A clicking, popping, or grinding jaw can happen when the cushioning disc inside your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) shifts out of position. Many jaw sounds are harmless, but sounds that come with pain, locking, or a change in your bite may point to a TMJ disorder that needs evaluation.
Below, we explain what different jaw sounds can mean, which noises may be normal, when to see a dentist, and how TMJ-related jaw sounds are treated.
Key Takeaways
- A jaw that locks open or closed needs prompt attention, and you should not try to force it back into position.
- Grinding or gritty sounds, known as crepitus, can be associated with changes or wear in the jaw joint and may need further evaluation.
- Tinnitus that changes in pitch or volume when you move your jaw may have a TMJ-related component, although tinnitus can have many other causes.
- Many TMJ-related jaw sounds can be managed with conservative care, depending on their cause and whether pain or limited movement is present.
Is a Clicking or Popping Jaw Normal?
Occasional jaw clicking or popping with no pain, no locking, and full movement is common and usually harmless. The sounds worth attention are those that come with pain, catching or locking, limited opening, or a change in your bite.
If your jaw clicks on one side without pain and you can open and close your mouth normally, you may only need to monitor it. Painless clicking can happen when the disc inside the jaw joint shifts during movement.
You should have your jaw evaluated if the clicking becomes painful or you notice:
- Your jaw catches or locks open or closed
- You cannot open your mouth as far as usual
- Pain when chewing or opening your mouth
- Swelling or tenderness around the jaw joint
- A change in how your upper and lower teeth fit together
So, should you be concerned if your jaw clicks? Painless clicking alone is usually less concerning, while clicking with pain or changes in jaw movement deserves a closer look.
Popping or Clicking
A clicking or popping sound often happens when the cushioning disc in your jaw joint slips out of position and moves back into place as you open or close your mouth.
The temporomandibular joint is where your lower jaw, called the mandible, meets the temporal bone of your skull. Between these bones is a small disc that cushions the joint and helps the jaw move smoothly. Because the jaw can both rotate and slide, the disc must move with it.
If the disc shifts out of its normal position, it may move back into place as you open your mouth. This movement can create the click or pop you hear. You may also notice that your jaw moves slightly to one side before straightening.
Not every pop has the same cause. A pop that happens only when you open very wide, such as during a big yawn, may occur when the jaw joint moves farther forward than usual. A quieter click that happens during normal opening and closing is more commonly associated with disc displacement.
Disc displacement does not always cause pain or require treatment. However, the disc can sometimes stop moving back into place. When this happens, jaw movement may become limited, and the jaw can catch or lock. If your jaw locks, do not try to force it open or closed. A dentist experienced in TMJ treatment can evaluate the joint and determine what is preventing normal movement.
A displaced or damaged disc may also be associated with other jaw noises, including grinding or scraping.
Clicking on One Side vs. Both Sides
If your jaw clicks on one side, the disc or joint on that side may be moving differently from the other. Clicking can also happen on both sides when both jaw joints are involved.
One-sided clicking without pain, locking, or limited movement is often less concerning. If the clicking becomes painful or your jaw starts catching or locking, it should be evaluated.
Why Your Jaw Clicks When Chewing
Your jaw moves through a wider range of motion when you chew, especially with tough or chewy foods. If the disc is displaced, this repeated movement can cause your jaw to click when chewing as the disc shifts position.
Jaw Cracking
People may describe the same joint sound as cracking, clicking, or popping. If your jaw cracks during ordinary opening, closing, or chewing, the sound may come from the same disc movement that causes a click.
A jaw crack by itself does not necessarily mean the joint is damaged. Cracking that becomes painful or occurs with locking, limited movement, or a change in your bite is more important to have checked.
Grinding or Scraping in the Jaw
A grinding or scraping sound, called crepitus, is different from a click or pop.
A grinding or scraping sound in the jaw is likely a sign that the bones are grinding against one another. This happens when the cushioning disc between the bones is out of place. You might hear it in opposition with your popping or clicking sounds. The disc might silently slip out of place, then you hear the grinding sound, which stops after the disc slips back into place.
For other people, grinding takes over when the popping or clicking stops. In other words, the cushioning disc has stopped slipping back into place, and the bones grind against one another all day long. Bone grinding in the jaw joint can be very serious.
Over time, the bones grind each other down to the point where your jaw joint can no longer function. In addition, the grinding can release sharp bone fragments that irritate the soft tissue of the joint, leading to swelling and serious pain.
It’s important to seek professional care rapidly when you hear the grinding in your jaw joint. Left untreated, this condition might leave you with no treatment options but jaw joint surgery.
When Your Jaw Locks
A locked jaw happens when you cannot fully open or close your mouth. When the problem comes from the TMJ, a displaced disc or abnormal movement of the joint may block the jaw from moving normally.
TMJ-related jaw locking is different from the “lockjaw” associated with tetanus. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms throughout the body and requires immediate medical care. TMJ locking involves the jaw joint and its movement.
