Blog Post

Here's Why Your Jaw Is Popping & Clicking

Mar 17, 2020

 If you've ever had your jaw "pop," it can be an unnerving experience. For one, your jaw is making a sound that, under ideal conditions, it simply shouldn'tshouldn't be making. Second, a popping or clicking jaw is often a sign that you're suffering from a severe dental issue, such as a temporomandibular disorder(TMD).

 

A popping jaw isn'tisn't always a sign something is wrong, however. If your jaw only pops when you stretch your mouth, especially wide, such as during a deep yawn, it may be a natural result of hyper-extending the joint and connecting tissues.

 

If your jaw pops while chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth without hyperextending it, this may be a sign of a more severe problem, such as a TMJ disorder.

 

Fortunately, with over a decade of experience diagnosing and treating thousands of TMJ disorder sufferers, Dr. Katherine Phillips is one of the most experienced TMD treatment specialists in the Greater Houston area. She offers a range of TMJ disorder treatment options so you can eat, smile, chew, and yawn again without discomfort.


What is Jaw Popping?


There are two different ways the jaw might pop. The first occasionally happens with a specific action like that big yawn. When your mouth is almost at its widest opening, the lower jawbone passes over a ridge in the upper jawbone, causing a natural, slight dislocation to allow the stretch. This popping only happens occasionally and is a natural result of hyperextending your jaw.


The second type of jaw popping typically occurs when you open your mouth in everyday activities like talking or eating. It creates an audible clicking sound that is sometimes accompanied by pain. This type of jaw popping with a painful sensation is usually caused by dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints. Your temporomandibular joints are small joints located in front of each ear that connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to move your mouth to speak, chew, and yawn.


Typically, these joints function like a smooth hinge that allows your jaw to move freely. When one of these joints becomes damaged or inflamed due to an injury or disorder, the joint can pop during everyday use. The popping occurs because the smooth movement of the jaw is impaired. Other symptoms, such as pain, difficulty chewing, and Jaw Lock, can also occur.


How TMJ Works

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) have a big job to do. They connect your lower jaw to the temporal bones and allow it to move side to side and back to front. This range of movement will enable you to chew food, yawn, and speak. Your facial muscles are attached to the joint to control these movements, and a soft cartilage disc within the socket absorbs large amounts of pressure.

What Causes Your Jaw Clicking?

The jaw consists of a complex system of joints, muscles, and cartilage that all work together to allow you to talk, chew, and otherwise open your mouth. Unfortunately, any of the individual components of your jaw can become misaligned or damaged. In some cases, this could produce a popping or clicking jaw.


 For example, the cartilage-like disk inside your jaw joint could dislodge or be displaced. The disc will slip as you close your mouth, producing a quiet popping sound. Next, when you open it again, the disc will reposition itself onto the jaw'sjaw's condyle, creating a louder popping sound. (The condyle is a rounded part of the jawbone right in front of your ear.)

 

Certain behaviors will increase the risk of the cartilage-like disc being dislocated, including:


  • Eating hard foods
  • Chewing gum
  • Grinding your teeth
  • Clenching your jaw
  • Chewing on your nails or cheek


Medical conditions can also cause your jaw to pop or click, including:


A physical injury to your jaw/face, such as one suffered during a car accident. In addition to vehicular accidents, common injuries that either dislocate or break the jaw include sports injuries, falling at home, a physical assault to the face, and work-related accidents. You may notice swelling, numbness, bruising, and other symptoms in addition to jaw popping and TMJ pain when damage occurs.


Cartilage damage caused by arthritis. This degenerative joint disease that wears away cartilage can occur in any joint, including the TMJ. Diagnosis is the key to successful management. The sooner a diagnosis is made and treatment begins, the more likely permanent damage to the joint can be avoided, and the degenerative progression slowed down.


Sleep-disordered breathing. TMJ disorder and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) go hand in hand. OSA occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway and interrupting breathing. When this happens, your brain moves from rest momentarily to restart breathing. Sometimes teeth grinding occurs during this arousal response. Constant TMJ motion throughout the night as your brain awakens you to restart breathing creates stress and tension in the jaw joint, resulting in TMD.


