Jaw Clicking and Popping: Causes and When to Get Help

Updated: 9/17/2026

Why Is My Jaw Clicking or Popping?

Jaw clicking or popping can happen when the cushioning disc inside your jaw joint shifts during movement. If the sound occurs without pain, locking, or difficulty moving your jaw, it usually does not require treatment. Clicking accompanied by discomfort or changes in jaw function deserves a closer look.

The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull just in front of your ears. Problems affecting these joints and the surrounding muscles are called temporomandibular disorders, or TMD.

At REstore TMJ & Sleep Therapy in The Woodlands, TX, Dr. Katherine Phillips evaluates jaw symptoms and recommends care based on your diagnosis, comfort, and ability to use your jaw.

What Causes Jaw Clicking and Popping?

A sound alone cannot establish the cause. Your symptoms, medical history, and examination help determine whether a joint noise needs attention.

Movement of the Joint Disc

Each TMJ contains a small disc that cushions movement between the joint surfaces. When the disc changes position and moves back into place as the mouth opens, it can produce a click or pop. This is sometimes called disc displacement with reduction.

This movement can occur without pain. A clicking sound does not automatically mean the joint is damaged or that treatment is necessary.

Clenching, Grinding, and Muscle Strain

Clenching and teeth grinding can accompany jaw soreness and fatigue. Gum chewing, nail biting, and other repetitive habits may also aggravate an already uncomfortable jaw.

These factors may help explain discomfort occurring alongside a click, but they do not establish what is producing the sound.

Injury or Joint Changes

A jaw injury or arthritis may affect how the joint moves. Grinding or grating sounds, sometimes called crepitus, differ from a distinct click and may warrant assessment when accompanied by pain or stiffness.

TMD often involves several factors. Clicking alone is not evidence that your teeth need to be realigned or your bite permanently changed.

Why Does My Jaw Click When I Chew, Yawn, or Open My Mouth?

Chewing, yawning, and opening your mouth move the jaw joint through different positions. A click may become noticeable at a particular point as the disc and joint surfaces move relative to each other.

You may hear it on one side, both sides, or only during certain movements. These details can help during an evaluation, especially if you also notice:

• Pain when chewing or taking larger bites.
• Catching or hesitation as your mouth opens.
• A change in how far you can comfortably open.
• Jaw pain on one side.
• Episodes when the jaw feels stuck.

Avoid repeatedly opening wide to test the sound or deliberately trying to make your jaw pop.

When Should You Get Jaw Clicking Checked?

The most useful distinction is whether the clicking comes with pain or interferes with normal jaw movement. Clicking without pain, locking, or restricted movement usually does not require treatment. If you have concerns, mention it at your next routine dental visit.

Schedule an evaluation if you notice:

• Recurring soreness or pain when chewing. An examination can help identify the source of the discomfort.
• Repeated catching, locking, or difficulty opening your mouth. Arrange a prompt assessment rather than trying to force your jaw through the restriction.
• Symptoms after an injury. Swelling or a sudden change in how your teeth fit together should be evaluated promptly.

Seek urgent dental or medical care if your jaw becomes stuck open or closed, or you cannot eat or drink. Do not attempt to force your jaw back into position.

How Is the Cause of Jaw Clicking and Popping Evaluated?

An evaluation begins with understanding what you are experiencing. Be prepared to explain when the sound started, whether it hurts, and whether your jaw has ever caught or locked.

Your clinician may examine jaw movement, check for tenderness, and consider dental or other conditions that could explain the symptoms.

Imaging is not necessary for every clicking jaw. When the findings would affect treatment decisions, imaging may help assess the joint. MRI can evaluate the disc and other soft tissues, while CT imaging provides information about bone. The appropriate test depends on the clinical question.

For your appointment, it can help to bring:

• A brief history of pain, clicking, or locking episodes.
• A list of medications and relevant health conditions.
• Information about previous jaw injuries or treatment.
• Any appliance you currently wear.

What Can Help When Clicking Comes With Jaw Pain?

During a painful flare-up, simple measures may make eating and daily activities more comfortable:

• Choose softer foods temporarily. Avoid foods that require hard or prolonged chewing while your jaw is sore.
• Pause gum chewing and nail biting. These habits add repetitive work for the jaw muscles.
• Avoid very wide opening. Take smaller bites and avoid stretching your mouth wide when yawning.
• Try gentle heat or cold. Use a cloth barrier to protect your skin.
• Notice daytime clenching. Let your teeth remain slightly apart when you are not eating.
• Ask about pain relief. A clinician or pharmacist can help determine whether an over-the-counter medication is appropriate for you.

Avoid forceful stretches or online techniques promising to “reset” your jaw. Exercises should suit your symptoms and diagnosis.

Treatment for Painful Jaw Clicking and TMD

Treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving function. Eliminating every joint sound is not always necessary.

Depending on the findings, your TMJ treatment plan may include education, habit changes, physical therapy, medication, or a custom dental appliance.

A splint can protect teeth, but its benefit for TMD pain varies and evidence is limited. It should be monitored and should not be designed to permanently change your bite. Report new or worsening pain to the prescribing clinician.

More invasive procedures are reserved for selected joint conditions. Clicking by itself is not a reason for surgery.

Additional Resources

• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Temporomandibular Disorders
• NHS: Temporomandibular Disorder
• Merck Manual: Internal Temporomandibular Joint Derangement