Why Does My Jaw Click or Pop? How Is It Treated?

Clicking, popping, cracking or grinding-like sounds may occur when opening or closing the mouth. These sounds often originate from the temporomandibular joint and the surrounding structures that connect the lower jaw to the skull.

However, jaw sounds alone do not indicate one specific condition. It is also important to consider whether pain, limited mouth opening, jaw locking or difficulty chewing is present.

Why Does the Jaw Click or Pop?

The temporomandibular joint is a complex system in which the joint surfaces, articular disc, ligaments and surrounding muscles work together during jaw movement.

Changes in the movement pattern of these structures may produce sounds while opening or closing the mouth.

What Is the Temporomandibular Joint?

The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and is involved in movements required for speaking, chewing, swallowing and opening the mouth.

There is one joint on each side, and the two joints function together.

What Is the Articular Disc of the Jaw Joint?

Inside the temporomandibular joint, an articular disc is positioned between the joint surfaces and contributes to controlled jaw movement.

Changes in the relationship between the disc and the joint head may sometimes be associated with clicking or popping sounds.

What Does a Clicking Sound When Opening the Mouth Mean?

A single click may sometimes be related to movement of the articular disc within the joint.

However, a diagnosis cannot be made from the sound alone.

The point during movement at which the sound occurs, the presence of pain and the overall pattern of jaw movement should be assessed clinically.

Is It Normal for the Jaw to Click Every Time It Opens?

Jaw joint sounds can occur in the general population, and a painless clicking sound does not always indicate a condition requiring active treatment.

However, evaluation may be appropriate if the sound is new, progressively increasing or accompanied by pain or movement problems.

Why Does the Jaw Make a Popping or Cracking Sound?

Sounds described as popping, cracking, clicking or snapping may not all arise from the same mechanism.

The articular disc, joint surfaces and surrounding tissues may contribute to different types of joint sounds.

What Can Cause Grinding or Sand-Like Sounds in the Jaw?

Some patients describe finer grinding, rubbing or sand-like noises during jaw movement.

These sounds may have different characteristics from a single click and may warrant assessment of the joint surfaces and overall joint function.

Can Teeth Clenching Cause Jaw Clicking?

Teeth clenching and grinding may be associated with increased loading of the chewing muscles and temporomandibular joints.

However, not every jaw sound is directly caused by clenching.

If bruxism is suspected, the teeth, chewing muscles and temporomandibular joints should be evaluated together.

Can Stress Cause Jaw Joint Sounds?

Stress may be associated with increased clenching or jaw muscle activity in some individuals.

This may influence existing jaw symptoms, but stress should not automatically be considered the sole cause of a joint sound.

Can Chewing on One Side Affect the Jaw Joint?

Habitually chewing on one side may contribute to asymmetrical loading of the chewing system.

Its effect on the temporomandibular joints varies between individuals.

Can Habits That Overload the Jaw Cause Clicking?

Some habits may place additional stress on the jaw joints and muscles.

Prolonged gum chewing, frequently eating very hard foods, or repeatedly moving the jaw forward or sideways may increase symptoms in some individuals.

Can Jaw Clicking Begin After Trauma?

Trauma to the jaw or facial region may affect the temporomandibular joint and surrounding tissues.

If a new joint sound, pain, change in the bite or restricted mouth opening develops after trauma, clinical evaluation is appropriate.

Does Jaw Clicking Always Cause Pain?

No.

Some people have joint sounds without pain or loss of function.

For this reason, the presence of a sound alone should not be considered the same as a painful temporomandibular disorder.

What If Jaw Clicking and Pain Occur Together?

If pain accompanies the joint sound, the temporomandibular joint, chewing muscles and jaw movements should be evaluated.

The location of the pain, when it occurs and which movements aggravate it are important parts of the clinical assessment.

What Is Jaw Locking?

Jaw locking may refer to difficulty continuing normal opening or closing movements of the mouth.

If locking or marked restriction in movement accompanies joint sounds, professional evaluation should not be delayed.

Why Is Limited Mouth Opening Important?

A noticeable reduction in mouth opening may indicate a functional problem involving the temporomandibular joint or surrounding muscles.

Patients should not attempt to force the jaw open on their own.

What Is Evaluated During a TMJ Examination?

The assessment may include mouth opening, the direction of jaw movement, joint sounds, pain, chewing muscle tenderness and the relationship between the upper and lower teeth.

Additional imaging or evaluation by another healthcare discipline may be considered when clinically necessary.

How Is Jaw Clicking Treated?

Treatment is not determined solely by the presence of a sound.

First, it is necessary to evaluate whether the sound is associated with pain, functional limitation or another clinical problem.

When treatment is indicated, conservative approaches may be considered first in appropriate cases.

Does Every Patient with Jaw Clicking Need a Night Guard?

No.

A night guard or stabilization splint is not automatically prescribed simply because a jaw sound is present.

The need for a splint should be determined after evaluating clenching, muscle activity, joint findings and the overall clinical picture.

Does Jaw Clicking Require Orthodontic Treatment?

Jaw clicking alone is not an indication for orthodontic treatment.

The bite relationship may be included in the assessment, but orthodontic treatment should not automatically be planned solely to eliminate a joint sound.

Can Jaw Clicking Go Away on Its Own?

Some joint sounds may change over time or become less noticeable to the patient.

However, the future course of jaw sounds varies between individuals.

If pain or loss of function is present, it is more appropriate to seek assessment rather than simply waiting for the sound to disappear.

When Should Jaw Clicking Be Evaluated?

Clinical evaluation may be appropriate in situations such as:

• Jaw sounds accompanied by pain
• Noticeable limitation in mouth opening
• Jaw locking
• Difficulty chewing
• Joint sounds beginning after trauma
• Progressively worsening sounds or other symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Clicking

Is a clicking sound from the jaw dangerous?

A painless clicking sound alone does not always indicate a serious problem. Clinical evaluation is appropriate if pain, locking or limited movement is also present.

Why does my jaw click when I open my mouth?

Different causes related to the articular disc and joint movement may be involved. The exact cause cannot be determined without clinical evaluation.

Can teeth clenching cause jaw clicking?

Clenching may influence the load on the jaw joint and chewing muscles, but not every joint sound can be explained by clenching alone.

Do I need treatment if my jaw clicks but does not hurt?

Painless joint sounds do not always require active treatment. However, evaluation may be considered if the sound is new or associated with changes in jaw function.

Can orthodontic treatment stop jaw clicking?

Orthodontic treatment is not a treatment for every temporomandibular joint sound. Orthodontic treatment needs and joint symptoms should be evaluated as separate clinical issues.

What should I do if my jaw locks?

If the jaw becomes noticeably locked during opening or closing, professional evaluation should be sought. Trying to force the jaw to move is not appropriate.

Content Last Updated: 2 September 2026

Content Reviewed By: Orthodontist Çağrı Şibal

This content has been prepared for general informational purposes and does not replace a clinical diagnosis or personalized treatment recommendation. The clinical significance of jaw joint sounds should be evaluated together with pain, limitation of movement, locking and other accompanying findings.