Autoimmune. Autoimmune diseases cause your immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissues and joints, resulting in pain, inflammation, and sometimes severe joint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases have been linked with TMD. Well-managed medical treatment for these conditions and TMD treatment from an expert may help minimize long-term TMJ damage.


Connective tissue disease. Connective tissue disease, often signified by abnormalities in the tissue, bone, and cartilage, can result in generalized joint hypermobility (GJH), a condition where joints can move beyond normal range. Research indicates a connection between TMD and GJH. GJH can lead to TMJ disc displacement/derangement, which can, in turn, cause TMJ popping and pain.


If you suffer from a temporomandibular joint disorder, it could cause your jaw to pop. TMJ disorders, in turn, can be caused by a wide range of factors and conditions. If you believe you're suffering from a TMJ disorder, please review other TMD symptoms.


How to Treat Jaw Popping and TMJ Issues


If your jaw frequently pops, it may indicate a severe underlying dental or medical condition. Failure to seek treatment could allow the condition to worsen, leading to a more severe issue. This is why it's essential to seek medical treatment. This is especially true if the popping is accompanied by pain, as extreme pain may indicate a severe problem that causes damage each time the jaw pops. Many treatment options are available if you are diagnosed with a TMJ disorder. 


Non-medical Treatments for TMJ Issues


In many cases, home treatment can help decrease the occurrence of jaw popping and accompanying pain. You may not need professional treatment if the popping is irregular and the pain is mild. Keep in mind, however, that the condition could worsen if the joint is damaged further. These non-medical treatments can be used to reduce your symptoms.


  • OTC medications such as Ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation.
  • Apply an ice pack to the affected area on the jaw for 10-15 minutes, followed by a warm compress for 5 to 10 minutes to relieve the pain.
  • Avoid eating crunchy, chewy, or hard foods, including raw vegetables and fruits.
  • Relax the jaw when possible and watch for jaw clenching.
  • Avoid activities that involve opening the mouth too wide, such as singing, yelling, or chewing gum.

If the above treatments are not working, the pain is severe, or your condition worsens, seek treatment from an experienced professional like Dr. Phillips.


Professional/Medical Treatments for TMJ Issues


Unfortunately, home remedies and over-the-counter drugs are often insufficient to treat popping jaws and other TMJ symptoms. Fortunately, dental experts like Dr. Phillips can provide lasting pain relief by using the latest medical practices and treatments.

Potential medical treatments for popping jaw include:


  • Oral appliance therapy for OSA using a mouthguard or splint can prevent or manage bruxism (clutching and grinding of the sleep during sleep).
  • You can use prescribed medication to help manage pain caused by TMJ issues.
  • Laser or radio wave therapy helps stimulate movement and ease pain in the jaw, mouth, and neck.
  • Physical Therapy can loosen muscles, increase the range of motion and increase blood flow to the joint.
  • Injections of lubricating agents into the joint.
  • As a last resort, surgery may be required, although this is rare.

Long Term Outlook


The outlook for a TMJ disorder depends on a few factors. Many cases of TMJ disorder respond to simple, conservative treatment, and the prognosis is good. If a chronic, underlying health condition such as an autoimmune disease is thought to be the cause, then how well this condition is managed can affect how or if TMD progresses and to what extent. In either case, proper diagnosis and treatment from a TMJ expert can help prevent pain and discomfort and prevent further TMJ damage.

Jaw "Popping" Frequently Asked Questions


Is it normal for my jaw to "pop," " click," or " crack"?


Yes and no. When you open your jaw wide, such as during a deep yawn, the lower jawbone passes over a ridge in the upper jawbone. This may produce a popping or clicking sound, which is usually nothing to be alarmed about. However, a popping/clicking sound when you are talking or chewing may involve the displacement of a cartilage-like disc inside the joint. This can result in TMJ disorder, and you should seek diagnosis and treatment.


How can I keep (prevent) my jaw from popping?


Avoid opening your mouth extra wide. Avoid TMJ overuse by limiting or stopping gum chewing, crunching on ice, and eating lots of hard or chewy foods. Get treated for conditions

that may contribute to jaw popping, such as bruxism (tooth grinding), which overworks the TMJ.


Should I be concerned that my jaw is popping on only my right or left side?


