Understanding TMJ Click: What It Means and When to Be Concerned
If you’ve ever heard or felt a clicking or popping sound in your jaw while chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth wide, you’re not alone. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a “TMJ click.” It can be concerning, especially when it’s accompanied by discomfort or restricted jaw movement. As an Orofacial Pain Consultant, I’d like to walk you through what this click means, why it happens, and when it might be time to seek help.
What Is the TMJ?
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint—the hinge-like connection between your jawbone (mandible) and the temporal bone of your skull, located just in front of each ear. This joint is responsible for various movements like opening, closing, and sliding the jaw side-to-side, enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn.
What Causes a TMJ Click?
A clicking sound in the TMJ is often caused by a displacement of the articular disc within the joint. This disc acts as a cushion between the jawbone and the skull, helping the joint glide smoothly. When the disc shifts out of its normal position—often forward—it can cause the bones to move irregularly. The “click” you hear is typically the sound of the disc snapping back into place during jaw movement.
This condition is known as Disc Displacement with Reduction, and it’s one of the most common forms of TMJ disorders.
Is TMJ Clicking Always a Problem?
Not necessarily. Many people experience TMJ clicking at some point without any pain or other symptoms. If the click occurs occasionally, doesn’t hurt, and doesn’t affect your ability to move your jaw, it may not require treatment.
However, clicking can be a sign of underlying issues, especially if it’s accompanied by:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Limited jaw opening
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- Locking of the jaw (either open or closed)
- Grinding or clenching of teeth (bruxism)
Common Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to TMJ clicking, including:
- Stress and jaw tension
- Clenching or grinding teeth, especially during sleep
- Misalignment of the teeth or bite
- Trauma or injury to the jaw
- Arthritis in the joint
- Repetitive habits, like chewing gum or nail-biting
When Should You See a Specialist?
If the clicking is persistent and accompanied by pain, discomfort, or changes in your bite, it’s best to consult a professional—preferably an Orofacial Pain Consultant. We specialize in diagnosing and managing disorders related to the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
Early evaluation can help prevent the progression of symptoms and guide you toward appropriate treatment options.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment for TMJ clicking depends on the cause and severity. Conservative, non-invasive approaches are often effective and may include:
- Jaw exercises to improve function and reduce clicking
- Oral appliances such as stabilization splints or nightguards
- Lifestyle changes like stress management and diet modifications
- Physical therapy or manual therapy
- Medications, such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants
In rare cases where conservative measures are ineffective, more advanced interventions like injections or surgery may be considered.
Final Thoughts
A TMJ click may seem like a minor annoyance, but it can sometimes be a sign of a deeper issue within the jaw joint. Understanding its cause and knowing when to seek help can make a big difference in your comfort and quality of life.
If you’re experiencing jaw clicking with discomfort or other symptoms, don’t ignore it. Early intervention can help restore proper function and prevent long-term damage.
If you have any concerns about TMJ clicking or jaw pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified orofacial pain consultant. Your jaw deserves the same level of care as any other joint in your body.