The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) functions like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone (mandible) to the skull on either side of your head. This joint is responsible for the movements needed for chewing, talking, and yawning. The clicking or popping sound you hear when eating is a common symptom of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD). This issue affects a significant portion of the population, with estimates suggesting that between 20% and 30% of adults experience TMD symptoms at some point. These sounds are usually noticed most often during routine activities like chewing, which requires coordinated joint movement.
The Mechanics of Jaw Clicking
The physical sound of clicking originates from the articular disc, a small piece of cartilage within the joint. This disc acts as a shock absorber and cushion between the two bones, allowing for smooth, friction-free movement. In a healthy joint, the disc remains perfectly aligned on top of the mandibular condyle, the rounded end of the jawbone.
Clicking, often called “reciprocal clicking,” occurs when the articular disc slips slightly out of its normal position, usually forward and inward. When the jawbone moves, it momentarily forces the displaced disc to snap back into its correct position, creating the audible click. This event is known as “disc displacement with reduction.” A second, quieter click may occur when closing the mouth, which is the sound of the disc slipping out of alignment again. If the disc slips too far forward and stays there, the clicking usually stops, but the jaw may feel stiff or “locked” instead. A grinding or grating sound, called crepitus, indicates degenerative changes in the joint surfaces, often caused by arthritis.
Common Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
The underlying reasons for disc displacement and clicking relate to a combination of muscular tension and structural issues. Chronic muscle tension and spasm in the chewing muscles, such as the masseter and temporalis, are frequent causes. This tension often results from habit-related issues like teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching, which put excessive pressure on the joint components. Stress and anxiety are strongly linked to jaw clenching, which can occur unconsciously during the day or while sleeping. Over time, this constant strain stretches the ligaments holding the articular disc, making it prone to slipping out of alignment.
Trauma is another direct cause, as a blow to the jaw or head can damage the joint structures or the disc itself, leading to immediate clicking or popping. Structural factors affecting jaw alignment also contribute to TMD symptoms. For example, malocclusion, or an improper bite, forces the jaw to move in an unbalanced way to compensate, increasing wear and tear on the disc. Furthermore, conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause the cartilage within the joint to break down, leading to inflammation and changes in the joint surfaces.
Immediate Relief and Home Care Strategies
For immediate comfort, many people find relief by temporarily adjusting their eating habits to reduce strain on the joint. This involves following a soft diet, choosing foods that require minimal chewing, and cutting food into small pieces before eating. It is helpful to avoid habits that overuse the jaw muscles, such as chewing gum, biting fingernails, or taking excessively large bites of food.
Applying moist heat or cold packs to the side of the face can help manage pain and muscle tension. Cold therapy is generally best for acute, sharp pain because it reduces inflammation and numbs the area. Conversely, moist heat applied for about 15 to 20 minutes several times a day helps relax tight muscles contributing to jaw tension.
Gentle jaw exercises can promote normal movement and strengthen the muscles supporting the joint. One simple exercise is to place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and slowly open your mouth as far as possible without pain, holding for a few seconds before closing. Practicing conscious relaxation and stress management techniques is also beneficial, as it reduces the unconscious clenching and grinding that strains the joint.
Professional Treatment Options
When home care and lifestyle adjustments do not provide sufficient relief, professional intervention is available through dentists, oral surgeons, or physical therapists. A common first-line treatment is the use of an oral appliance, such as a custom-fitted nightguard or splint. These devices are worn over the teeth, primarily at night, to prevent clenching and grinding and stabilize the position of the jaw and disc.
Physical therapy is often recommended to address the underlying muscular component of the dysfunction. A therapist can provide specific exercises to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles and improve posture, which influences jaw alignment. For pain management, a healthcare provider may suggest over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescribed muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms.
If pain and clicking are severe or persist, more specialized treatments may be considered, including steroid injections directly into the joint to reduce inflammation. In rare instances, when conservative treatments fail and the joint is severely damaged, surgical procedures may be discussed. These range from minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to open-joint surgery for repairing or replacing the joint structures.