Jaw Clicking: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Q: Jaw Clicking: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Director Yeh： Please respond from the dental department regarding Ms. <br>Liu's description of her unique activity with the right temporomandibular joint (TMJ). <br>This is necessary to reposition the right TMJ, and during the movement, she experiences a clicking sound, which is

Jaw clicking?

Hello Dr.
Yeh: I have noticed that sometimes I intentionally open my mouth wide and move my right lower jaw (around the area behind the molars) as if this is the only way to reposition the joint of my right lower jaw (I can hear a clicking sound).
I didn't think much of it at first, but recently this has been happening more frequently; I always do this before I start eating.
However, after laughing recently, it felt like my jaw was dislocated and couldn't go back into place (only on one side).
When eating or yawning, I can't open my mouth too wide, or else I experience slight pain in the joint area.
I would like to ask the doctor if this could be considered a dislocation? Do I need to go to the hospital for treatment? Or are there other methods to alleviate or improve these symptoms? Thank you!

Liu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/06/13

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics

Director Yeh: Please respond from the dental department regarding Ms.
Liu's description of her unique activity with the right temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
This is necessary to reposition the right TMJ, and during the movement, she experiences a clicking sound, which is a symptom of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).
The joint makes noise when opening and closing the mouth, and sometimes the jaw deviates to one side while opening.
In severe cases, there may be pain and tenderness in the facial area near the joint.
Another situation occurs when the mouth is opened wide (such as yawning or laughing), where the jaw seems to get stuck and cannot return to its original position, making it impossible to close the mouth.
This may indicate a dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ dislocation).
TMJ dislocations can be classified as acute, chronic, or habitual dislocations.
Typically, acute dislocations can be managed conservatively (manual reduction), but chronic and habitual dislocations may require surgical intervention by oral and maxillofacial surgery, as they can be manually reduced but not permanently resolved.
If necessary, the head and jaw may be secured with elastic bandages for four weeks to temporarily stabilize the TMJ.
Dislocation primarily occurs when the condyle of the mandible moves anteriorly to the articular eminence and cannot return to its original position autonomously.
Causes include trauma leading to irritation of the masticatory muscles or ligaments, long-term use of certain medications from internal medicine or psychiatry, and prolonged emotional stress causing muscle tension in the TMJ.
It is recommended that a detailed physical examination and radiographic assessment be conducted by a physician, along with an investigation for any odontogenic infections to identify the source of pain and provide appropriate treatment.
Dental Director, Tseng Guang-Hui.

Reply Date: 2003/06/13

More Info

Jaw clicking, often accompanied by discomfort or pain, can be a sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull, and issues with this joint can lead to a variety of symptoms, including clicking sounds, pain, and difficulty in jaw movement. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for jaw clicking is essential for effective management.

Causes of Jaw Clicking
1. TMJ Disorders: The most common cause of jaw clicking is a disorder of the TMJ. This can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Disc Displacement: The articular disc that cushions the joint may shift out of its normal position, leading to clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw.

- Arthritis: Inflammation of the joint due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause changes in the joint structure, resulting in clicking sounds.

- Jaw Misalignment: An improper bite or misalignment of the teeth can place undue stress on the TMJ, leading to dysfunction.

2. Muscle Tension: Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension in the jaw, which may contribute to TMJ disorders and clicking sounds.

3. Injury: Trauma to the jaw or head can result in TMJ dysfunction, leading to clicking and pain.

4. Bruxism: Grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep, can put excessive pressure on the TMJ, causing it to click or pop.

Symptoms Associated with Jaw Clicking
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: This is often the first noticeable symptom. It may occur when opening or closing the mouth or during chewing.

- Pain or Discomfort: Pain may be localized to the jaw joint, but it can also radiate to the face, neck, or shoulders.

- Limited Jaw Movement: Difficulty in fully opening or closing the mouth can occur, especially after episodes of clicking.

- Locking of the Jaw: In some cases, the jaw may feel like it is "stuck" or locked in place, which can be distressing.

Treatment Options
1. Self-Care and Home Remedies:
- Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying a warm compress or ice pack to the jaw can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

- Gentle Jaw Exercises: Performing gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can improve jaw mobility and reduce clicking.

- Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help reduce muscle tension associated with stress.

2. Over-the-Counter Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

3. Dental Treatment: If misalignment is a contributing factor, a dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment or a custom mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding.

4. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises and techniques to strengthen the jaw muscles and improve function.

5. Medical Intervention: If conservative treatments fail, a healthcare provider may recommend more invasive options, such as:
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the joint can reduce inflammation and pain.

- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options may be considered to repair or replace the joint.

When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience persistent jaw clicking accompanied by significant pain, difficulty in jaw movement, or episodes of locking, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. A dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause of your symptoms.

In summary, jaw clicking can be indicative of TMJ disorders, and understanding the potential causes and treatment options is crucial for effective management. Early intervention can help prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Jaw Clicking: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello, I would like to ask a question. Every time I open my mouth wide, like when trying to eat a whole apple, there is a loud sound coming from the area near my ears, specifically behind my teeth. It feels like my jaw is about to dislocate. What could be the reason for this? Is ...

Dr. Zhuang Suhui reply Dentistry
Based on your description, this appears to be a case of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The temporomandibular joint is located just in front of and below the ear and is responsible for the movement of the mandible (lower jaw). Issues with the joint disc, surrounding muscl...

Clicking Jaw Joint: Causes and Solutions for Your Concerns

In recent days, I've been experiencing a sensation of my jaw joint behind my ear feeling stuck, accompanied by sounds when I eat or wake up from sleep. Sometimes, it's difficult to chew properly, and I keep hearing clicking noises. I'm not sure what could be causin...

Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry
Response to the physician: Subject of the issue: While eating........ Response: Your symptoms are likely due to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which can be caused by bruxism, trauma, malocclusion, arthritis, etc. Please visit a major hospital to consult a specialist.

Understanding Jaw Pain: When Chewing Becomes a Challenge

Hello Dr. Zhu^^ Although I used a more humorous title, I feel that this issue has become serious. It's said that a hamburger cannot be bitten in one bite, but in reality, my mouth cannot open as wide as it used to! This includes yawning, chewing food, and suddenly needing to...

Dr. Zhu Guanyu reply Dentistry
Dear Student Li, Hello, based on your description of symptoms, it sounds very much like a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The reduced mouth opening and the "clicking" sound when opening your mouth are typical symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. However, an accurate di...

Understanding Jaw Clicking Sounds: Causes and Solutions for Ear Issues

In February of this year, I started wearing foam earplugs every night for over a month due to noise sensitivity. One night, I forgot to wear them and heard a clicking sound (only in the right ear, on the side with missing teeth) that lasted about 30 seconds. Initially, I could on...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: If it is confirmed that the issue is related to temporomandibular joint dysfunction and malocclusion, it is recommended that you consult an oral surgeon at a medical center for a solution. Mild interventions may include joint irrigation, PRP injections, or Michigan occlusa...