Name: Jaw Joint Clicking
Creator: Dore Medical Editorial Board
Published: 2026-05-12

What Are Jaw Joint Sounds?

Jaw joint sounds describe various noises coming from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during mouth opening, closing, or lateral movements. These sounds result from abnormal movements of structures inside the jaw joint, particularly the articular disc, condyle, and joint surfaces. The type of sound (click, pop, crepitus), when it occurs (during opening, closing, or both), and accompanying findings (pain, limited movement) guide diagnosis.

Sound Generation Mechanism

In a normal jaw joint, the condyle and articular disc move together smoothly. Sound occurs when the disc slips or a structural disruption is present:

Disc displacement and recapture: The disc has shifted from its normal position, and as the mouth opens, the condyle "jumps" over the disc. At this moment, a clicking sound is heard
Friction: Joint surfaces rubbing against each other create crepitus (a continuous sound like sand or stones grinding)
Ligament tension: Tension in the joint capsule and ligaments can sometimes produce sound
Air passage through the joint: Bursting of gas bubbles in synovial fluid is a rare source of sound
Cartilage irregularities: Roughness on the joint surface can create sound

Types of Sounds and Their Meanings

Click

A sudden, short, clear single "click" sound. Heard during mouth opening or closing. The most common jaw joint sound. Usually indicates disc displacement with reduction (DDWR).

Popping

A louder, more pronounced version of clicking. Sounds like "pop" rather than "click." Also indicates disc displacement, but the sound results from more pronounced disc movement.

Reciprocal Click

Double clicks heard during both mouth opening and closing. The opening click indicates disc catching, and the closing click shows it slipping again. A classic DDWR finding.

Crepitus

A continuous sound like grinding sand, stones, or gravel. Not sudden like a click but persists throughout movement. Usually indicates osteoarthritis (degeneration of joint cartilage).

Fine Crepitus

A soft, whisper-like friction sound. May indicate early-stage degenerative changes.

Coarse Crepitus

A loud, pronounced grinding sound. A sign of advanced osteoarthritis. Usually accompanied by pain.

When Is the Sound Heard?

The moment the sound occurs provides important diagnostic clues:

Opening sound: Click heard when opening the mouth. Indicates the disc settling onto the condyle (DDWR)
Closing sound: Click heard when closing the mouth. Occurs as the disc slips forward again
Reciprocal click: Sound in both phases (classic DDWR)
Only during lateral movements: Click heard during side-to-side movements. May indicate lateral disc displacement
Continuous sound: Crepitus heard throughout the entire movement. Indicates osteoarthritis
Occasional sound: Sounds that occur a few times a day. Usually mild in severity

Sound Intensity

Mild sound: Only heard when a finger or stethoscope is placed over the joint
Moderate sound: The patient notices it themselves, close contacts may also hear it
Loud sound: Heard by others in the room. A "very noisy" sound is disturbing for the patient

However, the volume of the sound does not always reflect the severity of the problem. A loud but painless click can be less significant than a quiet but painful grinding.

How Common Is It?

Prevalence: Literature reports that painless disc displacement with reduction (characterized by clicking sound) occurs in approximately one-third of the population at some point in their lives. Clicking sound is the most common TMD finding. However, not everyone with a clicking sound has TMD. Many individuals experience no symptoms other than the clicking sound.

**Demographic characteristics:**

Can be seen in all age groups but more pronounced after adolescence
More common in women than men (2:1 ratio or higher)
Increased in individuals with joint hypermobility (loose joints)
Common in people with bruxism
Peaks during young adulthood

Muscle-Origin Sounds Are Rare

Clinical note: In the literature, cases meeting diagnostic criteria for true clicking sounds caused by muscle incoordination are extremely rare. In a study by Eriksson and colleagues, 250 jaw joints were examined, and not a single case meeting muscle-origin click criteria was found. These findings suggest clicking sounds are almost always intra-articular (disc-related) in origin.

Do Joint Sounds Always Mean TMD?

No. Although joint sounds are the most common TMD finding, they do not diagnose TMD on their own. According to current DC/TMD (Diagnostic Criteria for TMD) criteria:

Painless sound alone is not a disease: It only requires monitoring
Sound + pain + loss of function: TMD is diagnosed
Sound rate in control groups: Significantly high in population screenings. This shows sound presence is a "common variation," not "abnormal"
"Healthy" individuals: Many people with clicking sounds never experience any TMD symptoms in their lifetime

Why Is This Important?

Although jaw joint sounds are usually a benign finding, in some cases they provide important clinical clues:

May be an early warning for future TMD development
Can indicate age-related joint changes
May be a sign of bruxism or parafunctional habits
Requires evaluation when combined with pain or loss of function
Changing sound patterns over time may indicate progression

For more detailed TMD information, see our TMJ Disorders page.

