What Is Jaw Clicking?
Jaw clicking isn’t an uncommon occurrence in adults. Like any other joint in the body, wear and tear on bones, muscles, and ligaments is expected. Normal everyday activity over years can lead to joints creaking, clicking, cracking, popping, and more.
So if you’re experiencing jaw clicking, read on to discover if it’s just another symptom of age or if it might be the result of TMJ disorder.
Jaw clicking is most commonly heard or felt in the ear when chewing, yawning, or on opening and closing of the mouth. The “click” refers to the sound of the jaw joint’s articular disc (that sits between the jaw joint and skull) slips out of – and then back into – position.
You may hear clicking every once in a while or every time you use your mouth. Jaw clicking may happen on just one or both sides of the jaw. The amount of pain that accompanies jaw clicking varies from person to person, although pain levels are a good way to tell if there’s a need for treatment.
Is Jaw Clicking Normal?
If your jaw clicking is only audibly noticeable and doesn’t cause or contribute to any facial or joint pain or dysfunction, then it’s best to just keep an eye on it. Tell a dentist what you’re experiencing so they can routinely check in on and monitor your symptoms.
On the flip side, if a clicking jaw is causing you pain, or interfering with regular activities like eating or talking, it may be an indicator of TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint (your jaw joint), when in dysfunction, can set off a slew of uncomfortable symptoms.
Folks living with TMJ often experience jaw clicking or popping, headaches, and facial and neck pain and tenderness. If you catch your symptoms early – and practice appropriate self-care – you can prevent your TMJ from flaring up as frequently and getting worse.
Side Effects of Jaw Clicking
As mentioned above, painful jaw clicking doesn’t often exist on its own. Usually, it’s one of many symptoms of an aggravated, inflamed temporomandibular joint. Other TMJ symptoms may include:
- Pain while chewing
- Decreased range of motion
- Jaw popping
- Teeth grinding
- Jaw clenching
- Facial pain or tenderness
- Neck pain
- Dull or sharp headaches
- Ear fullness
- Ear aches
- Open or closed locked jaw
You may notice that symptoms increase or decrease depending on your activity throughout the day. In this case, it’s helpful to be aware of what habits and activities you can avoid to help alleviate TMJ pain. We cover more on that below.
The Causes Of Jaw Clicking
Although clicking is often the sound of a dysfunctional jaw joint disc, there are other factors that may have contributed to the root cause of the problem. A doctor or dentist can help you determine which of the causes below, if any, play a part in your discomfort.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a medical condition that causes premature wear and tear on the cartilage of the joints. Depending on the case, arthritis may target a set of joints or effect more than one area of the body. It can occur in people of all ages – even children.
Jaw clicking may be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA). Repetitive movements, like jaw clenching and teeth grinding, can further irritate already achy joints. Medical imaging, like an MRI, can help a dentist or health professional determine if your jaw joint is arthritic.
Malocclusion Or Misaligned Bite
Malocclusion, or a misaligned bite, is a common cause of jaw clicking. A misaligned bite will typically be classified as one of the following: an overbite, an anterior or posterior open bite, an underbite, or crowded teeth. A good bite, in which all teeth are relatively aligned with the others, is necessary for the upper and lower jaws to work in harmony.
Otherwise, the lower jaw (the only one that moves and swings from a joint) will have to overcompensate for the misaligned bite. This can quickly lead to clicking, popping, and discomfort or pain.
Disc Displacement
Fluid movement of the jaw relies on a disc that pads the lower jaw joint and helps it slide in and out from its position in the skull. Disc displacement becomes increasingly common as adults grow older, in the same way knees and hips begin to creak and pop. Displacement is often the result of trauma to the body through injury.
This can happen through high-impact sports, a minor or major car accident, or even a bad fall. It can also slip out of place or become jammed up through normal wear and tear.
Poor Posture
Poor posture can lead to significant short- and long-term health problems. It can cause a number of health conditions like scoliosis, sleep apnea, impaired circulation, compressed nerves, and more. Poor posture, especially a hunched upper back and rounded shoulders, may also contribute to TMJ disorder.
If your spine is misaligned, it will cause the head to tilt forward, pushing the chin and jaw joints out of their ideal resting positions. Correcting posture should be one of the first steps on a journey toward better jaw health.
8 Habits To Quit To Lessen Jaw Clicking
Whether your jaw clicking is painless or not, it’s best to put practices in place that support, rather than challenge, your joints and muscles. Below are eight common (bad) habits that can contribute to more frequent jaw clicking and intensified pain:
- Chewing gum
- Eating hard, tough foods
- Biting your fingernails
- Clenching your jaw
- Grinding your teeth
- Excessive yelling or screaming
- Sleeping on your stomach or improper side sleeping
- Sitting with poor, slouched posture
While there’s little you can do to reverse jaw clicking at home, you can lessen the likelihood of it occurring. Developing good self-care habits can prolong the health of your jaw joints and muscles, hopefully saving you pain in the long run. A happy jaw is worth a few small sacrifices!
If your jaw clicking persists or worsens or feels painful, visit a recommended dentist in your area. They’ll assess your symptoms, determine if it is in fact TMJ or another underlying issue, and prescribe treatment. Common treatments for TMJ disorder include referrals to specialists, nighttime mouth guards, splint therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
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Disclaimer: This content is meant to be informational and educational only and is not medical advice. This content does not substitute consulting with a medical or dental professional. Living With TMJ makes no claims to diagnose illness or injury. If you have a medical concern, you should consult with your healthcare provider or seek treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you read in this blog, on this website, or in linked resources.