A popping jaw is common and usually harmless if painless. See a dentist if it hurts or locks.
Why
The jaw joint (TMJ) has a cartilage disc. If the disc or ligaments shift, the joint pops.
Common causes
- Disc displacement.
- Teeth grinding.
- Arthritis.
- Injury.
- Stress.
How common
About 25% of people have jaw clicking.
Harmless
If painless.
See a dentist
If pain or locking.
Care
Soft foods, avoid wide yawns, heat or ice.
Joint mechanics
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pops when the cartilage disc moves out of position when opening the mouth and snaps back. Clicking or popping occurs in about 25 to 30 percent of people at some time and is often painless.
- Causes include teeth grinding, clenching, gum chewing, previous jaw injury, arthritis and stress.
- Women between 20 and 40 report TMJ symptoms more.
- Painless popping usually needs no treatment.
Care and when to get help
Eat softer foods, avoid wide yawning and chewing gum, apply warm compresses and practice relaxation. A dentist can fit a night guard for grinding. See a dentist if popping comes with pain, locking, limited opening, ear pain or headaches. Imaging with MRI shows the disc. Treatments for temporomandibular disorders include physical therapy, injections and rarely surgery.
Joint mechanics
The temporomandibular joint has a disc that can move out of place and click on opening. Jaw popping is common, affecting up to a third of people, and is usually painless.
Care and when to get help
Avoid wide yawning and gum, eat softer foods and relax the jaw. See a dentist for pain, locking or limited opening. A night guard may help grinders.
Why the jaw pops
Jaw popping comes from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), where a small cartilage disc sits between the jawbone and skull. A disc that shifts out of place as the mouth opens makes a click or pop. It is common, and up to a third of people notice joint sounds at some time. Teeth grinding, stress, arthritis, injury, gum chewing and an uneven bite may contribute.
When to treat it
Painless popping needs no treatment. See a dentist or doctor if the jaw locks, hurts, limits opening below about 35 millimeters (roughly two fingers), or causes headaches and ear pain. Self care includes a soft diet, avoiding wide yawns, heat packs, jaw stretches and a night guard for grinding. Treatments for TMD include physical therapy, anti inflammatory medicine, splints and rarely arthrocentesis or surgery. Most cases improve with conservative care.
Based on data from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the American Dental Association