Symptoms

Jaw joint clicking can be symptom-free on its own, or it may appear with other symptoms. Whether the sound is isolated or part of a syndrome determines the treatment decision. This section focuses on the symptoms that may accompany the sound rather than the sound itself.

Sound Characteristics

Symptoms related to the sound itself:

Sound timing: Does it occur when opening the mouth, closing, or both?
Sound frequency: With every movement or occasionally?
Sound intensity: Soft or loud? Can others hear it?
Sound type change: Progression from clicking to crepitus over time
Sound distance: At what mouth opening does it appear?
Triggers: Certain foods, stress, waking up in the morning
One or both sides: One or both jaw joints

Is Pain Present?

Critical distinction: The clinical significance of jaw joint clicking depends largely on whether pain accompanies it. Pain-free clicking usually requires monitoring, while painful clicking creates a need for treatment.

**Pain characteristics:**

Pain location: In front of the ear, temple, cheek, face, neck
Is pain triggered by the sound? Is there pain with every clicking sound?
Does it worsen with chewing? Is pain prominent during eating?
Present upon waking? Sign of nighttime bruxism
Headache present? Headache related to TMJ disorders
Ear pain present? Referred pain from the area in front of the ear

Movement-Related Symptoms

Limited Mouth Opening

Normal mouth opening is 35-50 mm. Below 35 mm is considered limited. If clicking is accompanied by limited opening, more careful evaluation is needed.

Jaw Deviation

The jaw shifting to one side when opening the mouth. Indicates disc displacement on the affected side.

Zigzag Opening

An irregular, zigzag path when opening the mouth. When accompanied by clicking, it shows a disc capture-release pattern.

Locking Episodes

Sudden inability to open or close the jaw. A serious finding that requires urgent evaluation.

What Does Sound Disappearance Mean?

Important: The sudden disappearance of a clicking sound you've heard for years is not always good news. The clicking occurs when the disc repositions (reduction). If the sound disappears, it may mean the disc is no longer reducing. This can signal progression to disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR), especially if difficulty opening your mouth also begins. If the sound disappears along with difficulty opening your mouth, get evaluated.

**Possible meanings of sound disappearance:**

Good meaning: The disc adapting over time and returning closer to normal position
Bad meaning: Progression from DDWR to DDWOR (closed lock)
Neutral meaning: Disappearance of the sound due to a small change in the mechanical conditions producing it

Accompanying symptoms (especially limited mouth opening and pain) determine the meaning of sound disappearance.

Joint-Related Symptoms

Joint tenderness: Palpation pain in the area in front of the ear
Swelling: Rare. Sign of acute infection or inflammation
Increased warmth: Indicator of active inflammation
Joint fatigue: After prolonged speaking or chewing
Joint stiffness: Upon waking or after keeping the mouth closed for extended periods

Muscle-Related Symptoms

Chewing muscle pain: Tenderness in the masseter, temporalis muscles
Morning jaw fatigue: Associated with bruxism
Muscle hypertrophy: Enlargement of masseter muscle due to bruxism
Neck and shoulder pain: Accompanying muscle tension
Tension headache: Originating from temporalis muscles

Tooth-Related Symptoms

Associated with prolonged clicking and underlying bruxism:

Tooth wear: Tooth wear is an indicator of bruxism
Tooth sensitivity: Result of worn enamel. Tooth sensitivity may accompany
Tooth fractures and cracks: Result of excessive chewing forces
Restoration breakage: Damage to fillings, crowns
Tooth imprints: On tongue edges or inside cheeks

Ear Symptoms

Pain in front of the ear: Referred pain from the joint
Ear fullness: Sensation of blocked ear
Ear ringing (tinnitus): Seen in some patients
Sensation of hearing loss: Subjective. Not actual hearing loss
Imbalance: Rare

When Is Urgent Evaluation Needed?

Situations requiring urgent evaluation:

Sudden onset of jaw locking (inability to open)
Inability to close mouth when open
Onset of clicking following jaw trauma
Development of facial asymmetry along with clicking
Swelling and pain with fever (suspected infection)
Severe sudden pain
Difficulty swallowing

Situations Manageable with Routine Follow-Up

Situations typically managed with follow-up:

Long-standing, pain-free clicking
Occasional clicking that doesn't affect function
Clicking that intensifies during stressful periods and eases during normal times
Clicking present since childhood with a family history
Clicking with mild morning stiffness that resolves during the day

Symptom-Sound Matrix

Sound Only Usually monitoring. Lifestyle measures. Treatment rarely needed.

Sound + Mild Pain Evaluation needed. Usually managed with conservative treatment.

Sound + Severe Pain Early evaluation. Multidisciplinary approach may be needed.

Sound + Limited Opening Prompt evaluation. Risk of disc displacement progression.

Sound + Locking Urgent evaluation. Possible acute DDWOR.