TMJ disorder can affect one or both TMJs. So, whether one or both sides are popping, it's crucial to seek a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 


Why does my jaw pop and then lock up?


One of the scarier symptoms of TMJ disorder is the jaw locking in an open or shut position. A popping sound followed by a locked jaw typically signifies the disc has slipped out of the TMJ, which prevents it from moving and functioning properly.


Why is my jaw sore after popping or clicking?


If your jaw is sore after popping, it may be due to the ligament that controls the disc being stretched or the muscles that control jaw movement being affected and possibly inflamed due to TMD. 


Is it possible to permanently fix my jaw popping?


 It depends on the cause being correctly identified and treated and on the extent to which the jaw has been damaged due to injury, underlying conditions such as osteoarthritis, and more. Generally, mild TMJ disorder and jaw-popping cases can be fixed with conservative treatment measures under a TMD expert such as Dr. Katherine Phillips.

Contact Dr.Phillips Today

A popping jaw may indicate a severe TMJ disorder; your condition could worsen if left untreated. Fortunately, TMJ experts like Dr. Phillips can work with you closely to provide both immediate pain relief and lasting solutions. Please schedule an appointment with our Houston, TX TMJ Dentist and get the treatment you deserve!

Contact Us Today For A Consultation!

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About The Author
Dr. Katherine Phillips, DDS, MS received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer on the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) Board of Directors and treats TMD and sleep disordered breathing at Restore TMJ & Sleep Therapy in the Houston, TX area. 
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Teeth grinding is the most common cause of jaw pain. Grinding your teeth also results in fractured teeth and the destruction of dental work, which can even change how you look. People who grind their teeth during the day can make conscious changes to reduce their teeth grinding for those who grind their teeth at night . Fortunately, with a visit to Dr. Phillips, you can discover how to stop grinding your teeth. What is Teeth Grinding, and What Causes it? Grinding or clenching your teeth, or bruxism , is a common condition affecting millions of people and, if left untreated, can lead to broader health issues. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a 2020 ADA Health Policy Institute report stated that half of the dentists saw a rise in clients with stress-related dental problems, primarily due to teeth grinding and jaw clenching. It can happen during the day or night and often goes unnoticed until the person is alerted by a partner or family member. Treating bruxism can prevent further damage to the teeth and relieve any symptoms associated with the condition, and there are several steps you can take to stop grinding your teeth and protect your oral health. People grind and clench their teeth for various reasons, including stress and anxiety, misalignment of the teeth and jaw, or an abnormal bite. In adults, teeth grinding is often caused by emotional tension and stress and can become a subconscious habit. In children, teeth grinding is usually due to an immature bite and can be triggered by new teeth erupting or the recent placement of braces. How Do You Know if You're Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth? Grinding or clenching your teeth can be challenging to identify since it usually happens when you are unconscious or sleeping. However, several signs could indicate you are grinding your teeth. Common symptoms of teeth grinding include: Waking up with a sore jaw Frequent headaches Increased sensitivity or pain in your teeth Tired or tight jaw muscles Pain that feels like an earache, but there is nothing wrong with your ear A locked jaw that is difficult to open or close completely Neck or face pain Noticing that your teeth feel different or worn down You or your sleep partner may also notice that you make clenching or grinding sounds during the night. At a dental appointment, your dentist may suspect teeth grinding if you have the following: Teeth that are chipped, loose, flattened, or fractured Worn enamel on your teeth Gum recession Possible Causes of Teeth Grinding Many people grind their teeth and tighten their jaws without realizing it, especially at night. Although stress and anxiety can lead to teeth grinding, other common causes are: Posture. Poor posture is not only horrible for your back; it's also bad for your teeth. When the body's joints aren't in proper alignment, it can result in jaw clenching and grinding. Misaligned teeth. If the upper and lower teeth don't fit together correctly, the misalignment may result in the tendency to grind teeth or clench jaw muscles. Sleep disorders. Sleep habits and sleep disorders can lead to teeth grinding at night. Chronic obstructive sleep disorder , also known as sleep apnea , is a known cause of sleep bruxism. Resolving sleep apnea can help stop teeth grinding. Sleep terrors and insomnia may also result in grinding teeth at night. Joint disorders. The temporomandibular region is around