If you’re experiencing a jaw popping sensation every time you chew, talk or yawn, it may be from your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Jaw popping refers to a clicking sound from the jaw each time it is engaged, which can be followed by sensations of pain.
How TMJ works
Jaw popping is caused by a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. This particular joint is one of the most complex joints in your body, connecting your lower jaw to the temporal bones, allowing it to move side to side and back to front.
This joint allows you the range of motion needed to chew food, yawn and speak. Facial muscles attached to this joint control these movements, while a soft cartilage disc within the joint socket absorbs large amounts of pressure preventing damage.
What causes TMJ issues?
The jaw popping sensation can be the result of trauma, dislocation or a displaced disc. Clenching, grinding, or chewing gum too often can also cause pain and tightness within the facial muscles, especially if there are missing or misaligned teeth.
Jaw popping in most cases may not be a cause for concern, however, those who are experiencing a pain sensation following are recommended to seek medical attention.
Other causes include:
- Biting fingernails
- Clenching jaw
- Grinding teeth (bruxism)
- Biting lip or cheek
- Chewing gum excessively
Note: Research has shown that women may be more susceptible to TMJ issues in part because of the collagen holding the disc in the socket is anatomically different, as well as estrogen may have an effect on the joint.
Those who frequently perform these actions can cause wear and tear on the joints, which result in erosion.
Medical conditions which may cause TMJ issues
Arthritis
Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis may cause damage to the cartilage of the TMJ. Loss of cartilage means there is a law of absorption in the joint socket every time the jaw moves, causing a pain sensation to follow.
Other symptoms include:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Inflammation or swelling
- Reduced range of motion
- Appetite loss
- Fatigue
Injury or trauma to the jaw
Any injury sustained from a road traffic collision, sporting accidents, trips and falls or physical assaults may result in a dislocated or broken jaw. This unhinging of the joint can result in jaw popping. If you’re experiencing pain, bruising or swelling, we recommend seeking medical attention immediately.
Myofascial pain syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder which causes pain in trigger points of some muscles. It occurs when a muscle is contracted repetitively over time or pressure is applied. It is particularly common in those who have jobs or engage in sporting activities that require repetitive movements.
TMJ issues symptoms for someone who has MPS includes:
- Jaw pain doesn’t get better after a week
- Jaw pain that gets worse with straining or stretching
- Painful knots in muscles
- Reduced range of motion in affected area
Sleep apnea
Jaw popping can be the result of both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). Studies have shown that when the throat begins to relax before an episode of OSA, the jaw will clamp down to prevent the airway from being blocked. This applies excessive stress on the jaw, mouth, neck and shoulders, which may cause TMJ issues.
Infection
Infection of the salivary gland can cause TMJ issues and jaw popping, as well as other symptoms including, dry mouth, face pain, pus in the mouth, foul taste, and swelling of the face and neck. If you suspect you may have an infection, you should medical treatment immediately.
How to treat jaw popping and TMJ issues
There are a number of solutions to remedy jaw popping and treat TMJ. Depending on the cause and symptoms experienced, there are both medical and non-medical treatments available.
Non-medical treatments for TMJ issues
- OTC medications such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation, but if the pain persists, book an appointment to see your dentist.
- Apply an ice pack to the affected area on the jaw for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by a warm compress of 5 to 10 minutes to relieve pain. This method can be repeated several times a day if needed.
- Avoid eating crunchy, chewy or hard foods including raw vegetables and fruits, caramel, popcorn, gum or candy. Stick to softer foods such as yoghurt, cooked vegetables, rice, bread and so on. Food should be eaten in smaller bites to avoid opening the jaw too wide.
- Relax the jaw when possible.
- Avoid activities that involve opening the mouth too wide, such as singing, yelling or chewing gum.
Medical treatments for TMJ issues
- A mouthguard or splint can be used to prevent or manage bruxism; clenching and grinding of the teeth during sleep.
- Prescribed medication can be used to help manage pain caused by TMJ issues.
- Laser therapy or radio wave therapy helps stimulate movement and ease pain in the jaw, mouth and neck.
- Dental solutions can help fix any oral issues that may be causing jaw popping, including underbites, overbites, missing and misaligned teeth.
- As a last resort, surgery may be required.
About the Author
Dr Saurabh Rai took ownership of our Gosnells clinic in 2016. He completed his Bachelor of Dental Science in 2004 in Bangalore, India, followed by his Master of Science in Forensic Science from the University of Western Australia. During this time, he also completed his Australian Dental Council licensing exams from the University of South Australia in Adelaide.
More about Dr Saurabh Rai
Jun 04, 2020 at 10:02 AM
Thank you for this information. My jaw started popping about a year or two ago, but only once in awhile, so I let it go. But lately its been happening more often and i couldn't figure out what is wrong. I turned 61 last week and snd i just thought my jaw was an age thing I'd have to live with. Thank you again for the information.
