A clicking or popping sound in the jaw is something many people notice at some point—while chewing, yawning, or even speaking. Some people’s clicks are occasional and do not cause them discomfort; they consider them to be harmless quirks. For others, however, clicking in the jaw could be the first identifiable sign of a severe condition, a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
It is important to learn how to differentiate between harmless clicking of the jaw and early signs of TMJ dysfunction because the sooner you tend to a problem, the less complex it will become when viewed and treated.
The temporomandibular joint is the area where your lower jaw joins with your skull. This joint is a very active one that is used extensively for talking, eating, and moving your face. Inside your temporomandibular joint and on top of your joint surfaces is a small disc that allows smooth motion.
A clicking sound occurs primarily when the disc of the joint has moved slightly out of its regular track, and when the jaw moves, the disc snaps back into place. This phenomenon is called disc displacement with reduction.
In the majority of cases, people have a clicking jaw and have no restrictions in their range of motion or reports of discomfort, which is the reason that some people ignore this condition.
Jaw clicking becomes particularly worrisome when there are other symptoms present, including the following:
These symptoms can indicate stress and tension on the jaw joint and continue to indicate progress on the disc and dislocation, which can eventually lead to irritation and inflammation of the joints, degeneration of the joints, and ultimately, permanent change in jaw function.
If these symptoms are not addressed, the underlying cause may aggravate the original problem and lead to much greater complications in the treatment of the condition later on.
One of the most common causes overlooked by many persons suffering from temporomandibular disorders is the mechanics associated with these disorders. Jaw clicking is sometimes caused by the following:
Jaw and bite mechanics are usually the reason for excessive wear on the teeth and jaw. This excessive wear can gradually lead to wear on the jaw joint. If the underlying mechanical problems are not addressed, the clicking may continue or progressively lead to discomfort and dysfunction.
That is why a method of treating may be inadequate to get to the root cause of the problem.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Managing early TMJ issues is relatively straightforward because intervening at the clicking stage before you have discomfort or a limitation provides an ideal opportunity for effective treatment options.
A qualified evaluation focuses on:
By knowing what is going on below the surface, we can help you proactively prevent progression instead of passively reacting.
When you experience more severe symptoms than just a clicking sound, such as more persistent discomfort and limited range of motion, advanced treatment options may be required.
TMJ arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique to treat the TMJ, focused on addressing the cause of your symptoms rather than simply alleviating them.
The amount of clinical experience and specialization is very important.
Dr. Luis Gavin has over 30 years of oral and maxillofacial surgical experience, with a specific focus on the mechanical causes of TMJ dysfunction. His methodology is not based upon providing a temporary solution but instead offers a correction to the dysfunction at its source, such as correcting the position of the TMJ or musculoskeletal strain resulting from repetitive motions.
Regularly experiencing clicking jaws without any discomfort could mean you don’t require immediate treatment. However, it would still require some follow-up monitoring to ensure there are no changes developing with the clicking. Being aware of changes will allow you to track them over time.
Seeking professional help due to continued or worsening symptoms may include:
The above signs are early warning signs that the jaw joint is having difficulty functioning properly.
While clicking sounds coming from the jaw may easily be overlooked, they can serve as an important indication that something within your body may go wrong. It can serve as an early indicator of the possible development of a TMJ disorder.
To minimize the additional discomfort and long-term complications, taking the necessary steps to address the issue is crucial. When symptoms begin to worsen, seeking out a specialist who understands the complexities of TMJ disorders will allow you to receive the most appropriate treatment.
Ultimately, the purpose of treatment is not only to eliminate clicking sounds but also to restore balance to your jaw joint as well.