the jaw, mouth, and ears. This area contains the temporomandibular joints and jaw muscles, which allow the jaw to open and close. Disorders in this area can affect teeth grinding and a sore jaw. Stimulants. Stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can trigger teeth grinding. Avoiding these can help prevent teeth grinding. Stress. Stress is a common cause of teeth grinding and clenching. Finding ways to manage and reduce stress can help decrease teeth grinding. These can include relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, deep breathing, meditation, and guided imagery can help relax the jaw muscles and stop teeth grinding. Chewing on Objects. Chewing on objects such as pencils or fingernails can trigger teeth grinding. You may also need to avoid chewing gum, which can exacerbate teeth grinding. Finding out how to stop grinding teeth at night takes getting to the root cause of grinding. Discovering the cause provides clues, pointing to the appropriate solutions. Prevent teeth grinding during the day. It is crucial to identify triggers that cause teeth grinding if you intend to stop grinding them during the day. Pay attention to your habits during the day and see if you notice when and if your grinding or clenching is worse. A TMJ specialist or dentist specializing in bruxism can provide you with exercises or relaxation techniques you can do throughout the day if you notice yourself clenching and, in some cases, offer medical treatment like muscle relaxants or Botox for bruxism. Prevent teeth grinding and clenching at night/in your sleep. You'll have to make changes during the day to stop grinding or clenching your teeth at night or in your sleep. Start by talking to your dentist or doctor to determine if you have underlying medical issues that could be causing the grinding. Additionally, your dentist may suggest you wear a mouthguard, splint, or other oral appliance. At the same time, you sleep to protect your teeth from further damage and keep your mouth in the proper alignment, helping your TMJ to relax. A custom-fitted mouthguard also helps lessen the impact of teeth grinding by covering the teeth to create a physical barrier that reduces damage. How To Stop Child/Baby Grinding Teeth Many children grind their teeth at night, but most grow out of it. If your child or baby grinds their teeth, the first thing to do is identify what might be causing the behavior. Stress, anxiety, or an underlying medical condition can cause your child to grind their teeth. If the grinding is stress-related, identifying and addressing the source of the stress, such as an overly demanding school schedule or peer pressure, may help. If a medical or dental condition causes the grinding, your child's dentist or doctor can help you determine the best action. If the grinding results from a habit, it can help redirect your child's attention when they start to grind and provide them with other activities that may help reduce their stress and anxiety. Side Effects of Teeth Grinding Grinding your teeth may seem like a harmless habit. After all, it's easier to notice this behavior if you're not on the lookout for it. And unless your significant other or family members complain about the noise from your nighttime teeth grinding, it's difficult to find proof of the act. However, long-term grinding of teeth at night can lead to significant side effects like: Pain in the jaw. The pressure and movement from teeth can lead to tenderness in the muscles, causing jaw pain . For some people, the pain may become chronic and severe. Headaches. The constant back-and-forth movement and clenching can impact the muscles around the neck and head, resulting in headaches due to muscle fatigue and tension. Wearing down teeth. Like sandpaper eventually smooths a surface, the repetitive motion from teeth grinding can flatten teeth and wear the enamel down over time. Teeth grinding can change the appearance of your teeth, causing them to look shorter and making chewing more difficult. Damage or fractured teeth. Grinding can destabilize teeth, making them shift and feel wobbly. The force from grinding may also crack teeth, causing pain and affecting oral health. Misalignment and cracked teeth can result in gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss — leading to poor overall health. Chronic ear pain. The temporomandibular area is closely connected. If the muscles around the ear become affected due to teeth grinding, chronic ear pain may occur. Facial muscle changes. Most people need to be aware that teeth grinding can change the shape of your face. Long-term bruxism can cause shorter teeth. Shorter teeth, in turn, change the structure of the face and jaw — leading to a sunken appearance. In addition, other muscles around the face can enlarge to compensate for dental changes. If you're concerned about your appearance, you may want to note that chronic teeth grinding can change the way you look. Remedies for Teeth Grinding The methods for how to stop teeth grinding at night versus teeth grinding when you are awake are typically the same. Although some treatments aren't quite possible when you're asleep, their benefits can last even after you've gone to bed. Reductive coronoplasty. Reductive coronoplasty directly involves