Crepitus + Pain Osteoarthritis evaluation. CBCT may be recommended.

Causes

Jaw joint clicking usually results from a combination of multiple factors. The most common cause is displacement of the articular disc from its normal position. However, changes in other joint structures, anatomical variations, parafunctional habits, and systemic factors can also play a role in sound formation.

Primary Cause: Disc Displacement

Most common cause: The literature shows that the vast majority of jaw joint clicking is caused by disc displacement with reduction (DDWR). The disc has slipped forward or sideways from its normal position (on top of the condyle). When you open your mouth, the condyle "jumps" over the disc, creating a clicking sound.

**Disc displacement mechanism:**

Disc‐condyle separation: The disc's attachment to the condyle has weakened
Posterior band deformation: Changes in the back part of the disc
Retrodiscal tissue elongation: Stretching of the tissues that hold the disc in place posteriorly
Ligament laxity: Weakening of the ligaments that stabilize the disc
Disc shape change: Deformation of the disc

Bruxism and Parafunctional Habits

Nocturnal bruxism: Teeth grinding or clenching during sleep. One of the most important risk factors
Daytime bruxism: Conscious or unconscious teeth clenching
Nail biting: Chronic minor trauma
Pen or cap chewing: Repetitive stress
Excessive gum chewing: Muscle and joint fatigue
One‐sided chewing: Asymmetric load
Large bite biting: Excessive mouth opening

Bruxism is covered in detail as a separate topic.

Trauma

Acute trauma: Direct blow to the jaw or face, car accident, sports injury
Microtrauma: Prolonged dental procedures, intubation
Excessive yawning: Strain on the joint during wide yawns
Neck trauma: Whiplash injury can lead to TMD
Sports trauma: Especially in contact sports
Diving trauma: Air pressure changes during scuba diving

Anatomical Factors

Joint structure variations: Changes in condyle shape and joint socket
Joint laxity (hypermobility): Ligament laxity. Ehlers‐Danlos, benign hypermobility syndrome
Bite disorders: Malocclusion. Modern understanding suggests its role is less significant than previously thought
Missing teeth: Disrupts chewing mechanics. Missing tooth treatment is important
Condyle variation: Developmental differences in size or shape
Facial asymmetry: Anatomical asymmetry creates asymmetric joint loading

Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

Crepitus = osteoarthritis indicator: A crepitus sound resembling sand or stone rubbing indicates degeneration (wear) of the joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis is more common in older age but can also occur in younger individuals. Degenerative changes are evaluated with CBCT.

**Osteoarthritis risk factors:**

Aging
Prolonged bruxism
Long‐term untreated DDWR/DDWOR
History of trauma
Systemic autoimmune diseases
Excessive joint loading

Arthritis (Systemic)

Rheumatoid arthritis: TMJ involvement is common. Can be bilateral
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Joint involvement in childhood. Can affect growth
Psoriatic arthritis: Associated with psoriasis
Ankylosing spondylitis: TMJ involvement is rare
Septic arthritis: Joint infection. Emergency situation
Crystal arthropathies: Gout, chondrocalcinosis

Hypermobility (Joint Laxity)

Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome: Collagen disorder
Marfan syndrome: Connective tissue disorder
Benign joint hypermobility syndrome: More common mild form
Familial joint laxity: Genetic predisposition
Subluxation tendency: Joint slipping with excessive mouth opening

Stress and Psychosocial Factors

Chronic stress: Increases bruxism and muscle tension
Anxiety: Leads to daytime teeth clenching
Depression: Affects sleep quality and muscle tension
Sleep disorders: Strong association with nocturnal bruxism
Post‐traumatic stress: Muscle tension and parafunction

Hormonal Factors

Estrogen: TMD sensitivity in women. Partly explains the high female‐to‐male ratio
Menstrual cycle: Symptoms may fluctuate with the cycle
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and joint laxity
Menopause: Symptoms may increase during hormonal transition

Lifestyle Factors

Sleep position: Sleeping on your stomach or consistently on one side creates pressure on the jaw
Posture: Prolonged poor sitting, head‐forward position
Computer use: Extended monitor positioning
Phone use: Holding phone with shoulder
Insufficient sleep: Body's repair process is impaired
Excessive caffeine consumption: Sleep quality and muscle tension
Smoking: May increase muscle pain

Orthodontic Factors

Crowding: Can affect chewing pattern
Deep bite: Upper teeth excessively covering lower teeth
Open bite: Front teeth not making contact
Crossbite: Asymmetric loading
Orthodontic treatment: The literature debates its role; generally does not cause TMD

Iatrogenic (Related to Medical Procedures)

Prolonged dental procedures: Keeping the mouth open for extended periods
Difficult tooth extractions: Such as impacted teeth
General anesthesia intubation: Forced mouth opening
Ill‐fitting dentures: Can affect bite
High restorations: Bite imbalance

Genetic Factors

Family history of TMD
Inherited joint laxity
Collagen structure variations
Inherited pain sensitivity
Inherited muscle and joint anatomy

Cases with No Identifiable Cause

Good to know: Some individuals may have jaw joint clicking without any identifiable risk factors. This is considered an anatomical variation and does not require treatment. "Not finding a cause" for the sound means there is no problem. Sometimes the joint simply has a naturally "noisy" structure.

