilst you sleep.

Jaw clicking when opening usually happens due to a displaced disc, bruxism, arthritis, trauma or malocclusion. If you are not experiencing any pain then simple home treatments should be enough however if you are constantly clicking and experiencing pain or locking you should see a qualified professional. By keeping your TMJ healthy with soft foods, night guards and healthy habits your jaw will stay working well for years. Visit your dentist for a check up to ensure your joint is in good health and enjoy a comfortable pain free smile.