Hearing a popping or clicking sound when you open or close your jaw can be unsettling. But if it doesn’t hurt, you might be wondering why it’s happening at all and if you should be concerned about it.
In general, occasional jaw popping isn’t a cause for worry. But if you have persistent jaw noises, especially when they’re accompanied by pain or other symptoms, it could indicate an underlying issue.
One common cause of jaw popping is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, and our team at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California, specialize in TMJ treatment.
Here's what you should know about jaw popping and when to seek help.
Jaw popping often occurs due to misalignment or stress on your temporomandibular joint. This joint allows for smooth movements when speaking, chewing, or yawning. Common reasons for jaw popping include:
TMJ disorders affect the hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have two TMJs, one on either side of your face, and an issue with either one can affect the joint's functionality, leading to sounds, discomfort, and stiffness.
Regularly clenching or grinding your teeth is called bruxism. It’s a (usually subconscious) habit that exerts excessive pressure on your jaw and contributes to joint dysfunction over time.
Issues with your bite or how your teeth come together can put unusual stress on your jaw joint, increasing your risk of jaw popping or discomfort.
Degenerative joint conditions like arthritis can reduce your jaw joint's cushioning, causing popping noises. Injuries, like a direct impact to your jaw, can also disrupt normal joint movement and cause symptoms long after the injury itself has healed.
Jaw popping doesn't usually appear in isolation. If a TMJ disorder is the root cause, you might experience additional symptoms like:
These symptoms could be a sign of a TMJ disorder, which has the power to disrupt your daily life and get worse over time.
If your jaw popping is frequent, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms, make an appointment with Dr. Touni and our team.
TMJ disorders are complex, and they can arise from various factors, including genetics, stress, or dental issues. We can evaluate your symptoms to diagnose the root cause and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Depending on your condition, we may recommend:
Don’t ignore a popping jaw. While it might seem minor at first, addressing the issue early can help you avoid discomfort and more serious complications. Book an appointment by calling our office or scheduling online today to learn more about how we can help.
