Jaw Clicking When Opening

19 Feb

Many people live their whole lives with a jaw that clicks occasionally and it never becomes a problem for them. An occasional click when opening or closing is very common and, on its own, is not a cause for alarm.

It’s only when the clicking becomes painful, or when the ability to fully open or close the mouth becomes affected, that it’s important to seek a Jaw Physio’s help. However, if the clicking is noticeably worsening or simply bothersome, you are very welcome to be proactive and have it assessed. At My Jaw Physio, practical strategies can be taught to help avoid clicking in most situations and postural contributors can be sorted out before they become a bigger problem.

Why is My Jaw Clicking When Opening?

Jaw clicking typically comes from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the joint located just in front of the ear that connects the jawbone to the skull. This joint allows for the complex movements required for speaking, chewing, yawning and laughing.

Inside the TMJ sits a small cartilage disc that acts as a cushion between the jawbone and the skull. Ideally, this disc moves smoothly and silently with the jaw during opening and closing.

When that movement becomes slightly uncoordinated, a click may be heard or felt.

Why Does Jaw Clicking Happen?

In most cases, jaw clicking occurs because the disc inside the joint momentarily lags behind the moving jawbone.

1. Disc Displacement and Clicking Jaw

The disc can lag behind and create small air pockets within the joint. When the disc rushes forward to catch up with the moving jawbone during opening, those air pockets are popped — producing the clicking sound.

This is extremely common. Many people have this type of disc movement and never experience pain or limitation.

2. Muscle Tension Contributing to Jaw Clicking

Clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism) increases muscle tension around the jaw. When surrounding muscles are tight, they can subtly alter how the joint moves.

That altered movement can put extra strain on the disc and increase the frequency that a click would be heard whilst opening the mouth.

3. Arthritis

Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis can affect the TMJ. In these cases, clicking may be accompanied by stiffness, discomfort, or reduced smoothness of movement.

Physiotherapy can help reduce the clicking experienced by those with arthritic jaws and joints where the disc seems to be causing the clicking sound.

When Is Jaw Clicking a Problem?

For most people, it isn’t.

An occasional clicking jaw without pain or restriction is very common and often harmless. Many individuals never go on to develop further jaw problems.

However, clicking should be assessed if there is:

Pain in the jaw, face, neck, or ear
Difficulty fully opening the mouth
Locking or catching of the jaw
Headaches associated with jaw tension
Clicking that is clearly worsening or becoming more frequent

If pain is present, this article on reducing jaw pain may also be helpful:
https://www.myjawphysio.com.au/patient-resources/tips-to-reduce-jaw-pain

Clicking Jaw with Pain or Restricted Opening

When clicking is combined with pain or reduced opening, it suggests the joint may be under increased stress.

In some cases, the disc may stop returning to its correct position during movement. Interestingly, the clicking can sometimes stop, but mouth opening becomes limited instead. Monitoring changes in symptoms is therefore important.

If the jaw is locking, painful, or interfering with daily activities, it is time to seek professional guidance.

At My Jaw Physio, jaw stiffness and pain is assessed thoroughly to determine exactly what the joint is doing. Individualised treatment plans are developed to improve movement, reduce strain and restore comfortable function.

Appointments can be booked online here:
https://www.myjawphysio.com.au/book-online

Practical Ways to Reduce Jaw Clicking

If jaw clicking is not painful, there are still practical steps that can reduce how often it occurs.

1. Learning to Open Without Jaw Clicking

Most people with jaw clicking can be taught how to slightly adjust their opening pattern to avoid the click altogether. Small changes in direction, speed and control of movement can make a significant difference.

Our physio Lara can teach specific techniques to help patients open their mouth without triggering the click.

2. Reducing Muscle Tension

Reducing clenching habits can significantly decrease clicking.

Helpful strategies include:

Keeping the teeth slightly apart when at rest
Letting the jaw hang down with your lips together when at rest
Avoiding gum chewing
Limiting very wide mouth opening (large yawns or oversized bites)

3. Gentle Jaw Exercises

Exercises should be tailored to the individual presentation, as inappropriate exercises can sometimes aggravate symptoms. At My Jaw Physio, specific exercises are prescribed based on a detailed assessment. For personalised guidance, appointments can be booked online or by calling 0429 992 290.