Why Does My Jaw Click When I Chew And When Should I See A Dentist

Many people notice a clicking or popping sound when they chew, yawn, or open their mouths wide. While occasional jaw noise might not be alarming, persistent clicking—especially when accompanied by pain or discomfort—can signal an underlying issue with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Understanding the root causes and knowing when to seek professional help can prevent long-term complications such as chronic pain, limited jaw movement, or joint degeneration.

Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull, just in front of your ears. It’s one of the most complex joints in the body, allowing for smooth movements like opening and closing your mouth, side-to-side motion, and forward-and-backward sliding—all essential for speaking, chewing, and swallowing. The joint functions through a combination of a hinge action and sliding motions, facilitated by a small disc of cartilage that cushions the bones and ensures smooth operation.

When this disc becomes misaligned, inflamed, or damaged, the joint may produce audible sounds such as clicking, popping, or grating. These noises occur because the disc doesn’t glide properly during jaw movement, causing friction or snapping as the jaw opens or closes.

“Jaw clicking is often dismissed as harmless, but it can be an early warning sign of TMJ dysfunction. Early intervention prevents progression to more serious conditions.” — Dr. Linda Chen, Oral and Maxillofacial Specialist

Common Causes of Jaw Clicking During Chewing

Jaw clicking isn’t a diagnosis itself—it’s a symptom. Several factors can contribute to this condition, ranging from mild muscular strain to structural joint issues.

• Misalignment of the TMJ disc: The articular disc may shift out of place, leading to a pop when the jaw moves and the disc snaps back into position.
• Muscle tension or bruxism: Clenching or grinding teeth (often during sleep) strains the jaw muscles and puts pressure on the joint, potentially displacing the disc.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can degrade the joint surfaces, resulting in rough movements and noise.
• Trauma or injury: A blow to the jaw or whiplash can damage the joint structure or dislocate the disc.
• Stress-induced habits: Chronic stress leads to tightened facial muscles and unconscious jaw clenching, increasing joint wear.
• Poor posture: Forward head posture, especially from prolonged computer or phone use, alters jaw alignment and increases TMJ strain.

In many cases, clicking occurs only during certain movements—like wide yawning or chewing tough foods—and may come and go. However, if the clicking becomes consistent or painful, it warrants closer attention.

Tip: Try eating softer foods and avoid extreme jaw movements like wide yawning or gum chewing to reduce irritation if your jaw clicks frequently.

When Jaw Clicking Is a Cause for Concern

Not all jaw clicking requires immediate treatment. Some individuals live with occasional, painless pops without any functional limitations. However, certain red flags indicate that dental or medical evaluation is necessary.

Warning Signs That Warrant a Dentist Visit

Symptom	Description	Urgency Level
Pain with clicking	Aching in the jaw, ear, or temple during or after chewing	High – Schedule appointment within 1–2 weeks
Locking jaw	Inability to fully open or close the mouth	High – Seek care promptly
Worsening frequency	Clicking happens daily and spreads to both sides	Moderate – Monitor and consult soon
Headaches or ear symptoms	Recurrent headaches, ear fullness, or tinnitus	Moderate – Evaluate for TMJ involvement
Swelling near the joint	Visible puffiness in front of the ear	High – May indicate inflammation or trauma

Left untreated, chronic TMJ dysfunction can lead to degenerative joint changes, muscle atrophy, and even permanent limitations in jaw mobility. Early assessment allows for non-invasive interventions that can halt progression.

What to Expect During a Dental Evaluation

If you decide to see a dentist for jaw clicking, the evaluation will typically include several components designed to assess joint function and rule out other conditions.

1. Medical and dental history review: Your dentist will ask about symptoms, duration, triggers (e.g., stress, diet), and any history of teeth grinding, trauma, or arthritis.
2. Physical examination: The dentist will palpate the jaw muscles, listen to joint sounds during movement, and measure your mouth’s range of motion.
3. Imaging studies: Panoramic X-rays, cone-beam CT scans, or MRI may be used to visualize the joint structure and disc position.
4. Bite analysis: An uneven bite (malocclusion) can contribute to TMJ strain and may require orthodontic or restorative correction.