Combination of Multiple Causes

In actual clinical presentations, multiple factors usually combine:

Hypermobility + bruxism + stress
History of trauma + poor sleep position
Hormonal period + anxiety
Bite irregularity + after prolonged dental procedure
Aging + old trauma

This is why treatment should address all contributing factors, not just a single cause.

Diagnosis Methods

Diagnosis of jaw joint clicking is based on clinical examination. Imaging is only used in specific cases. The main goals of the diagnostic process are: identifying the type of sound, evaluating associated findings, determining whether treatment is needed, and rarely ruling out serious underlying conditions.

History Taking

Sound onset: How long has it been present? Sudden or gradual onset?
Sound type: Click, popping, crepitus, mixed?
Sound timing: On opening, closing, or both?
Frequency: Every jaw movement or occasional?
Triggers: Specific foods, stress, waking in the morning
Change in severity: Increasing or decreasing over time?
Unilateral or bilateral: One or both joints
Associated symptoms: Pain, limitation, headache, ear complaints
Trauma history: Previous accident, blow, dental treatment
Bruxism awareness: Nighttime clenching/grinding
Stress level: Recent mood state
Sleep quality: Related to bruxism
Family history: Similar complaints in family?
Systemic diseases: Rheumatologic, hormonal

Clinical Examination

Sound Listening (Auscultation)

A finger or stethoscope is placed over the joint. Sounds are listened to while the patient opens and closes their mouth. Clicking, popping, and crepitus characteristics are distinguished.

Palpation

A finger is placed over the joint to detect the sound/vibration during movements. Tenderness is also evaluated.

Mouth Opening Measurement

Measured between incisor teeth with a ruler. Normal is 35-50 mm. Below 35 mm is considered limited. If clicking is accompanied by limitation, evaluation should be more careful.

Jaw Deviation Examination

Deviation of the jaw when opening, drawing an S or C shape. Deviation toward the side with disc displacement is typical.

Lateral and Protrusive Movement

Sound production during side movements, asymmetry. Capturing of disc with reduction during protrusive (forward) movements is evaluated.

Muscle Palpation

Pressure on masseter and temporalis muscles. Pain and presence of trigger points are evaluated. Indicates presence of bruxism.

Elimination Test

Clinical test: The patient protrudes their jaw (protrusive position) and opens their mouth. If the clicking sound is not heard in this position, the diagnosis of DDWR (disc displacement with reduction) is strengthened. Since the condyle is already positioned under the disc, the reduction event does not occur and no sound is produced.

Dental and Occlusion Evaluation

Tooth wear signs: Wear is an indicator of bruxism
Tooth sensitivity: Sensitivity evaluation
Restoration status: High filling or crown
Missing teeth: Can affect chewing pattern
Occlusal relationship: Occlusal contacts
Tongue and cheek marks: Parafunctional findings

Imaging: Not Always Necessary

Clinical approach: Imaging is not necessary for painless clicking that does not affect function and has been present for a long time. Imaging is only requested in specific cases: pain, limitation, locking, lack of response to treatment, or clicking that started after trauma.

Panoramic X-ray

May be preferred in initial evaluation
Can show obvious osteoarthritis findings
Excludes other pathologies (cyst, tumor)
Does not provide dynamic information
Cannot show the disc

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Gold standard for disc: Clearly shows DDWR and DDWOR
No radiation: Safe in young patients
In painful, limited, or treatment-resistant cases: Indicated
Relationship of clicking with MRI: Click sensitivity ~0.51, specificity ~0.83 (if clicking is present, DDWR is likely, but absence of clicking does not rule out DDWR)
Before surgical planning: Required

CBCT (Cone Beam CT)

For bone detail: Osteoarthritis evaluation
If crepitus is present: Especially indicated
Condyle morphology changes: Flattening, erosion, osteophytes
After trauma: Fracture evaluation
Cannot show soft tissue

Ultrasonography

Dynamic evaluation possible
Shows disc movement to some extent
No radiation, inexpensive
Operator dependent
Can be used for screening

Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)

Electronically records joint vibrations
Distinguishes click (<300 Hz) from crepitus (>300 Hz)
Provides objective measurement
More commonly used as a research tool
Not widespread in routine clinical practice

Psychosocial Evaluation

The DC/TMD protocol includes psychosocial evaluation. Particularly:

Pain severity and disability (GCPS)
Depression and anxiety screening (PHQ-9, GAD-7)
Jaw functional limitation (JFLS)
Parafunctional behaviors (OBC)
Sleep quality

These evaluations determine the treatment approach.

