Causes of clicking jaw

Overview

A clicking jaw is a sound or feeling of a pop or click when you open or close your mouth. It often comes from the jaw joints (called temporomandibular joints or TMJ) or the surrounding muscles.

Yes, clicking jaw is a common reason people visit their GP or dentist. Up to 1 in 3 people may experience it at some point.

Anyone can have a clicking jaw, but it is more common in people aged 20 to 40, and in women more than men. It also affects people who grind their teeth, have stress, or have a jaw injury.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A popping or clicking sound when you open or close your mouth
• A grating or grinding feeling in the jaw joint
• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, ear, or neck
• Difficulty opening your mouth wide
• Jaw locking in an open or closed position

Symptoms in children

• Clicking or popping sounds that may come and go
• Jaw pain or discomfort, especially after chewing
• Complaints of earache (without an ear infection)
• Grinding or clenching teeth at night

Symptoms in older adults

• Clicking may be linked to arthritis in the jaw joint
• Stiffness or pain in the jaw, especially in the morning
• Gradual reduction in how wide the mouth can open

Causes

Main causes

• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD): a problem with the joint or muscles that control jaw movement
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), often during sleep or stress
• Arthritis of the jaw joint (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Jaw injury or dislocation
• Misalignment of the teeth or jaw (malocclusion)
• Stress, which can cause jaw muscle tension

Risk factors

• High stress levels
• Chewing gum or eating hard foods frequently
• Poor posture (especially forward head posture)
• Being female (hormones may play a role)
• Having a family history of jaw problems

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe jaw pain that does not improve with rest or pain relief
• Jaw locking that prevents eating or drinking
• Swelling or signs of infection around the jaw

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild clicking or popping without pain or other symptoms
• Occasional jaw discomfort that does not affect daily life

Diagnosis

Your doctor or dentist will begin by asking about your symptoms and examining your jaw. They will feel for tenderness, listen for clicks, and check how your jaw opens and closes.

Tests that may be done

• Dental examination to check for teeth grinding or alignment issues
• X-rays of the jaw and teeth
• MRI scan to see the soft tissues of the jaw joint (if needed)
• CT scan to get a detailed image of the bone (rarely required)

What to expect at your appointment

Most people do not need complex tests. The diagnosis is often made from your history and physical exam. If tests are needed, they are usually quick and painless.

Treatment

Treatment for clicking jaw usually starts with simple self-care steps. If self-care does not help, your doctor may recommend other treatments. The goal is to reduce pain and improve jaw function.

Self-care at home

• Eat soft foods and avoid chewy or hard items
• Apply a warm compress to the jaw area for 15 minutes several times a day
• Practice gentle jaw exercises (like slowly opening and closing the mouth)
• Avoid extreme jaw movements (like yawning widely or chewing gum)
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing

Medical treatments

Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) or muscle relaxants. A mouthguard or splint can reduce teeth grinding. Physiotherapy, including exercises and massage, can help. In some cases, corticosteroid injections into the joint or botulinum toxin (Botox) injections for muscle spasms may be used. Do not take any medication without first consulting your healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered only if more conservative treatments fail and you have severe symptoms like locking or significant joint damage.

Living with this condition

Most people manage clicking jaw well with small changes. Listen to your body – if an activity causes pain or clicking, try to avoid it. Keep your jaw relaxed during the day by keeping teeth slightly apart.

Lifestyle tips

• Practice good posture, especially when sitting at a desk
• Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails
• Get enough sleep and try relaxation techniques to reduce stress
• If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about a mouthguard

Diet and exercise

Stick to soft foods (yogurt, soup, scrambled eggs) during flare-ups. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Gentle jaw stretches can help maintain motion, but stop if it hurts.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chronic jaw pain can affect your mood and sleep. Stress and anxiety can make symptoms worse. It is important to address these feelings – talking to a friend, a counsellor, or your doctor can help.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent clicking jaw, but you can reduce your risk. Manage stress, avoid chewing gum regularly, and maintain good posture. If you grind your teeth, a mouthguard may help.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic pain that limits daily activities
• Difficulty eating or speaking properly
• Progressive joint damage from arthritis or wear
• Locking of the jaw that may require emergency care

Long-term outlook

For most people, clicking jaw improves with simple measures. Even if symptoms persist, treatment is effective in managing discomfort. With proper care, most people can return to normal activities without long-term problems.

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