Based on findings, your dentist may diagnose you with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a broad term covering various conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Jaw Clicking Journey

Sarah, a 34-year-old graphic designer, began noticing her jaw clicking when she chewed apples or yawned. At first, it was painless and infrequent. Over six months, however, the clicking became louder and started occurring every time she spoke or ate. She also developed dull pain near her right ear and morning headaches.

After visiting her dentist, Sarah underwent a clinical exam and an MRI, which revealed a displaced TMJ disc on the right side. She admitted to grinding her teeth at night and spending long hours hunched over her laptop. Her dentist diagnosed her with moderate TMD and recommended a custom night guard, physical therapy exercises, and ergonomic adjustments to her workspace.

Within three months of consistent treatment, Sarah’s clicking reduced significantly, and her pain resolved. This case illustrates how seemingly minor symptoms can escalate without intervention—and how a multidisciplinary approach yields the best outcomes.

Effective Treatments and Self-Care Strategies

Treatment for jaw clicking depends on the underlying cause and severity. Most cases respond well to conservative, non-surgical approaches.

Do’s and Don’ts for Managing Jaw Clicking

Do’s	Don’ts
Apply warm compresses to relax jaw muscles	Chew gum or eat hard, chewy foods
Practice gentle jaw stretches (as advised by a therapist)	Rest your chin on your hand or cradle your phone between shoulder and ear
Use a dentist-prescribed night guard if you grind your teeth	Open your mouth too wide (e.g., during dental visits or eating large sandwiches)
Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises	Ignore persistent pain or locking episodes

In more advanced cases, dentists may recommend:

• Occlusal adjustments: Reshaping teeth or using orthotics to improve bite alignment.
• Physical therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and improve coordination.
• Medications: Short-term use of anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or low-dose antidepressants for pain modulation.
• Injections: Corticosteroid or Botox injections to reduce inflammation and muscle hyperactivity.
• Surgery: Reserved for severe structural issues unresponsive to other treatments.

Tip: Keep a symptom journal noting when clicking occurs, associated pain levels, and possible triggers like stress or diet. This helps your dentist identify patterns.

Prevention Checklist: Protecting Your Jaw Health

Even if your jaw clicking has resolved, maintaining joint health is essential to prevent recurrence. Use this checklist to support long-term TMJ wellness:

• ✅ Avoid chewing gum and biting nails or pens
• ✅ Eat soft foods when jaw feels stiff or sore
• ✅ Practice good posture—keep your head aligned over your spine
• ✅ Use a custom-fitted night guard if you grind your teeth
• ✅ Perform daily jaw relaxation exercises (e.g., chin tucks, resisted opening)
• ✅ Manage stress through mindfulness or regular physical activity
• ✅ Attend regular dental checkups to monitor joint and bite health

Frequently Asked Questions

Can jaw clicking go away on its own?

Yes, mild clicking due to temporary muscle strain or minor disc displacement may resolve without treatment, especially with lifestyle adjustments like reducing gum chewing or managing stress. However, if symptoms persist beyond a few weeks or worsen, professional evaluation is recommended.

Is jaw clicking always related to TMJ disorder?

Not always. Occasional, painless clicking can occur in healthy individuals due to normal joint movement. However, consistent or painful clicking is often associated with TMJ dysfunction and should be assessed to rule out progressive joint damage.

Can a dentist fix jaw clicking?

Yes, dentists—especially those trained in TMJ disorders or orofacial pain—can diagnose the cause and provide effective treatments. These may include oral appliances, bite correction, referrals to physical therapists, or coordination with other specialists like ENTs or neurologists.

Conclusion: Take Action Before Symptoms Progress

Jaw clicking when chewing is more than just a curious noise—it can be an early indicator of joint stress or dysfunction. While not every pop requires emergency care, ignoring persistent symptoms can lead to chronic pain and reduced quality of life. The key is awareness: pay attention to changes in your jaw function, recognize warning signs, and take proactive steps to protect your oral health.

If you’re experiencing regular clicking, especially with pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving your jaw, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with your dentist or a TMJ specialist. With timely intervention, most people find significant relief through simple, non-invasive treatments. Your jaw supports countless daily functions—give it the care it deserves.

💬 Have you experienced jaw clicking? Share your story or questions below. Your insights could help others recognize symptoms and seek care sooner.