A jaw popping or clicking sound while chewing is a common symptom often linked to an issue within the complex joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. This clicking is frequently associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Understanding the physical process that creates the sound and the common reasons for its occurrence can help guide decisions on managing the discomfort and seeking relief.
The Anatomy of the Pop
The jaw connection involves a unique pair of joints, one on each side of the head, called the temporomandibular joints. These joints are located just in front of the ear and facilitate the wide range of motions required for speaking and chewing. Inside each joint, a small, flexible articular disc acts as a smooth cushion between the two bone surfaces: the mandibular condyle and the temporal bone.
The popping or clicking sound typically occurs when this articular disc slips out of its normal position and then snaps back into place as the jaw moves. When the jaw is at rest, the disc may be slightly displaced forward, an occurrence known as disc displacement with reduction. As the mouth opens during chewing, the condyle pushes against the displaced disc until it suddenly slides back onto the condyle, producing the distinct “pop.” Upon closing the mouth, the condyle may slip off the disc again, sometimes causing a second, less noticeable click.
Common Causes of Jaw Clicking
The underlying reasons for disc displacement often relate to mechanical strain or muscular tension placed on the joint structure. One of the most frequent contributing factors is chronic teeth grinding or clenching, medically termed bruxism. This habit, which often occurs unconsciously during sleep, creates excessive, sustained force that can stress the joint ligaments and deform the articular disc over time. The muscle tension that accompanies stress and anxiety can also cause the jaw muscles to tighten, pulling the joint out of its proper alignment.
Another factor involves issues with how the upper and lower teeth meet, known as malocclusion or a poor bite alignment. If the teeth do not fit together correctly, the jaw may shift or overcompensate during chewing, leading to repetitive strain on the joint. Trauma, such as a blow to the jaw, can also directly damage the joint’s structure and surrounding ligaments. Conditions like arthritis can affect the jaw joints, causing inflammation and wear on the cartilage that disrupts the smooth movement of the disc.
Immediate Steps for Relief
Jaw clicking often responds well to conservative self-care measures aimed at resting the joint and reducing muscle tension. One of the most effective immediate actions is to switch to a soft-food diet for a period of time. Eating foods that require little chewing effort, such as soups, yogurt, or scrambled eggs, significantly reduces the mechanical load on the joint. It is also beneficial to avoid habits like chewing gum, eating hard candies, or biting on non-food items, all of which strain the jaw.
Applying moist heat or a cold pack to the sides of the face can help soothe inflamed muscles around the joint. Heat application can relax tight muscles, while cold can help reduce localized swelling and pain. Gentle self-massage of the masseter muscles, the prominent chewing muscles on the cheeks, can also help relieve tension. Performing simple jaw relaxation techniques, such as keeping the teeth slightly apart and allowing the tongue to rest gently on the roof of the mouth, promotes a neutral and rested position for the joint.
When to Seek Professional Consultation
While many cases of jaw clicking resolve with self-care, certain symptoms indicate a need for professional evaluation by a dentist or medical provider. If the clicking is accompanied by persistent pain that does not improve after a week of home care, it warrants an appointment. Persistent headaches, ear pain, or facial tenderness that seem related to jaw movement should also be addressed.
A serious symptom that requires immediate attention is the jaw locking in an open or closed position, which suggests a severe disc displacement without reduction. Professionals can diagnose the specific issue through a physical examination and, if necessary, imaging like X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment options may involve custom-made oral appliances, such as stabilization splints, to position the jaw correctly and prevent teeth grinding. Physical therapy, which includes targeted exercises to improve jaw mobility and strength, is also a common clinical approach.