If your jaw keeps locking on one side or repeatedly catches during opening or closing, it should be evaluated to find out what is interfering with normal joint movement.
Open Lock vs. Closed Lock
A closed lock means the jaw becomes stuck in a position where you cannot open your mouth normally. This can happen when the disc moves forward and does not return to its usual position.
An open lock means you can open your mouth but cannot close it normally. This can happen when the jaw joint moves too far forward and cannot easily return to position.
In either case, do not force your jaw open or closed. Forcing the joint can increase pain or cause further injury.
How to Ease a Locked Jaw at Home
If your jaw briefly catches or locks, a few gentle steps may help relax the surrounding muscles:
- Stay calm and avoid forcing the jaw.
- Apply a warm compress to the jaw muscles.
- Gently massage the muscles around the jaw.
- Try small, gentle side-to-side movements if you can do so without pain.
These steps are first-aid measures, not a treatment for the cause of repeated jaw locking. If your jaw does not release, stays locked, or locks with severe pain, seek prompt professional care. A dentist experienced in TMJ treatment can evaluate the joint and recommend appropriate locked jaw treatment.
Ringing or Other Ear Noises (Tinnitus)
TMJ problems can be linked to ringing, buzzing, or fullness in the ears because the jaw joint sits very close to the ear and has anatomical connections with nearby structures.
Tinnitus is often called “ringing in the ears,” but it isn’t always ringing. It can be a roar, buzz, or hum. Other ear symptoms that occur with TMJ include:
- Earache
- Ear fullness
- Dizziness or vertigo
You may or may not experience other ear symptoms along with your tinnitus. Why TMJ causes tinnitus is a little mysterious, in part because we don’t understand tinnitus that well. One possible explanation is that several of the muscles in the ear are linked to your jaw muscles.
TMJ often causes excess tension in the jaw muscles, which could make the ear muscles tense, creating certain sounds inside your ear. Most people with TMJ-related tinnitus can change the sound by moving their jaws. If your jaw motion increases the volume or pitch of your tinnitus, it’s more likely that it’s linked to TMJ.
Although many forms of tinnitus cannot be treated, TMJ-related tinnitus will improve or cease with TMJ treatment.
Crackling or Popping in the Ear When Moving Your Jaw
Some people notice crackling, popping, or crunching in the ear when they chew or move their jaw. Because the TMJ sits directly in front of the ear, sounds and vibrations from the joint can sometimes seem as though they are coming from inside the ear.
Ear popping or crackling can also have causes unrelated to the TMJ, such as sinus congestion or Eustachian tube problems. If it is persistent or occurs with hearing loss, significant dizziness, ear drainage, or other ear symptoms, an evaluation can help determine the cause.
How Jaw Sounds Are Treated
Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include:
- A custom nightguard or splint to protect the teeth and reduce strain on the jaw.
- Targeted jaw exercises or physical therapy to improve movement and ease muscle tension.
- Bite adjustment when the way your teeth come together is contributing to the problem.
- Stress management when clenching or teeth grinding puts extra strain on the jaw.
If you are wondering how to stop jaw clicking or fix jaw popping, the first step is finding out what is causing the sound. Learn more about available options with our TMJ treatment.
When to See a Dentist
See a dentist trained in TMJ care if a jaw sound comes with any of the following symptoms, since they may point to a jaw joint problem that needs evaluation:
- Pain in the jaw, face, or ears
- Locking or catching when you open or close your mouth
- Limited jaw opening
- A bite that suddenly feels different
- A grinding, gritty, or crunching sound in the jaw
- Frequent headaches
Get TMJ Treatment in River Edge, NJ
Jaw sounds are not just a nuisance. They are signs that your jaw is not functioning properly. Often, they are related to jaw damage that may be happening right now. Left untreated, these conditions can worsen, leading to painful disability that has few good treatment options.
However, early treatment can head off future problems to help you enjoy a healthy, happy, and quiet life. For an evaluation of your jaw sounds and potential TMJ, schedule an appointment with TMJ dentist, Dr. Marlen Martirossian. Please call (551) 354-0522 or email us today to schedule your consultation.
FAQ
Does Jaw Clicking Go Away on Its Own?
Sometimes. Painless jaw clicking may come and go and may not need treatment if you can open your mouth normally and the jaw does not lock. If the clicking persists or comes with pain, locking, or limited movement, have it evaluated.
What Is the 3-Finger Test for TMJ?
The 3-finger test is a simple way to check how wide you can open your mouth. Place three fingers vertically between your upper and lower front teeth. If you cannot comfortably fit three fingers, your jaw opening may be limited. This test cannot diagnose a TMJ disorder. Finger sizes also vary, so a dentist can measure your jaw opening more accurately during an exam.
What Kind of Doctor Should You See for a Clicking or Locking Jaw?
A dentist with training in TMJ disorders can evaluate jaw clicking, pain, catching, and locking. Depending on the cause, you may also be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, physical therapist, or another medical specialist. If your jaw stays locked open or closed, especially with severe pain, seek prompt professional care rather than trying to force it back into position.
