Does your jaw click when you open your mouth, or does it sometimes feel stuck?
Jaw clicking is common and does not always indicate a problem requiring treatment. However, assessment may be appropriate when clicking is painful, becomes more frequent or occurs with locking, restricted movement or difficulty chewing.
These symptoms can sometimes be associated with a temporomandibular disorder, commonly shortened to TMD or described as TMJ dysfunction.
What is the temporomandibular joint?
The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull. Located just in front of the ears, they allow the jaw to move when you speak, chew and yawn.
Each joint contains a small disc that assists with movement between the lower jaw and the skull. The surrounding muscles and ligaments also contribute to jaw function.
TMD is an umbrella term for several conditions affecting the jaw joints, chewing muscles or both.
What can cause jaw clicking?
Clicking or popping can sometimes occur when the disc and jaw joint move in an altered pattern. Other joint changes may also create noises during movement.
A clicking sound does not necessarily mean that the joint is damaged or that the disc is permanently “out of alignment.” Many people have painless jaw sounds without developing pain or functional problems.
Assessment may be appropriate when clicking is accompanied by:
- Pain or tenderness
- Jaw locking
- Restricted mouth opening
- Difficulty eating
- A recent change in how the jaw moves
- Symptoms following an injury
Why does a jaw lock?
Jaw locking can mean difficulty opening the mouth fully or being temporarily unable to close it after opening widely.
Possible explanations include altered movement within the joint, muscle spasm, inflammation, injury or other joint conditions. It is not possible to determine the cause from the symptom alone.
A jaw that is currently stuck open or closed may require urgent care. Do not try to force it back into position yourself.
What other symptoms can occur with TMD?
Symptoms associated with TMD may include:
- Jaw or facial pain
- Tenderness around the jaw joints
- Pain when chewing or yawning
- Restricted mouth opening
- Jaw locking
- Painful clicking, popping or grating
- Tired or tender chewing muscles
- Clenching or grinding
- Pain around the temples
- Headaches occurring with jaw symptoms
- Discomfort extending towards the ear or neck
Some people also report tinnitus, dizziness or a blocked-ear sensation. These symptoms have many potential causes and should not automatically be attributed to TMD.
What may contribute to TMD?
TMD is usually multifactorial, meaning several factors may contribute. These can include:
- Clenching or grinding
- Jaw injury
- Overuse of the chewing muscles
- Arthritis or other joint conditions
- Stress and sleep disturbance
- Persistent pain conditions
- Frequent gum chewing
- Habits involving prolonged or repeated jaw movement
Changes in the teeth or bite may be relevant in some circumstances, but an uneven-looking bite does not prove that it is causing the symptoms.
Posture and muscle tension may also be considered as part of a broader assessment, but they should not be presented as the sole cause of jaw clicking or locking.
How is jaw clicking or locking assessed?
Assessment usually begins with a detailed history and clinical examination.
Your dentist may ask about:
- When the clicking or locking began
- Whether the symptoms are painful
- Activities that trigger the symptoms
- Clenching or grinding
- Previous jaw, head or neck injuries
- Headaches or ear symptoms
- Medical conditions and medications
- Previous treatment and its effects
The clinical examination may include:
- Measuring jaw movement
- Listening to or feeling joint sounds
- Assessing the chewing muscles
- Examining the teeth and gums
- Reviewing tooth wear
- Assessing the way the teeth meet
Dental X-rays or other imaging may be recommended when clinically indicated. Different types of imaging provide different information; they are not routinely required for every patient.
Referral to a GP, physiotherapist, oral medicine practitioner, oral and maxillofacial surgeon or another health professional may be appropriate, depending on the findings.
Are EMG and jaw tracking used?
Surface electromyography, known as EMG, records electrical activity from selected muscles. Jaw-tracking equipment records aspects of jaw movement.
These technologies may provide supplementary information in selected circumstances. They do not independently diagnose TMD, prove that the bite is causing symptoms or identify a guaranteed ideal jaw position.
Results must be interpreted together with the clinical history, physical examination and any other relevant investigations.
Does jaw clicking need treatment?
Painless clicking without locking or restricted movement may not require active treatment. Monitoring and avoiding activities that aggravate the joint may be appropriate.
Treatment may be considered when symptoms cause pain, interfere with eating or affect jaw movement. The recommended approach depends on the likely diagnosis and individual circumstances.
What treatments may be considered?
Initial TMD management will often favour conservative and reversible options. These may include:
- Temporarily choosing softer foods
- Avoiding chewing gum
- Avoiding very wide jaw opening
- Reducing daytime clenching habits
- Applying heat or cold when advised
- Jaw exercises or physiotherapy
- Addressing relevant sleep or stress factors
- Appropriate pain relief following medical or pharmacy advice
- A removable oral appliance in selected cases
No single treatment is appropriate for everyone, and symptom improvement cannot be guaranteed.
Permanent alteration of the teeth or bite should not be presented as a routine treatment for jaw clicking, locking or other TMD symptoms.
What is a TMJ splint or oral appliance?
A removable oral appliance may also be called a splint or orthotic.
Depending on its design, it may be intended to protect the teeth, modify loading of the jaw system or assist with symptom management. It does not permanently return the jaw to a proven “natural position,” and it cannot be guaranteed to stop clicking or locking.
Possible limitations include:
- Discomfort
- Changes in tooth contact
- Increased clenching
- Excess saliva or dry mouth
- The need for adjustment or replacement
An appliance should be prescribed following an appropriate assessment and reviewed during use.
Is surgery required?
Most people assessed for TMD are initially managed using non-surgical approaches. Surgery may be considered for selected joint conditions after appropriate investigation and specialist assessment.
The presence of jaw clicking alone does not usually establish a need for surgery.
What can you do at home?
For mild symptoms, the following measures may reduce irritation:
- Keep your teeth apart when you are not chewing or swallowing
- Avoid gum and very hard or chewy foods
- Avoid deliberately clicking the jaw
- Support your jaw when yawning
- Avoid opening your mouth excessively wide
- Use a warm compress if appropriate
- Notice and reduce daytime clenching
- Follow exercises only when recommended for your circumstances
These suggestions may not be suitable for every condition. Stop any activity that worsens your pain and seek professional advice if symptoms persist.
When should you seek urgent assistance?
Seek prompt dental or medical care if:
- Your jaw becomes stuck open or closed
- You cannot eat or drink
- Symptoms began after an injury
- You develop significant swelling or fever
- You have new facial weakness or numbness
- Pain is severe or rapidly worsening
- You have sudden hearing loss
- You experience a sudden or unusually severe headache
Call 000 if symptoms appear life-threatening.
Arrange a jaw and TMD assessment in Perth
If you have persistent jaw clicking, painful movement or episodes of locking, contact Smile Design Studio in Mosman Park, Perth, on (08) 9468 3322.
Dr Vicky Ho can assess your symptoms and explain whether further investigation, conservative management or referral to another practitioner may be appropriate.
A complimentary initial consultation may be available for adults. It is a discussion only and does not include treatment, diagnostic testing or clinical services. It is limited to one consultation per person and is subject to appointment availability.
Attending a consultation does not guarantee a diagnosis, and treatment may not be recommended in every case.
Important information
This article provides general information for adults and does not replace individual dental or medical advice. Jaw clicking and locking can have different causes. Treatment suitability, risks and outcomes vary between patients, and symptom improvement cannot be guaranteed.
Seek advice from an appropriately qualified, AHPRA-registered health practitioner for recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
