Is Jaw Clicking Normal or a Warning Sign?

You’re eating lunch when you hear it—a distinct clicking or popping sound coming from your jaw. Maybe it happens every time you open your mouth wide, or perhaps it’s occasional. Either way, you wonder if something’s wrong.

Understanding Your Jaw Joint

Your jaw operates through the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, which connects your lower jaw to your skull. This joint includes a small disc of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones. When that disc shifts out of position or when the joint surfaces don’t glide smoothly, you might hear clicking or popping sounds.

When Clicking is Usually Harmless

Jaw clicking alone, without other symptoms, often isn’t cause for concern. If your jaw clicks but you have no pain, no difficulty chewing, and your jaw doesn’t lock or catch, you’re probably experiencing what dentists call asymptomatic TMJ sounds.
Some people have had clicking jaws for years without developing any additional symptoms. The click becomes part of their normal jaw function.

Red Flags That Deserve Attention

Pain is the most important warning sign. If your jaw clicking comes with pain in your jaw joint, face, or ears, especially pain that worsens when you chew, this suggests dysfunction that could worsen without intervention.

Locking is another significant concern. If your jaw occasionally gets stuck in an open or closed position, even briefly, the disc may be displacing in a way that mechanically blocks movement.

Limited range of motion should also concern you. If you can’t open your mouth as wide as you used to, or if opening wide has become difficult or painful, your TMJ problem may be progressing.

Common Causes

Teeth grinding or clenching puts enormous pressure on the TMJ. Jaw injuries, even old ones, can lead to clicking years later. Stress and anxiety often manifest as jaw tension, creating chronic strain that can lead to clicking and eventually pain.

What You Can Do

Pay attention to jaw habits during the day. Notice if you clench your teeth when concentrating. Avoid extreme jaw movements—cut food into smaller pieces and skip foods that require excessive chewing.

Any jaw clicking accompanied by pain, locking, or difficulty chewing warrants a professional evaluation. At Blue Poppy Dental Care, we can assess your TMJ function and determine whether treatment is needed.

Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and get answers about what’s really happening with your jaw.