Diagnostic Challenges in Dentistry

Subjective evaluation: Objective measurement of sound intensity is difficult
Variability: Sound may not be heard at the same intensity at every examination
Stethoscope requirement: Small sounds may not be distinguishable by ear
Muscle tension effect: Sound may become more prominent in stressed patients
Interpreter differences: The same sound may be categorized differently by different clinicians

Differential Diagnosis

Different conditions that may be mistaken for jaw joint clicking:

Tongue Sounds Sounds produced between tongue and palate are not jaw joint sounds.

Tooth Collision Teeth hitting each other may sound like a "click" but is not a joint sound.

Ear Sounds Tinnitus or Eustachian tube opening sounds can be confused.

Neck Sounds Sounds from the cervical spine may be mistaken for jaw joint sounds.

When Is Evaluation Needed?

Diagnostic approach at Doredent: Patients with jaw joint clicking complaints undergo detailed history and clinical examination. Uzm. Dt. Merve Özkan Akagündüz performs evaluation from an orthodontic perspective. If there is pain, limitation, or locking, imaging (panoramic, MRI, or CBCT) is planned. Psychosocial factors and bruxism are also evaluated. For painless sounds that do not cause functional limitation, follow-up and lifestyle recommendations are usually sufficient. Treatment is only considered when there is clinical need.

What Happens If It's Not Treated?

The answer to "what happens if untreated" for jaw joint clicking depends on the type of sound and accompanying findings. Most painless clicking can continue unchanged throughout life and cause no problems. However, sounds that are painful, restrictive, or progressive in nature can lead to significant consequences if neglected.

Painless Clicking: Usually Not a Problem

Good news: Long-term follow-up studies in the literature show that the vast majority of individuals with painless clicking experience no significant progression over the years. Many people live with clicking sounds their entire lives but never develop TMJ disorder symptoms. This is why clicking alone is not an indication for treatment.

Risk of Progression from DDWR to DDWOR

Some cases of untreated disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) can progress to disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR). **Signs of progression:**

Disappearance of clicking: Disc no longer reduces
Onset of mouth opening limitation: Drops below 35 mm
Jaw deviation becomes prominent
Addition of pain: Previously painless becomes painful
Acute locking episodes: "Closed lock"

Important: If you notice that the clicking you've heard for years has disappeared (especially if accompanied by new mouth opening limitation), evaluation is essential. Disappearance of sound does not mean "spontaneous healing" but in some cases can signal progression to DDWOR.

Progression to Osteoarthritis

Prolonged disc displacement or chronic overload can create degenerative changes in joint surfaces:

Condylar flattening: Loss of normal rounded shape
Joint surface erosion: Cartilage wear
Osteophyte formation: Bone spurs
Development of crepitus: Clicking may be replaced by grating sound
Loss of movement: Permanent mouth opening limitation
Permanent changes: Some are irreversible

Development of Chronic Pain

Untreated painful sounds can evolve into chronic pain syndrome:

Central sensitization: Nervous system becomes more sensitive
Pain spreading: Joint pain can radiate to head, neck, shoulders
Fibromyalgia risk: Chronic widespread pain syndrome
Chronic migraine: Associated with TMJ disorders
Reduced pain tolerance: Response to treatment becomes more difficult

Functional Losses

Chewing difficulty: Avoiding hard foods
Dietary changes: Shift to soft foods, nutritional deficiency
Speech problems: Fatigue during prolonged speaking
Difficulty yawning: Avoiding excessive opening
Dental treatment difficulty: Unable to maintain prolonged mouth opening
Social impact: Anxiety about eating and speaking

Dental Problems (If Bruxism Is Present)

Jaw joint clicking is often accompanied by bruxism. Untreated bruxism over time causes:

Progressive tooth wear: Wear reaches serious levels over years
Tooth fractures and cracks: Due to excessive load
Tooth sensitivity: Dentin exposure
Restoration damage: Repeated failure of fillings, crowns
Gum recession: Abfraction lesions
Long-term tooth loss: In advanced wear

Sleep Disturbance

Sleep disruption due to pain
Increased bruxism intensity
Morning fatigue
Difficulty reaching deep sleep stages
Association with sleep apnea (rare but possible)

Psychological Effects

Anxiety: "I have clicking, I must have a serious disease" thoughts
Depression: Chronic discomfort feeling
Social anxiety: Worry about others hearing the sound
Loss of confidence: Chronic illness identity
Excessive focus: Monitoring every sound, catastrophizing

Headache Chronification

TMJ disorder-related headaches become more frequent
Tension-type headaches intensify
Chronic daily headache can develop
Can be a migraine trigger
Risk of medication overuse headache

Ankylosis (Rare but Serious)

Rare but serious: Untreated advanced TMJ disorder can very rarely progress to ankylosis (complete immobility of the joint). Especially seen in children following trauma or chronic infection. In adults, it can rarely develop as a result of advanced osteoarthritis or severe TMJ disorder left untreated for long periods. This is a condition requiring surgery.

