The jaw joint, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is a complex joint that allows the lower jaw and upper jaw to work together to bite, chew, and speak. Functional problems with the jaw joint, muscles, and teeth  are called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

TMD can lead to a diverse set of symptoms including unexplained headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and ringing in the ear, but one common sign is clicking when opening or closing the jaw. There’s no single underlying cause of TMD, and jaw clicking can only be treated when the underlying causes are identified and treated. If you’re experiencing clicking in your jaw, here are some possible causes – and what you can do about it.

Misaligned bite

The upper jaw and lower jaw should fit together perfectly, but when that fit is off, it results in what we call a malocclusion, or bad bite. Over time, this misalignment puts continual stress on the muscles and jaw joint, which can damage the joint and lead to TMD.  It can also lead to wear, chips, and fracture of the teeth.

Fixing a misaligned bite and allowing  the jaw muscles to relax can be accomplished with braces or an orthodontic appliance, depending on the nature of the bite.

Clenching and grinding (bruxism)

Tooth clenching and grinding are often associated with TMD. Clenching, grinding, or both put stress on the muscles of the jaw joint and can lead to clicking, which happens when the cartilage between the bones in the joint slips out of place.

Your dentist may suggest sleeping with a night guard to help ease the pain of TMD. By keeping the teeth apart, it relieves the pressure on the jaw joint and prevents damage from tooth-on-tooth contact. Such as wearing down of enamel, and cracking or chipped teeth. You may also want to have a sleep study done to see if you have sleep apnea or airway issues, as grinding can be a sign of a sleep disorder.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints. While there are many kinds of arthritis, two common kinds are rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition) and osteoarthritis (a degenerative condition). Either can lead to damage of the cartilage in the jaw joint, which can lead to clicking in the jaw and difficulty opening and closing the jaw.

Arthritis is often treated through drugs, either prescription or over-the-counter. Lifestyle changes, including increasing physical activity and improving diet, may also help improve arthritis. Unfortunately, there is currently no widespread treatment to repair the cartilage that’s been damaged in the jaw joint, so the best course of action is to stop the damage from getting any worse and to manage the arthritis in other ways.

Physical injury

Physical trauma to the jaw can damage the TMJ and lead to jaw clicking. Car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and physical assault are all potential causes of physical trauma to the TMJ. Depending on the nature of the trauma, the TMJ may simply need time to heal. Rarely, surgery may be a last resort to address TMD.

Cancer or tumor

A tumor in the jaw area that disrupts function is a rare but potential cause of jaw clicking. You may be able to feel the tumor in the lips, cheek, tongue, gums, or top or bottom of the mouth if it’s big enough. You can also look for other signs of oral cancer, including loose teeth, a persistent sore, persistent earache, or quick, unintentional weight loss. As with other tumors and cancers, those in the mouth may be treated with surgery, radiation, drug therapy, or chemotherapy. Learn more about oral cancer here.

Jaw clicking is common and usually treatable

Clicking or popping of the jaw joint is extremely common and can often be addressed by your dentist or orthodontist through appliances or braces. However, it can be a sign of something more serious, including sleep apnea, arthritis, or cancer, which should be diagnosed and addressed as soon as possible. Remember, while jaw clicking may be common, it’s never normal.

If you think you may have TMD or another condition, contact our office through our website!