Why does my jaw click? | Wing Dental Center Blog

What causes jaw clicking?

Does your jaw click or pop every time you move your mouth? Should you do something about it?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues may be causing strange sounds when you speak, chew, or yawn. They can also cause discomfort and affect your ability to perform everyday activities.

The TMJ is a complex system that connects the jaw to the skull. Its hinge mechanism allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, and eat.

Jaw clicking can be due to a dislocated disc or trauma in the jaw area. It usually isn’t serious, but if you’re experiencing severe pain, be sure to seek immediate medical attention.

Here are some of the common causes of a clicking jaw:

Everyday habits. Daily habits such as biting your lips or hard objects like pens, chewing gum excessively, grinding teeth, or pushing your jaw out can damage the joints and lead to jaw clicking. These behaviours can cause the joint to erode. The jaw joint system contains several moving parts. Displacement or imbalance of any of these parts can affect the entire system’s function.
Damaged or dislocated jaw. Injuries can also result in a broken or displaced jaw. A displaced jaw joint may make clicking sounds when moved. Injuries can range from falls, trips, physical assault, vehicle and workplace accidents, or sports injuries. Aside from the popping sounds, you may also notice swelling, bruising, or bleeding in the area. Be sure to seek proper diagnosis and treatment for a full recovery.
Misaligned teeth. A poor bite or misaligned teeth can also cause the jaw to click. The upper teeth may be protruding, the lower teeth may be far too forward, or the upper teeth can be biting inside the lower teeth. Overcrowding or crooked teeth can also contribute to jaw clicking. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, can fix these dental conditions.
Sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing interruptions during sleep. It's linked to different causes, but the most common is an over relaxed throat. The throat restricts the airflow, which leads to increased stress on nearby structures, such as the jaw. Using a custom oral appliance can help you manage sleep apnea.

How to prevent jaw clicking

Here are a few steps you can try to reduce tension in your jaw:

Exercise your jaw. Some jaw exercises may reduce discomfort in your jaw.
Manage stress. Stress and anxiety can make you more likely to fidget or grind your teeth.
Practice meditation and deep breathing. Try simple exercises so you can relax and calm your mind.
Switch to a soft food diet. Pay attention to your food choices to avoid pressure on your jaw joints.
Skip hard and crunchy food. Avoid food, such as steak and nuts, that requires tough chewing. Don’t bite down on ice.
Avoid biting down on objects. Use your mouth only for eating. Avoid biting your nails, pencils, utensils, etc.
Improve your posture. Mind your posture, especially if you’re sitting in front of the computer for long hours. See if you tend to move your head too forward.
Apply ice or heat packs. You may use ice or heat packs to alleviate discomfort in the area.

Identifying the reason your jaw clicks is crucial so you can keep it from happening again. See your dentist for a checkup and examination.