Jul 09, 2020 at 5:40 PM
Hi Maria, Thank you for your comment. We would love to be able to help you. Please call us to book an appointment on (08) 93985005 or if you would like us to call you please let us know. Regards, Tandara Dental Centre
Jul 16, 2020 at 2:42 AM
if I quit my excessive gum chewing will my jaw go back to normal?
Jul 21, 2020 at 11:35 AM
Hi Claire, Its really hard to tell if the gum chewing is causing the jaw issues or not and if quitting would make it better. The only way for you to make sure is to visit your dentist and get it checked, where they will do a jaw and bite assessment and give you more clarity on the matter. Hope this helps Tandara Dental Centre
Aug 16, 2020 at 9:28 AM
No. I started chewing gum excessively very early in the year, in fact I might have even started last year. Then I got a jaw click and stopped chewing gum. 7 months later the click is still there.
Jul 19, 2020 at 2:10 AM
Is there anything one can do to correct the issue. It just started but the sensation ( no pain at this point ) and sound is annoying.
Jul 21, 2020 at 11:36 AM
Hi Tilia, The best thing to do is to visit your dentist where they will do a jaw and bite assessment and give you clarity on what needs to be done to rectify the issue. Hope this helps Regards, Tandara Dental Centre
Jul 22, 2020 at 1:10 AM
Im 15 right now would it be best to wait or to get surgery ? The pain has been happening for about 2 years
Aug 06, 2020 at 12:20 PM
Hi Catherine, The best thing to do is to visit your dentist where they will do a jaw and bite assessment and give you clarity on what needs to be done to rectify the issue. Hope this helps Regards, Tandara Dental Centre
Jul 31, 2020 at 3:52 PM
Hi, I have this just about every time I open my mouth and there's no pain but it's really annoying because of the sound and the popping feel. I showed it to my dentist and they got all freaked out and confused and said as long as there's no pain there's nothing to worry about, then sent me on my merry way. Is there anything else I can do about it?
Aug 06, 2020 at 12:44 PM
Hi Devin, I would suggest that you get a second opinion from another dentist :) Regards, Tandara Dental Centre
Aug 01, 2020 at 8:27 AM
I got my wisdom teeth removed a couple months ago and had a severely tight jaw for a week afterwards (1 impacted lower tooth). I just recently started getting jaw popping if I open my mouth too wide. No pain but the sensation makes me almost nauseous. Before wisdom teeth removal, I used to be able to open my mouth very wide so I think removal caused the problem. Only happens when I open wide or bottom jaw moves forward. Any advice? Cant call my dentist for a while and kind of panicking.
Aug 12, 2020 at 4:07 PM
Hi Agustina, The best thing to do is to visit your dentist where they will do a jaw and bite assessment and give you clarity on what needs to be done to rectify the issue. Hope this helps Regards, Tandara Dental Centre
Aug 03, 2020 at 8:06 AM
I have had a “popping†jaw for most of my life.. Experienced it when chewing on gum and stopped eating gum from then. My jaw popping ever since. I do feel some stiffness when I would eat raw veggies or something hard or chewy but for the first Time not last week I have some kind of inflammation and can only eat soft food and my ear is starting to feel sensitinve. Thought I would wait a week To see but doesn't seem to get any better.
Aug 12, 2020 at 4:08 PM
Hi Ang, The best thing to do is to visit your dentist where they will do a jaw and bite assessment and give you clarity on what needs to be done to rectify the issue. Hope this helps Regards, Tandara Dental Centre
Aug 17, 2020 at 1:33 AM
Can TMJ go away on its own?
Aug 22, 2020 at 8:31 AM
I have this problem once in a while but its been happening for a few days recently. Just like everyone else, no pain. I cant and dont want to go to a dentist, I just want to know how I can fix this at home, right now. Is there a way? Thank you in advance.
Aug 29, 2020 at 12:25 AM
My jaw have been popping for about 2 year's, not consistent, but, it has started back, with a lot of pain associated with the popping.
Sep 01, 2020 at 10:02 AM
Hi Loretta, Hi Agustina, The best thing to do is to visit your dentist where they will do a jaw and bite assessment and give you clarity on what needs to be done to rectify the issue. Hope this helps Regards, Tandara Dental Centre
Sep 05, 2020 at 2:30 PM
Hey, I'm 18 and my jaws been clicking/popping for a year now. The last few months being very consistent, anytime I open my mouth too wide or yawn, etc. There's no pain, and I can prevent the jaw from popping by simply shifting my mouth to the right when opening (the brief locking comes from the left side). I can also prevent the jaw from popping by bringing my bottom teeth forward. I went to a head and neck clinic & they have me doing multiple exercises + wearing a splint at night. It's been a few months, not much progress. What do you recommend?
Oct 21, 2020 at 11:31 AM
Hi Marc, Thanks for your query. It sounds like you are on the right track but if you are not seeing any improvements, I would suggest going back to the head and neck clinic and getting them to refer you to a specialist for further treatment. Regards, Tandara Dental Centre
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