Quality of Life Effects

Constant feeling of discomfort
Unable to enjoy eating
Reluctance in social activities
Decline in work performance
Perception of chronic illness
Decline in sleep quality
Loss of confidence

Effects on Adjacent Systems

Cervical spine: Neck pain and dysfunction may coexist in 70% of cases
Shoulder muscles: Trapezius tension
Facial muscles: Tension and asymmetry
Posture: Overall posture can be affected

Financial Effects

Late-stage treatment is much more expensive
Repeated doctor visits
Loss of work productivity
Repeated replacement of dental restorations
Medication costs

But Not Everything Goes Wrong

Realistic perspective: The list of possible complications above does not apply to every individual with jaw joint clicking. On the contrary, the vast majority of individuals with painless clicking never develop these complications in their lifetime. The goal is not to "scare" but to clearly show which situations require evaluation and when. The answer to "I have clicking, should I panic?" is usually no; if there are no accompanying symptoms, staying calm and monitoring is the right approach.

When Should You Be Concerned?

When pain begins along with the sound
When mouth opening limitation develops
When a locking episode occurs
When the character of the sound changes (clicking to crepitus)
When jaw deviation during movement becomes prominent
When headaches become more frequent
When tooth wear is noticed
When sleep quality deteriorates

How to Prevent It

It is not possible to completely prevent jaw joint clicking because anatomical and genetic factors play a role. However, the progression of existing clicking, its transformation into pain, and its evolution into TMD can be largely prevented. Additionally, modifiable risk factors such as bruxism can be managed. This section offers practical strategies for individuals living with clicking.

"Joint Noise Avoidance" Approach

Modern approach: Current literature recommends a "noise-producing movement avoidance" strategy in managing jaw joint clicking. The goal is to reduce the daily frequency of clicking to below 5 times per day. This approach can prevent further deformation of the disc and progression of dysfunction.

**Reducing clicking movements:**

Consciously avoiding movements that cause clicking
Avoiding excessive mouth opening
Limiting lateral movements
Preferring to chew on the pain-free side (avoiding the clicking side)
Avoiding biting large pieces
Cutting and breaking down large foods before eating
Supporting your mouth with your hand while yawning

Soft Food Period

A soft food period is beneficial during the acute phase or when clicking frequency increases:

Suitable foods: Soup, yogurt, puree, soft cooked vegetables, eggs, fish, ground meat, bananas, ripe fruits
Foods to avoid: Hard bread, dried fruit, raw hard vegetables (raw carrots), walnuts, nuts, hard candy, chewing gum, biting into large apples
Duration: 1 to 2 weeks during acute phase, as needed for chronic mild cases
Long term: A completely soft diet can lead to muscle weakness and should be balanced

Bruxism Management

Bruxism control is critical: There is a strong relationship between jaw joint clicking and bruxism. Controlling bruxism prevents progression of clicking and reduces possible complications. Bruxism is discussed in detail as a separate topic.

Night guard: A custom night guard reduces the load on muscles and joints. It can prevent progression of clicking
TMJ splint: A stabilization splint optimizes joint position
Masseter botox: Masseter botox is effective for individuals with muscle hypertrophy
Awareness: Daytime teeth clenching awareness
"Lips together, teeth apart" rule: Resting position

Stress Management

Breathing exercises: 5 to 10 minutes of deep breathing daily
Meditation/mindfulness: Regular practice
Yoga: Posture and relaxation
Regular exercise: Overall stress management
Sleep hygiene: Quality sleep reduces muscle tension
Professional support: Psychologist or psychiatrist if needed
Hobbies: Mental relaxation
Workplace stress balance

Posture and Ergonomics

Sleep Position

Do not sleep face down (direct pressure on the jaw). Avoid constantly sleeping on one side. Use a pillow of appropriate height.

Computer Use

Monitor at eye level. Head should not be tilted forward. Regular breaks. Ergonomic chair.

Phone Use

Do not hold phone with your shoulder. Use a headset. Do not bend your neck down when looking at your smartphone.

Neck Posture

Head position directly affects the jaw joint. Upright posture and gentle chin tuck exercises are beneficial.

Avoiding Parafunctional Habits

Nail biting: Awareness and behavior modification
Pen or cap biting: Habit replacement
Excessive gum chewing: Short duration, moderate consumption
Lip or cheek biting: Awareness
Chewing on one side: Balanced use of both sides
Biting hard objects: Ice, seed shells, etc.
Teeth clenching habit: Awareness and relaxation

Gentle Jaw Exercises

Important warning: Jaw exercises should be pain-free and gentle. If pain occurs, exercises should be stopped and a doctor consulted. In acute DDWOR (closed lock) situations, incorrect exercises can worsen the condition. Consultation with a physical therapist for an individualized exercise plan is valuable.

