Is It Bad If My Jaw Clicks When I Chew?
Quick answer: is a clicking jaw bad?
A jaw that clicks when you chew, with no pain and no trouble opening or closing, is common and usually does not need treatment. It is worth an exam if the clicking comes with pain, stiffness, limited opening, or locking, because those can point to a jaw joint problem called temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Clicking without pain is common and often left alone.
Pain, stiffness, or a jaw that catches or locks deserves an exam.
Many jaw joint problems settle down on their own.
Never force or "pop" your jaw back into place.
A jaw stuck open or closed needs prompt medical care.
You bite into a sandwich, hear a click near your ear, and start to wonder if something is wrong. You are not alone, and the answer depends on one big question: does it hurt? This post explains when a clicking jaw is usually harmless, when it is worth getting checked, and what to avoid doing at home. It comes from Smyrna Dental Studio in Smyrna, GA.
Is it bad if my jaw clicks when I chew?
A jaw that clicks when you chew, with no pain, is often not a concern. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) says clicking or popping in the jaw joints without pain is common, is considered normal, and does not require treatment. Pain or trouble moving your jaw is more of a concern. Cleveland Clinic takes a more cautious view of popping while you eat, and suggests having a provider look at it even without pain.
Why does the jaw click at all?
The jaw joint sits just in front of each ear and works every time you chew, talk, or yawn. Cleveland Clinic lists several things linked to jaw popping, including teeth grinding or clenching, nail biting, gum chewing, stress-related muscle tension, arthritis, an uneven bite, and injury.
Signs your clicking is more than a quirk
Clicking that comes with pain in the jaw or chewing muscles, pain that spreads to your face or neck, stiffness, or limited movement is different. The NIDCR lists these as symptoms that may signal a TMD, so they are worth having examined. If that sounds like you, our TMJ care page explains how we approach it.
Will a clicking jaw heal on its own?
Many jaw joint problems settle down on their own. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes that signs of jaw joint disorders (TMD) go away without treatment for many people, and many cases last only a short time. Clicking without pain is considered normal and does not require treatment. A jaw that keeps getting worse, or a click that starts to hurt, should not be ignored.
What tends to help it settle
The NIDCR suggests starting with simple steps: eat soft foods, and use heat or cold on the face along with gentle exercises to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles. Cleveland Clinic also mentions a mouth guard for people who grind or clench. If you use a pain reliever, follow the product label and ask a pharmacist or your doctor what is right for you.
Why habits matter
Because clenching and grinding are linked to jaw popping, noticing them can help. You can read more about common causes of jaw pain or how a night guard may help with teeth grinding.
Want this checked? If your jaw clicks and also hurts or feels stiff, you can book a visit online or call (770) 863-0005, and we will help find the earliest visit available.
How do I get my jaw to stop clicking?
There is no single fix that stops jaw clicking for everyone, and clicking without pain often needs no treatment. If pain comes with it, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research suggests gentle steps first, such as soft foods, heat or cold on the face, and gentle jaw exercises. A dentist can help find the cause.
What a dentist may look at
A dentist can check how your jaw opens and closes, feel the joint and chewing muscles, and ask about grinding, clenching, stress, and past injuries. From there, options may include soft foods, jaw exercises, a mouth guard, or other conservative care. Some people also ask about Botox at the dentist for clenching, and we cover that in does Botox for jaw clenching work.
Go slowly with irreversible treatments
The NIDCR advises talking through benefits, risks, and alternatives with your doctor or dentist before any irreversible treatment, such as surgery or treatments that permanently change the teeth, bite, or jaw joints. It also says there is not enough evidence that treatments that change the bite work for TMD, and in some cases they make the problem worse. Gentle, reversible steps come first.
How do I reset my TMJ jaw?
Do not try to reset your jaw joint yourself. Cleveland Clinic says to never try to pop your jaw back into place on your own, and to seek medical treatment right away if your jaw popped out of place. If your jaw feels stuck or out of place, get prompt medical care instead of pushing on it.
What to do instead
The NIDCR suggests soft foods, heat or cold on the face with gentle jaw exercises, and cutting back on habits such as jaw clenching, gum chewing, and nail biting. Cleveland Clinic suggests training yourself to keep your teeth slightly apart unless you are eating, swallowing, or speaking. If the problem does not ease, have a dentist look at it.
When should you get a clicking jaw checked?
Get it checked if the clicking comes with ongoing pain, stiffness, trouble opening wide, or chewing that feels off. Cleveland Clinic lists jaw pain or tenderness that does not go away, being unable to close your jaw completely, and a jaw that pops when you chew as reasons to schedule a visit. It also says popping while eating or speaking is worth having a provider look at, even without pain. Call us and we will help find the earliest visit available.
Red flags to act on
Your jaw locks open or will not close all the way.
Your jaw is stuck closed and you cannot open your mouth.
Pain that keeps getting worse or spreads to your face or neck.
Noticeably limited opening that makes eating hard.
Clicking after a blow to the face or jaw.
A jaw that is out of place or locked open needs medical treatment right away. Call us, and if you cannot reach the office, go to an urgent care or the ER. If you have swelling with trouble breathing or swallowing, a fever, or swelling that spreads across your face or neck, go to the ER or call 911. Jaw pain that comes with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or cold sweats can be a heart attack symptom, and MedlinePlus says to call 911 even if you are not sure (see heart attack symptoms). For other jaw pain or locking, call (770) 863-0005.
Frequently asked questions
Can stress make my jaw click?
It can play a part. Cleveland Clinic lists stress-related muscle tension among the factors linked to jaw popping. Stress often leads people to clench or grind without noticing. Paying attention to jaw habits during the day, and letting your teeth rest apart, may help.
Should I stop chewing gum if my jaw clicks?
It may help to cut back. Cleveland Clinic lists gum chewing among habits linked to jaw popping, and the NIDCR suggests soft foods when the jaw is sore. If gum makes the clicking or soreness worse, skip it for a while and see whether things settle.
Is jaw clicking a sign of arthritis?
Sometimes it can be. Cleveland Clinic lists arthritis among the causes of jaw popping, but many people click without it. Because several things can cause the sound, a dentist needs to examine the joint before saying what is behind it in your case.
Do I need a night guard if my jaw clicks?
Not always. A mouth guard is one option Cleveland Clinic mentions, especially for people who grind or clench. If your clicking has no pain, you may not need any treatment. A dentist can tell you whether a guard makes sense for you.
Can I still chew normally if my jaw clicks?
Many people can. If chewing hurts, choose softer foods for a while, as the NIDCR suggests. If you cannot open wide enough to eat or your jaw catches or locks, call the office.
Book a visit to talk through your jaw
A quiet click is often nothing to worry about, but pain, stiffness, or locking is worth an exam. We can look at your jaw, talk through what may be going on, and go over gentle options first. You can meet our team, including Dr. Natasha Kanchwala, and ask about TMJ care in Smyrna at a consultation. Book online or call (770) 863-0005, serving Smyrna and nearby Vinings, Mableton, Marietta and Austell. This is general information, not a diagnosis. A dentist needs to examine you to advise on your situation.