changing or leveling the biting surface of teeth. This procedure reshapes crowded or crooked teeth, improving teeth alignment. Conversely, additive coronoplasty can add to the surface of teeth to help treat bruxism. Dental Appliances: Mouthguards, night guards, and splints. A mouthguard does just that — it guards teeth. Typically used for sports, a mouth guard keeps teeth from injuries sustained during activity. A night guard protects teeth from grinding at night. Lastly, a bit splint guides jaw movement, enabling the jaw to land in the appropriate position. These appliances protect teeth differently, and finding the right one for your situation is essential. Biofeedback. Biofeedback allows a person to train themselves by monitoring auditory and visual stimuli from the body. Although biofeedback needs a person to be alert, the technique can still help sleep bruxism by reducing overall stress. Stress reduction techniques. Though implementing stress reduction techniques such as yoga, exercise, and meditation requires a person to be awake, they can also help with nighttime teeth grinding. Allowing muscles to decompress and relieve tension alleviates stress-induced teeth grinding, even at night. Tongue and jaw muscle exercises. Most people don't stop to think about it, but their faces and mouth are a team of tissue, muscles, bones, and joints that closely affect each other. The tongue, for example, affects how the jaw moves. You reduce teeth grinding by exercising the right muscles — like the tongue and jaw. Behavior changes. Behavioral modifications like changing your posture and avoiding environments that cause stress can reduce instances of teeth grinding. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help change behavior and thought patterns that lead to teeth grinding. Medications. A doctor can prescribe medication to help treat bruxism if all other treatments don't work. When used for short periods, muscle relaxants can relieve tension in the temporomandibular area. In severe cases of teeth grinding, botox injections can alleviate muscle tension. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications assist in decreasing anxiety, allowing jaw muscles to relax and reduce bruxism. How Can a TMJ Specialist Help with Teeth Grinding and Clenching? A TMJ specialist is a dentist board-certified in orofacial pain and conditions affecting the TMJ. TMJ specialists have extensive knowledge and experience regarding the structure, function, and pathology of TMJ. In addition to more thorough diagnostic evaluations, they can often provide more effective and long-term solutions for teeth grinding than your doctor or dentist alone. This is because TMJ specialists use a holistic approach to treatment, focusing on the underlying causes of the teeth grinding, such as stress, anxiety, or misaligned teeth, rather than just treating the symptoms. They often work with other medical experts like dentists or sleep physicians for more comprehensive care and treatment. Protecting Your Oral Health Protecting your teeth is critical to taking care of your overall health. Chronic teeth grinding can result in costly dental work, poor oral health, and chronic pain. If you're experiencing a sore jaw, headaches, or cracked teeth, seeking an expert diagnosis to find the cause is the first step to finding a solution. Get the answers you need on how to stop grinding your teeth at night or keep from grinding in the daytime to protect your oral health. As a TMJ and sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Katherine Phillips specializes in diagnosing and treating bruxism. With her Master of Science in Orofacial Pain From USC and extensive experience in TMJ therapy, Dr. Phillips utilizes proven and effective evidence-based medical interventions to identify bruxism and help find the right treatments to suit your needs. Get in touch today for more information.
By manager 16 Dec, 2022
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is an anatomically complex joint, composed of muscles, joints, ligaments, bones, and discs. Proper jaw movement requires a high level of interaction and coordination among all these components, especially the articular disc (which absorbs stress), the adductors (jaw-closing muscles), the abductors (jaw-opening muscles), and jaw ligaments. This makes diagnosing problems or dysfunction with the TMJ extremely difficult. Properly diagnosing disorders of the TMJ—collectively referred to as TMD—requires both clinical examinations and medical imaging in order to develop an accurate assessment of the joint, its function, and its surrounding bone and tissue. If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or dysfunction in your TMJ, you will first have a clinical evaluation. This is when your doctor or TMJ specialist will discuss your symptoms with you and examine your jaw, pressing on areas around it to identify any sensitivity. He or she will also observe the range of motion of your jaw and listen to and feel around your jaw while you open and close your mouth. In some cases, the doctor’s clinical findings are enough to diagnose a TMD and begin treatment. Other times, additional diagnostic imaging will be necessary to confirm the presence of a TMD.
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