What Causes Jaw Clicking and Popping?
The sound comes from the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. You have two of these joints, one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. Each TMJ contains a small disc of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the jawbone and the skull. When this disc shifts out of position, or when the joint surfaces become irregular, you may hear a click, pop, or grinding sound when you move your jaw.
Jaw clicking and popping affects a large portion of the population. Many people notice the sound but have no pain or functional problems. Others develop a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which can involve pain, restricted movement, and other symptoms that affect daily life.
Why Does the TMJ Click? Common Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to jaw clicking and TMJ problems. Often, more than one factor is involved.
Disc Displacement
The cartilage disc inside the TMJ can slip forward out of its normal position. When you open your mouth, the disc snaps back into place, producing a click. When you close, it slips forward again, sometimes with a second click. This is called disc displacement with reduction. In more advanced cases, the disc stays out of place and blocks the jaw from opening fully (disc displacement without reduction), which causes locking.
Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching your teeth puts excessive force on the TMJ. Many people grind at night without knowing it. Over time, bruxism can wear down the joint surfaces, strain the muscles around the jaw, and contribute to disc displacement. Stress and anxiety are closely linked to bruxism, and the two often reinforce each other.
Arthritis in the TMJ
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both affect the TMJ. Osteoarthritis involves wear and breakdown of the joint cartilage over time, leading to rough surfaces and grinding sounds (crepitus). Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joint lining. Either form can cause pain, stiffness, and changes in how the teeth fit together.
Injury and Habits
A blow to the jaw or face, whiplash from a car accident, or prolonged wide opening during a dental procedure can all injure the TMJ. Habits like chewing gum excessively, biting fingernails, resting your chin on your hand, or holding a phone between your ear and shoulder can also strain the joint over time.
When Jaw Clicking Is Harmless vs. When to Be Concerned
Not all jaw clicking needs treatment. Here is how to tell the difference.
Likely Harmless
- Clicking or popping that happens occasionally and is painless
- No difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
- The sound has been present for years without getting worse
- No swelling, tenderness, or muscle soreness around the jaw
- You can open your mouth at least 40 mm (about three finger widths)
Worth Getting Evaluated
- Clicking accompanied by pain in the jaw, face, ear, or temple area
- Jaw locking in the open or closed position
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide enough to eat or yawn comfortably
- A change in how your teeth fit together (bite feels off)
- Grinding or crunching sounds (crepitus) that are getting worse
- Headaches, ear pain, or neck pain that seem connected to jaw use
- Swelling on one or both sides of the face near the joint
Symptoms That Often Accompany TMJ Problems
TMD can produce symptoms beyond clicking and popping. Because the TMJ is close to the ear, the muscles of the head, and the neck, pain can radiate to areas that seem unrelated to the jaw.
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, especially when chewing, speaking, or opening wide
- Earache or a feeling of fullness in the ear, without an ear infection
- Headaches, particularly in the temples, that occur in the morning or after periods of clenching
- Neck and shoulder pain or stiffness
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth smoothly
- A tired feeling in the face after eating or talking
Treatment Options for Jaw Clicking and TMD
Most TMD cases respond well to conservative, nonsurgical treatment. The goal is to reduce pain, restore normal jaw function, and address contributing factors.
Self-Care at Home
For mild TMJ symptoms, self-care is often the first and most effective step.
- Eat soft foods and cut food into small pieces to reduce strain on the joint
- Avoid extreme jaw movements such as wide yawning, loud singing, or chewing gum
- Apply moist heat or a cold pack to the side of the face for 15 to 20 minutes to ease pain and muscle tension
- Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress-related clenching. Be aware of clenching during the day and consciously relax your jaw
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling
- Gentle jaw stretching exercises can improve mobility. Your dentist or physical therapist can show you which exercises are appropriate
Professional Treatment Options
If self-care does not resolve your symptoms within a few weeks, professional treatment may be needed.
- Oral splints or night guards: Custom-fitted devices worn over the teeth to reduce grinding forces and reposition the jaw. These are among the most commonly prescribed treatments for TMD.
- Physical therapy: A therapist trained in TMJ disorders can use ultrasound, manual therapy, and targeted exercises to improve jaw movement and reduce muscle tension.
- Prescription medications: Muscle relaxants, low-dose tricyclic antidepressants, or short courses of stronger anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed for more severe cases.
- Trigger point injections or Botox: Injecting medication or botulinum toxin into overactive jaw muscles can relieve pain and reduce clenching in some patients.
When Surgery Is Considered
Surgery for TMD is uncommon and reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatment. Surgical options include arthrocentesis (joint lavage with a needle), arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgery using a small camera), and open joint surgery. These procedures are performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Learn more on our [oral surgery specialty page](/specialties/oral-surgery).
When to See a Specialist for Jaw Clicking
Start with your general dentist. They can perform a basic examination of your jaw joint, check your bite, and listen for sounds during jaw movement. For straightforward cases, your dentist can prescribe a night guard and recommend self-care strategies.
If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or not improving with initial treatment, your dentist may refer you to a specialist. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is trained in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, including surgical options when necessary. Some dentists also have advanced training in TMD management.
Find an Oral Surgeon Near You
If jaw clicking and popping is affecting your quality of life, a specialist can help determine the cause and recommend the right treatment. Every oral and maxillofacial surgeon listed on My Specialty Dentist has verified specialty credentials. Search by your location to find a specialist near you.
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