A popping jaw is usually caused by the jaw joint (TMJ) shifting. It is harmless if painless, but see a dentist if it hurts.
Why
The jaw joint (TMJ) has a disc. If the disc or ligaments move, the joint clicks or pops.
Common causes
- Disc displacement.
- Teeth grinding.
- Arthritis.
- Injury.
- Stress.
Harmless
If painless.
Self care
Soft foods, avoid wide yawns and gum.
See a dentist
If pain or locking.
Treatment
Night guard or physical therapy.
Joint anatomy
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits in front of each ear, and a small disc of cartilage cushions the jaw bone. Popping or clicking happens when the disc slips out of position and back (disc displacement with reduction). About 25 percent of people have jaw clicking at some time, per NIDCR data, and most do not need treatment.
- Teeth grinding and clenching, stress, arthritis, trauma and habits such as gum chewing can contribute.
- Women are affected more often than men, mostly in ages 20 to 40.
- Pain, locking or limited mouth opening suggest a temporomandibular disorder that needs care.
Self-care and treatment
Eat soft foods, avoid wide yawning and gum, use warm compresses, practice relaxation, and do gentle jaw exercises. Dentists may fit a night guard. NSAIDs ease pain short-term. Most cases improve with conservative treatment, and surgery is reserved for severe cases. See a dentist or oral surgeon if the jaw locks, pain is severe or you cannot open fully.
Joint anatomy
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull, with a small cartilage disc cushioning movement. Popping occurs when the disc shifts out of position and snaps back during opening. Clicking affects about a quarter to a third of people at some point, and many have no pain. Teeth grinding, jaw clenching, arthritis and injury can contribute.
Self care and treatment
Eat soft foods, avoid wide yawning and chewing gum, apply warm compresses, and practice jaw relaxation. A night guard may help grinding. See a dentist or doctor if the jaw locks, hurts, or opens with limited range. Physical therapy, medications and rarely surgery are options.
Risk factors and associations
Temporomandibular disorders affect about 5 to 12 percent of adults, more often women aged 20 to 40. Bruxism, stress, arthritis, jaw trauma and posture contribute. Disc displacement with reduction produces a click on opening and closing, often painless. When the disc does not recover, the jaw may lock.
Management ladder
First steps are self care: soft diet, heat, jaw exercises and avoiding extreme opening. Occlusal splints, physical therapy and NSAIDs are next. Botulinum toxin for severe bruxism has limited evidence. Surgery such as arthrocentesis is rare. See a dentist for jaw locking, ear pain or headaches linked to jaw movement. Jaw pain with chest symptoms needs urgent evaluation.
Based on data from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the American Dental Association
