Understanding TMJ dysfunction and how to restore comfort and balance.
Have you noticed your jaw clicking or locking when you open or close your mouth?
Many people experience jaw sounds, tension, or even episodes where the jaw feels stuck, but don’t realise it may be related to a TMJ disorder (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction).
Your temporomandibular joints are the hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull, located just in front of your ears. They allow you to talk, eat, yawn, and laugh. Most people don’t think about these movements until something starts to feel uncomfortable or tight.
What does jaw clicking or locking mean?
A clicking or popping sound can occur when the small cushioning disc inside your TMJ moves out of alignment.
Locking happens when the jaw temporarily sticks open or closed because the disc is caught or the joint moves beyond its normal range.
Although these sounds might seem harmless, they can indicate strain on your jaw joints and muscles. In fact a global review found that nearly 30% of people may experience TMDs, with joint-sounds such as clicking present in almost 30% of cases (Alqutaibi et al., 2025). Over time, that strain may lead to discomfort, limited movement, or uneven tooth wear.
“TMJ problems don’t just affect how your smile looks. They affect how it moves, feels, and functions.”
– Dr Vicky Ho, Cosmetic & Neuromuscular Dentist
Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction
Jaw clicking and locking are only part of the picture. TMJ-related strain can also cause pain or tenderness around the jaw, temples, or ears. Some people notice clicking, popping, or grinding when opening or closing their mouth, while others experience stiffness or difficulty opening wide. In more advanced cases, the jaw may lock open or closed, often after yawning or chewing. These symptoms are frequently accompanied by headaches, neck tension, ear pain, ringing in the ears, or a sensation of fullness without infection. Over time, ongoing joint strain can also lead to tooth wear, increased sensitivity, or a bite that feels uneven.
If these symptoms sound familiar, it is important to look beyond the teeth and consider how the entire jaw system works together, including the joints, muscles, bite, and posture.
What causes jaw clicking or locking?
TMJ dysfunction is rarely caused by one single factor. It often develops gradually as several small issues combine over time. Common contributing factors include teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, a misaligned bite, or missing teeth that change the way the jaw moves. Muscle tension and poor posture, especially from long hours at a desk, can also increase stress on the joint. Emotional or physical stress may make clenching worse, while previous trauma to the jaw, neck, or head can leave the joint more prone to problems. Inflammation or displacement of the cushioning disc within the joint may also contribute.
Many people live with these symptoms for years without realising how closely connected the teeth, jaw, muscles, and airway are. Recognising and addressing this connection is essential for restoring comfort, balance, and long-term function.
How TMJ is diagnosed
If you experience jaw sounds or locking, it is best to begin with a proper diagnosis. A TMJ assessment may include:
- Detailed discussion of your symptoms to identify patterns and triggers.
- Physical examination to check muscle tenderness, jaw movement, and bite alignment.
- Imaging if required, such as dental X-rays, CBCT scans, or MRIs, to assess the joint structure.
- Functional analysis to measure how your muscles and bite work together.
Dr Vicky uses a functional and holistic approach that examines not only the joint itself but also the muscles, posture, and bite relationship.
Watch Emily’s TMJ Transformation
Many patients who visit us have lived with jaw pain, headaches, and clenching for years before discovering that their bite and muscles were not working in harmony.
In this short video, Dr Vicky demonstrates how neuromuscular dentistry helped Emily find lasting relief from more than a decade of jaw tension, headaches, and neck pain. Using advanced tools such as EMG scans, jaw tracking, and neuromuscular stimulation, Emily’s treatment helped restore her jaw to its natural, relaxed position.
(Video features a real patient treated at Smile Design Studio with consent. Individual results vary.)
Have questions about TMJ pain, clicking, or jaw tension? You can book a complimentary consultation to learn more about your options and find out whether a functional approach may help you.
Common questions about jaw clicking or locking
Q: Is jaw clicking normal if it doesn’t hurt?
Occasional painless clicking can occur when the disc shifts slightly but returns to its normal position. If the sound becomes frequent, painful, or is accompanied by stiffness, it should be evaluated to prevent further strain.
Q: Why does my jaw lock and then release suddenly?
This often means the cushioning disc inside the joint has slipped forward or the joint has moved beyond its natural range. When it pops back, movement returns, but the mechanics of the joint still need attention.
Q: Can stress cause TMJ issues?
Yes. Emotional stress often leads to jaw and neck tension. Over time, these muscles can become overworked and sore, which may result in clicking or pain. Awareness, relaxation, and proper rest can help reduce strain.
Q: Do I need surgery for TMJ?
In most cases, no. TMJ disorders typically respond well to conservative treatments such as bite splints, physiotherapy, and functional correction. Surgery is reserved for more severe joint conditions.
Q: How can I stop my jaw from clicking?
The best results come from addressing the root cause. This may involve:
- A custom occlusal splint to stabilise your bite
- Improving posture and reducing jaw tension
- Managing stress and avoiding hard or chewy foods
- Correcting bite imbalances that cause joint strain
Dr Vicky’s approach: function before aesthetics
At Smile Design Studio in Perth, Dr Vicky Ho combines neuromuscular science with aesthetic principles to restore harmony and comfort.
“A beautiful smile is built on balance between the joints, muscles, and teeth.”
By understanding how your jaw moves and how your bite distributes pressure, Dr Vicky creates treatment plans that protect both comfort and appearance. The goal is a smile that feels natural, moves freely, and lasts.
Practical tips for everyday relief
You can often reduce mild TMJ discomfort by adjusting daily habits:
- Keep your teeth slightly apart when not chewing.
- Avoid opening the mouth too wide or eating very hard foods.
- Apply a warm compress to relax the jaw muscles.
- Maintain good posture and take short breaks from screens.
- Practice gentle relaxation techniques to ease muscle tension.
If the clicking or locking continues, an early assessment can prevent long-term strain and protect your overall oral health.
Jaw clicking or locking is common but not something you need to tolerate. With proper diagnosis and functional care, most people experience meaningful relief and return to normal movement.
If you are in Perth and have ongoing TMJ symptoms, consider scheduling an assessment.
At Dr Vicky Ho’s Smile Design Studio, every treatment begins with understanding because a smile should feel as good as it looks.
Need personalised advice? Book a TMJ assessment in Mosman Park or Perth CBD.
Book a Free Consultation or call (08) 9468 3322
Disclaimers:
Please note that the outcome shown in the image are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Images and videos on our social media are shared with patient consent. No filters, AI enhancements, or unrealistic lighting are used. These do not guarantee individual results or outcomes.
Results, risks, complications, and recovery times vary by person and procedure. or full details about treatment risks, please visit our website (link in bio) and scroll to the footer section.
Before starting treatment, seek independent advice from a qualified, AHPRA-registered health practitioner and consider a second opinion. This content is general in nature and intended for adults. It is not medical advice.
The information provided is general in nature and intended for adults. It should not be taken as medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified, AHPRA-registered health practitioner. For personal dental concerns, please seek independent advice tailored to your individual needs.
A complimentary consultation is a discussion only and does not include treatment, diagnostic tests, or clinical services. It is intended for adults and limited to one consultation per person. Availability may be subject to scheduling. Outcomes vary for each individual. This information is general in nature and not a substitute for independent advice from a qualified, AHPRA-registered health practitioner.
