Jaw clicking or popping while chewing or speaking is often associated with a disorder affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw to the skull. Although the sound itself does not always indicate a serious problem, it signals that the mechanics of this complex joint are not functioning smoothly. Understanding the underlying anatomy and the cause of the noise is the first step toward finding relief.
Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint
The temporomandibular joint facilitates essential movements like talking, yawning, and chewing. It is a bilateral structure, with one joint located on each side of the head, just in front of the ear. The TMJ is unique because it combines a hinge action for opening and closing the mouth with a sliding motion, known as translation, allowing the jaw to move forward, backward, and side-to-side.
Between the temporal bone of the skull and the mandibular condyle (the rounded end of the lower jawbone) lies the articular disc, a small, oval-shaped piece of fibrocartilage. This disc functions as a cushion and shock absorber, ensuring that the bony surfaces do not rub against each other during movement. The disc divides the joint space into two separate compartments, allowing for the joint’s dual rotational and translational movements.
Common Causes of Jaw Clicking
The clicking sound is typically the result of a mechanical issue involving the articular disc, known as disc displacement with reduction. Normally, the disc rests directly on top of the mandibular condyle. When displaced, the disc has slipped forward (anteriorly) from its resting position when the mouth is closed.
When the mouth opens, the mandibular condyle must slide forward and “hop” over the back edge of the misplaced disc to regain its correct position. This sudden repositioning creates the audible click or pop. A second, more subtle click may sometimes be heard as the jaw closes and the condyle slips back off the disc, causing it to displace again.
While disc displacement is the direct source of the sound, the underlying cause is often linked to excessive force or strain on the joint structure. Teeth grinding or clenching, medically termed bruxism, exerts prolonged pressure that deforms the disc and stretches the ligaments holding it in place. High levels of stress also contribute by causing chronic muscle tension in the jaw, leading to misalignment and increased wear on the joint components.
Immediate Relief and Home Management
If clicking is mild and not accompanied by pain or limited movement, initial management focuses on reducing strain on the joint and surrounding muscles. Shifting to a soft diet minimizes the amount of chewing required. This involves avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, such as nuts, raw vegetables, taffy, and gum.
Applying thermal therapy to the side of the face offers immediate comfort. Moist heat, applied for 15 to 20 minutes, helps relax tense jaw muscles and increase blood flow. Conversely, an ice pack can be used to manage acute swelling or inflammation near the joint.
Gentle, controlled jaw exercises help restore normal movement patterns and improve muscle function. These stretches, which include slow, restricted opening and closing movements, should be performed carefully to avoid aggravating the joint. Because stress often contributes to clenching, incorporating relaxation techniques helps keep the jaw muscles loose and prevents undue pressure on the articular disc.
Diagnosis and Professional Treatment Options
If jaw clicking is persistent, painful, or limits your ability to open your mouth fully, consultation with a dentist or medical professional is warranted. A diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) begins with a physical examination of the jaw’s range of motion and an assessment of joint sounds. Imaging, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be used to visualize the position and condition of the articular disc within the joint.
Initial professional treatments are conservative, focusing on non-surgical methods to stabilize the joint and relieve symptoms. A common intervention involves a custom-made oral appliance, such as a splint or night guard, worn over the teeth to reduce clenching and guide the jaw into a less strained position. Physical therapy is also beneficial, employing techniques like trigger point massage, targeted exercises, and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to relax muscles and improve mobility.
For managing discomfort and muscle tension, your provider may recommend prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants. If conservative approaches fail to resolve severe symptoms, more invasive procedures may be considered, including joint flushing (arthrocentesis) or minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to address the internal joint structure.