**Basic exercises (for pain-free situations):**

Controlled mouth opening: Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and slowly open your mouth (Rocabado exercise)
Lateral movements: Slowly slide right and left
Protrusive movement: Move your lower jaw forward
Isometric resistance: Gentle resistance with your hand
Neck exercises: Relaxation of neck muscles
Tongue position: Tongue resting position on the palate
Posture corrective exercises

Dietary Recommendations

Small bites
Avoiding hard foods (ice, seeds, hard candy)
Avoiding sticky foods (caramel, dried fruit)
Avoiding large bites
Chewing on both sides
Adequate water intake
Caffeine and alcohol control
Balanced nutrition (for muscle and joint health)

Protecting Dental Health

6-month checkups: Routine examination and dental scaling
Missing tooth treatment: Maintain chewing pattern with implants or bridges
Bite evaluation: If orthodontic need exists
Restoration fit check: High filling or crown adjustment
Early cavity treatment: Preventing chewing pattern changes
Denture fit check: For denture wearers

Sleep Health

Regular sleep schedule
Quiet, dark, cool room
Avoiding screens before bed
Preference for back or side sleeping
Pillow that supports the neck
Treatment if sleep apnea is present
Reducing evening caffeine
Controlling alcohol consumption

Protection During Dental Procedures

Long dental procedures can increase clicking. Recommendations:

Dividing long procedures
Breaks during treatment
Supporting the mouth with bite blocks
Informing the dentist about TMD
Cold application after procedure
Soft food period

Acute Pain Period Management

If pain accompanies clicking, home care options:

Cold application: First 48 hours (towel-wrapped ice, 10 to 15 minutes)
Heat application: After 48 hours for muscle tension
NSAIDs: Over-the-counter pain relievers, short term
Soft diet
Avoiding excessive mouth opening
Stress reduction efforts
Avoiding movements that cause clicking

Recommendations for Risk Groups

Those with Bruxism Night guard is essential. Stress management. 6-month checkups.

Those with Hypermobility Avoiding excessive opening. Strengthening exercises.

Those with High-Stress Jobs Daily stress management. Regular breaks.

Athletes Sports mouthguard for contact sports. Trauma protection.

Those Planning Pregnancy Preparation for hormonal changes. Dental evaluation.

Those Receiving Orthodontic Treatment TMD evaluation before treatment. Good communication.

Role of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is beneficial in selected cases:

Manual therapy: Joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques
Exercise program: Individually planned
Posture correction: Including cervical spine
TENS: Pain control
Ultrasound therapy: Muscle relaxation
Muscle training: Relaxation and awareness

When to See a Doctor

Situations requiring doctor evaluation:

Pain accompanying clicking
Limited mouth opening
Locking episode
Clicking becoming increasingly intense
Change in clicking character (click to crepitus)
Jaw deviation
Increased headache frequency
Marked progression of tooth wear
Symptoms disrupting sleep
New clicking after trauma

Balance of calm and awareness: Jaw joint clicking is a benign condition for most individuals that does not affect daily life. Hearing clicking from your jaw is not by itself a reason to panic. However, monitoring the character of the clicking, evaluating accompanying symptoms if present, and managing modifiable risk factors such as bruxism protects the health of your jaw in the long term. Rather than excessive focus, if the clicking is not very loud, there is no pain, and no loss of function, regular dental checkups with follow-up are often sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

My jaw clicks but I have no pain. Do I need treatment?

No, usually not. Painless jaw joint clicking that doesn't affect function or cause locking is quite common in the general population — studies report it affects roughly one-third of people. Many individuals live their entire lives with clicking and never develop any TMJ disorder symptoms. The best approach in this case is usually regular monitoring: checking the condition during your 6-month dental exams, managing risk factors like bruxism, avoiding extreme jaw opening, and reducing movements that produce the sound in daily life. Treatment only becomes necessary if you develop accompanying pain, limited mouth opening, locking episodes, or if the clicking progressively worsens. For "clicking with no other symptoms," monitoring is usually sufficient.

My clicking sound suddenly disappeared after years. Am I cured?

This question requires careful attention because there are two different scenarios. Good scenario: Over time, the disc gradually adapts and moves toward a more normal position. In this case, the sound disappears and no other symptoms appear. Bad scenario: A disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) progresses to disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR — closed lock). In this case, the disc no longer reduces, so the sound stops, but a new limitation in mouth opening develops. If the sound disappears and you notice these symptoms, see your dentist immediately: unable to fully open your mouth (less than 35 mm), new onset of pain, jaw deviation, difficulty chewing. If your mouth opening remains normal along with the sound disappearing and you have no other complaints, this most likely means good news. Even so, a routine evaluation is recommended.

