Why Does My Jaw Click?

A clicking jaw is one of those things people tend to notice and then quietly learn to live with. It might happen when you open your mouth wide, chew, or yawn. Sometimes it’s painless. Sometimes it comes with an ache or a sense of stiffness. Either way, it is worth understanding what is actually happening.

Jaw clicking is one of the most common signs of underlying temporomandibular disorders (TMD) — a group of conditions affecting the jaw joints, jaw muscles, and surrounding structures. It affects far more people than most realise.

What causes the clicking sound?

The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. Sitting between the bones is a disc which is made of cartilage that acts as a cushion and allows the joint to move smoothly. When this disc shifts out of position, even slightly, the joint can click or pop as the jaw moves.

This disc displacement is the most common cause of jaw clicking. It can happen gradually over time from wear and tear or following a specific incident such as a blow to the jaw, a wide yawn, or dental procedure.

Is jaw clicking something to be concerned about?

Not always, but it depends on what else is happening. Clicking alone, without pain or jaw locking is relatively common and may not require treatment beyond monitoring. However, clicking that comes with any of the following warrants a proper assessment:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, ear, or temple

• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully

• A feeling that the jaw catches, locks, or gets stuck

• Headaches

• Changes in the way your teeth come together

Left unaddressed, disc displacement can progress. In some cases the disc becomes permanently displaced and the clicking stops — but this is not improvement. It often signals that the joint has locked which is typically associated with significant pain.

What else can cause jaw clicking?

Other contributing factors include:

• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), which places repeated strain on the joint

• Muscle tightness in the jaw, temples, or neck

• Arthritis affecting the temporomandibular joint

• Hypermobility, where the joint moves beyond its normal range

• Previous jaw trauma or injury

A thorough assessment is the only way to identify which structures are involved and what is driving the problem.

What does treatment involve?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. At Perth Oral Medicine and Dental Sleep Centre, we assess the joint, jaw muscles, the bite, and contributing factors such as sleep and stress. From there, a treatment plan is tailored to the individual.

For many patients, a custom oral splint worn at night reduces pressure on the joint. This is often combined with jaw exercises to improve joint stability. In some cases, additional therapies or imaging are needed to get a clearer picture of the joint.

The goal is not just to manage the click. It is to understand why the joint is behaving the way it is and address the cause before it progresses.

When should you seek help?

If your jaw clicks regularly, and it is uncomfortable or if it catches, it is worth having it assessed. Pain is not always the first sign that something needs attention. Early review means more options, simpler treatment, and better outcomes.

A referral from your GP or dentist is all you need to get started.

Your jaw should open, close, and chew without drama. If it doesn’t, that’s worth looking into.

To learn more, call us on (08) 9376 6789.

IMPORTANT: This content is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute medical or dental advice. Readers should consult a qualified health professional regarding any personal health concerns