The clicking sound originating from the jaw is a common symptom associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which affects the joint and muscles responsible for jaw movement. The jaw joint connects the lower jawbone to the skull, acting as a sliding hinge that enables speaking and chewing. Consistent or painful clicking can signal an underlying problem, often classified as a Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).
Understanding the Source of the Click
The temporomandibular joint contains a small, fibrocartilage articular disc that acts as a cushion between the bones of the jaw and skull. Jaw clicking, or popping, most frequently occurs when this disc is displaced from its normal position.
The most common cause of the audible noise is disc displacement with reduction (DDWR). When the jaw opens, the condyle slides forward, and the displaced disc suddenly snaps back into place on top of the condyle, creating the “click” or “pop.” A reciprocal click may also be heard when the jaw closes and the disc slips forward again. Factors contributing to this mechanical issue include injury, arthritis, and chronic muscle tension from habits like teeth grinding or clenching.
Immediate Relief and Daily Jaw Care
When the jaw begins clicking, the immediate goal is to rest the joint and reduce muscle strain. Temporarily adopting a soft food diet minimizes the work required by the jaw muscles. Avoid foods that are sticky, excessively hard, or chewy, and cut all food into small, manageable pieces.
Applying thermal therapy to the affected area can help manage discomfort and relax tight muscles. If the jaw pain is acute and sharp, a cold compress or ice pack applied for 10 to 15 minutes can decrease inflammation. Conversely, if the discomfort is a dull ache, moist heat can be applied for 15 to 20 minutes to increase blood circulation and encourage muscle relaxation.
Gentle jaw exercises can promote normal range of motion without straining the joint. A simple technique involves placing the tongue gently on the roof of the mouth, behind the top front teeth, and then slowly opening the mouth only as far as possible while keeping the tongue in contact with the palate. Massaging the painful jaw muscles, such as the large masseter muscles on the cheeks, can also provide local relief.
Behavioral Changes to Prevent Future Clicking
Long-term management requires modifying daily habits that place excessive strain on the joint. One significant habit is daytime clenching, where stress causes the upper and lower teeth to unconsciously brace together. Becoming aware of this behavior allows for correction, such as consciously maintaining a resting jaw posture where the tongue rests gently on the palate and the teeth remain slightly apart.
Eliminate activities that force the jaw to overextend or work excessively. This includes avoiding chewing gum, which constantly overworks the muscles, and refraining from chewing on objects like pen caps or fingernails. When yawning, gently support the chin with a fist to prevent the jaw from opening too widely.
Stress management is important, as tension often results in muscle tightness that can extend to the jaw. Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, helps reduce the muscle tension that contributes to clenching and grinding. Maintaining good posture, especially while sitting, also helps reduce strain, as forward head posture can pull the lower jaw back, placing pressure on the joint.
When to Seek Professional Treatment and What to Expect
While many cases resolve with self-care, certain warning signs indicate the need for professional evaluation by a dentist or specialist. A visit is warranted if the clicking is accompanied by severe or constant pain, an inability to eat normally, or if the jaw suddenly locks in either an open or closed position.
A custom-fitted oral appliance, often referred to as a night guard or splint, is a common professional intervention. Unlike generic guards, these custom devices are precisely molded to support the jaw joint and prevent the damaging effects of clenching and grinding during sleep. Physical therapy (PT) is often prescribed to complement appliance use, focusing on specific exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles and improve joint mobility.
For cases that do not respond to conservative management, other options may be explored, including prescription muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications. Minimally invasive procedures, such as arthrocentesis (flushing the joint with fluid) or specialized injections, are sometimes used to address persistent pain and inflammation. Surgical intervention is generally reserved as a last resort for severe structural issues.