Why Does My Jaw Click? What That Sound Might Be Telling You

If you’ve been searching for answers to “why does my jaw click,” you’re far from alone. It is, indeed, a common issue, but at the same time, it can be a sign of underlying problems. As such, you shouldn’t ignore jaw clicking, especially when it comes with jaw pain or other symptoms. 

Here’s what you should know about the causes of a clicking jaw and how your dentist can help.

What causes jaw clicking?

Let’s tackle that primary question: “Why does my jaw click?” Many different factors can contribute to this issue, with a misalignment of the jaw or bite being among the most common. When your jaw is misaligned, it doesn’t open and close correctly. Clicking noises can, therefore, result from the irregular movement.

Many cases of jaw clicking are related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joints just in front of your ears that allow jaw movement. Numerous issues can affect the TMJ and the muscles and nerves surrounding it, including temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), for which jaw clicking is a common symptom.

You could also experience jaw clicking because of teeth grinding or clenching. These behaviors often take place during sleep, however, which means you might not even be aware of the underlying problem. The pressure and stress of grinding and clenching have a serious impact on your jaw, potentially leading to clicking noises and jaw pain over time.

Additionally, an injury to the jaw can leave you with a persistent clicking noise during movement. Jaw injury cases are highly case-dependent, so the extent of your symptoms will vary depending on your unique injury. 

Lastly, arthritis is another potential concern. It can affect the TMJ and show early symptoms, such as clicking, before seriously reducing function later on.

When is jaw clicking a problem?

Jaw clicking might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can indicate serious underlying issues, especially when accompanied by jaw pain. If biting and other jaw movements cause you significant discomfort, do not ignore them as they will only get worse over time.

Jaw clicking accompanied by headaches and pain in other areas of the face can indicate underlying TMJ issues. You may notice discomfort throughout the temples and cheeks that gets bad enough to disrupt your daily activities. These pains are often associated with muscle tension and nerve irritation caused by TMD.

Having difficulty opening or closing your mouth is another clear indicator of more serious issues. That sort of restricted movement can highlight joint inflammation and other TMJ problems. You may experience difficulty speaking, chewing, or yawning, and the stiffness can get worse over time, leading to additional strain on surrounding muscles.

Jaw locking is one of the most serious symptoms you can experience, wherein your jaw can occasionally become stuck either open or closed. If that occurs, you may have serious TMJ issues, such as a displaced disc or other mechanical problems.

If you experience any of these signs, schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible. An accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment can provide lasting relief and help you avoid further complications.

How Your Dentist Can Help

When you schedule a visit to your dentist about jaw clicking and other symptoms, they’ll carry out a thorough evaluation of your bite and jaw function. The assessment can include a visual examination, manual evaluation of jaw movement, and imaging, such as X-rays. Each of these approaches will let your dentist identify jaw misalignment or other factors that are causing your jaw to click alongside the associated discomfort.

Custom night guards are among the most common treatment options for many TMD cases. These devices hold the jaw in a comfortable position and prevent contact between the upper and lower teeth. They reduce strain from actions like grinding and clenching, which further helps protect your teeth.

Patients with misalignments may require treatment to adjust their bite. That could mean orthodontic treatment options, such as braces, which will restore smooth and natural jaw movement for lasting relief.

Structural issues affecting the teeth and jaw may require restorative dentistry or prosthodontic solutions. Replacing missing teeth with crowns, bridges, or dental implants can help stabilize the jaw and improve bite alignment, alleviating a variety of potential TMJ-related issues.

Jaw Pain Relief From Your Dentist Near Boise, ID

The best way to find the answer to “Why does my jaw click?” is to have a trusted family dentist in Boise, ID, take a closer look. Our team will carefully evaluate your jaw to find the root cause and provide effective treatment. Discover how Staley Dental helps and take the first steps toward lasting relief today!