Is crepitus (grating sound) worse than clicking?

Usually yes. Clicking and crepitus indicate different clinical conditions. Clicking is mostly related to disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) and originates from soft tissue (the disc); it is generally more benign. Crepitus indicates cartilage degeneration (osteoarthritis) and reflects structural changes in bone/cartilage. Crepitus typically occurs in: older age, after progression of long-standing disc displacement, patients with systemic arthritis, chronic bruxism. Evaluation is done with MRI and/or CBCT. Treatment varies depending on the severity of osteoarthritis: for mild crepitus, lifestyle modifications and preventive measures may be sufficient; for painful crepitus, NSAIDs, physical therapy, sometimes intra-articular injections may be considered. Very advanced cases rarely require surgery. If you notice crepitus, an evaluation is recommended.

Will a night guard eliminate my jaw clicking?

A night guard doesn't always completely eliminate the sound itself, but it provides many benefits. A custom night guard significantly reduces muscle-related complaints, relieves the load of bruxism on the joint, prevents tooth wear, and eliminates morning jaw fatigue. If you have accompanying pain, the splint is an important component of treatment. However, because it cannot change the structural position of the disc, clicking caused by disc displacement may not completely resolve with a splint. In some patients the sound becomes quieter, in others it stays the same. Expectations should be realistic: the goal of the splint is not to eliminate the sound, but to control pain and dysfunction, prevent progression, and protect your teeth. If the sound alone (painless, no limitation) is your only complaint, a splint may not be necessary; if you have bruxism or pain, it is beneficial.

Why does my jaw make a sound when I yawn?

During yawning, the mouth opens beyond normal opening range (can reach 65 mm or more). At this extreme opening, a disc that cannot maintain its normal position in the joint may slip and produce a sound. This becomes particularly noticeable in: individuals with mild disc displacement with reduction, people with hypermobility (joint laxity), during fatigue or stressful periods, during the first wide yawn upon waking. Preventive measures: supporting your mouth with your fingers while yawning (three-finger principle under the jaw), yawning slowly and in a controlled manner, yawning with your mouth closed if possible. If you frequently click while yawning but have no accompanying pain or limitation, it's usually not a serious condition. However, if you experience locking episodes after yawning (jaw won't close or open), evaluation is needed.

Is there a definitive treatment for jaw clicking?

There is no "definitive" treatment for the clicking sound itself. This is because the sound results from an underlying structural change (disc displacement); this structural change cannot be fully corrected with conservative methods. Surgery (disc repositioning surgery) has been tried, but long-term results have not been satisfactory and it is only recommended in very select cases. The good news: the sound alone is not a condition that requires treatment. The goal of treatment is to control pain, preserve function, prevent progression, and prevent dental damage — not to completely eliminate the sound. Conservative treatment (lifestyle modifications, stress management, night guard, physical therapy, NSAIDs if needed) produces excellent results for pain and function in many patients, while the sound may change or persist. Setting expectations in this direction increases treatment satisfaction.

My child has jaw clicking. Should I be concerned?

Jaw joint sounds in children require careful evaluation. Mild, painless, occasional clicking may be normal during growth. However, systemic diseases like juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can affect the TMJ in childhood and lead to permanent damage. Conditions requiring evaluation: constant or frequent sound, accompanying jaw pain, limited mouth opening, jaw deviation, facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing, jaw growth differences during growth period. Early diagnosis can prevent both growth disturbances and permanent joint damage. The child may need evaluation by an orthopedist, rheumatologist, and pediatric dentist. Orthodontic evaluation is also helpful because problems caught in childhood can be better managed with growth guidance. If not urgent, mention it during the 6-month dental checkup.

Can orthodontic treatment (clear aligners or braces) cause jaw clicking?

The relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD has been debated in the literature for years. The current view is this: clear aligner or braces treatment alone does not cause TMD or create jaw clicking. Some patients may experience temporary muscle soreness or mild joint discomfort during orthodontic treatment, but these usually resolve after treatment is completed. A pre-existing TMD may become more noticeable during treatment; in this case, communication with the orthodontist is important. Comprehensive pre-treatment evaluation is recommended: if there are existing TMD or parafunctional signs, they are addressed first, then orthodontic treatment begins. Uzm. Dt. Merve Özkan Akagündüz performs both orthodontic and TMD evaluations. Any new or worsening complaints during treatment should be reported to your dentist. In short: modern orthodontic treatment is safe when planned with TMJ health in mind.

Content Information

This page was prepared by the Dore Medical Editorial Board and medically reviewed by Dr. Merve Özkan Akagündüz.

Editorial Board · Editorial Policy

Published May 12, 2026

Updated May 13, 2026

Jaw Joint Clicking

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