What is the temporomandibular joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull, just in front of each ear. A small disc of cartilage sits between the bones and cushions movement. As you open and close your mouth, the jaw rotates and slides forward, and the disc moves with it. If the disc shifts out of place or the muscles pull unevenly, you may feel or hear a click, pop or grating sound. See dolor de mandíbula en un solo lado (Spanish) and popping sound in ear.
Common causes of jaw clicking
- Disc displacement with reduction: the disc slips forward when the mouth is closed and snaps back into place on opening, producing a click.
- Bruxism: clenching and grinding teeth, especially during sleep.
- Muscle tension and stress, with tight chewing muscles.
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis or inflammatory) causing grating or crackling.
- Jaw injury or dislocation.
- Bite problems, missing teeth, dental work or orthodontics.
- Habits: chewing gum, nail biting, chewing on pens, holding the phone against the shoulder.
- Hypermobility of joints, including the jaw.
- Posture: forward head posture and neck tension.
When clicking is harmless
Many people have a painless clicking jaw for years with no problem. If the click does not hurt, does not limit your opening (you can fit three fingers stacked vertically between your front teeth), does not lock and does not change over time, treatment is generally unnecessary. Research shows that painless clicking rarely progresses to a serious problem, and “fixing” it surgically or with major dental work is not usually advised. Education and simple self-care are enough.
Signs that it is more than a harmless click
- Jaw pain at rest or when chewing, yawning or talking.
- Pain or tenderness in front of the ear or in the cheek muscles.
- Locking in the open or closed position.
- Limited mouth opening or deviation of the jaw to one side.
- Headaches, earache, ringing in the ear or a feeling of ear fullness. See ear pain when swallowing.
- Grating (crepitus) rather than a single click, suggesting arthritis.
- Facial swelling, a change in bite or pain after trauma.
- Neck and shoulder tension.
Self-care
- Soft diet for a few weeks: avoid tough, chewy or crunchy foods and cut food into small pieces.
- Avoid gum chewing, nail biting, resting the jaw on your hand and wide yawning (support the chin).
- Heat packs for 10–15 minutes to relax muscles; ice if acutely inflamed.
- Rest position: teeth apart, lips together, tongue resting on the roof of the mouth.
- Stress management: relaxation, exercise and good sleep; clenching often increases with stress. See deep breathing for anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatories or paracetamol briefly for pain, if suitable.
- Posture: keep your head over your shoulders and avoid cradling the phone.
Gentle jaw exercises
- Controlled opening: open slowly in front of a mirror, keeping the jaw straight, to the point just before clicking; 10 repetitions.
- Resisted opening and closing: place a thumb under the chin and push gently as you open, then push the chin as you close, 5 repetitions.
- Side-to-side movements: glide the jaw gently left and right.
- Tongue-up opening: rest the tongue on the roof of the mouth and open slowly.
- Massage the masseter and temporalis muscles with small circles.
- Do exercises a few times daily within comfort; a physiotherapist can tailor them.
Treatment options
- Physiotherapy: manual therapy, posture correction and exercise.
- Bite splint (night guard) made by a dentist for clenching or grinding.
- Medicines: short-term anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and, for chronic pain, low-dose antidepressants.
- Botulinum toxin for severe muscle overactivity in selected patients.
- Injections: corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid into the joint.
- Arthrocentesis and arthroscopy for locked joints.
- Surgery is rarely needed.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for pain and clenching.
Jaw problems and the ear
The TMJ lies directly in front of the ear canal, so jaw problems commonly cause ear pain, a feeling of fullness, popping and sometimes tinnitus even though the ear itself is normal. If you have ear symptoms that do not respond to ear treatment, have an ENT or dentist check the jaw. Conversely, jaw pain from TMJ can mimic ear infections. See pain behind ear and clogged ears.
When to see a doctor or dentist
- Jaw pain that lasts more than 1–2 weeks.
- Locking, or difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
- Clicking after an injury.
- Ear pain, hearing changes or ringing with jaw symptoms.
- Headaches, neck pain or facial pain.
- Swelling, redness, fever or numbness.
- Jaw pain with chest pain, sweating or breathlessness: emergency.
Three common situations
A young adult with a painless click when opening wide: reassurance, avoid wide yawns and monitor.
A person who wakes with a sore jaw and headaches: likely night grinding; see a dentist about a splint.
Someone whose jaw locked after a big yawn: needs prompt assessment.
Key points to remember
Jaw clicking when chewing is usually a harmless TMJ disc or muscle issue. Painless clicks need no treatment; pain, locking or limited opening do. Use a soft diet, stress management and gentle exercises, and seek care when needed. Our ENT and physiotherapy team can assess your jaw.
This guide is for general information and does not replace an examination by your own doctor, dentist or ENT specialist.
Questions about jaw clicking when chewing
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
Why does my jaw click when I chew?
Usually the TMJ disc shifting out of place and back, or muscle tension.
Is jaw clicking serious?
Not if painless and with normal movement; pain, locking or limited opening need care.
What helps a clicking jaw?
A soft diet, avoiding gum and wide yawns, heat, jaw exercises, stress management and a night guard if you grind.
Can jaw problems cause ear pain?
Yes, the TMJ sits next to the ear canal.
Do I need surgery?
Rarely; most people improve with conservative care.
When should I see a doctor?
For pain, locking, limited opening, injury or ear symptoms.
Sources
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.