Jaw popping and clicking is a noticeable symptom of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ or TMD). It’s also a symptom you can readily link to TMJ, unlike other symptoms that may be more mysterious in their connection (such as tingling and numbness in the fingers). People often ask us if jaw-popping and clicking sounds are a definite sign of a TMJ problem.
Not necessarily. Jaw noises are common and not always associated with TMJ. However, you should talk to a TMJ dentist if you have other TMJ symptoms besides popping or clicking, even if you think those symptoms might have another explanation. If you’re concerned about jaw noises or related discomfort, Michigan Head & Neck Institute in Detroit can help you determine whether TMJ may be contributing to your symptoms.
Jaw Noises Are Common
As with any joint in the body, your jaw can make noise from time to time, and many people notice occasional clicking or popping without any serious concern. These sounds are actually very common—some estimates suggest that anywhere from a third to more than half of all people experience them. That’s far more frequent than true TMJ disorders, which affect a much smaller portion of the population.
Because of this, it’s possible to have jaw noises without having TMJ. However, if the clicking is paired with discomfort—such as jaw pain, facial pain, ear pain, or even recurring headaches—it may be a sign that your jaw joint isn’t functioning as smoothly as it should. In those cases, it’s worth having the symptoms checked rather than assuming the sounds are harmless.
What Causes Common Jaw Sounds
A displaced disc is one of the most common reasons for jaw noises, and on its own, it doesn’t always signal a serious problem. Your temporomandibular joint includes two bones—the mandible (your lower jaw) and the temporal bone of the skull—with a small cartilage disc in between. This disc cushions the joint and helps your jaw move comfortably as you talk, chew, and yawn.
Sometimes that disc can slip out of place. When it slides back into position, you may hear or feel a pop. You might also notice that your jaw shifts or moves unevenly when this happens. A displaced disc doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop jaw pain, facial pain, ear pain, or headaches, but if these symptoms start joining the clicking, it can be a sign that your jaw joint is under extra stress.
On its own, a displaced disc isn’t necessarily harmful, though it can become a problem over time—as we’ll explain later.
Different from Cracking Your Knuckles
A common misconception is that a clicking jaw works the same way as cracking your knuckles. But the two are very different. Knuckle cracking is caused by small nitrogen bubbles in the joint fluid bursting when you stretch the joint. These bubbles naturally reform after a short time, and research shows the habit typically doesn’t cause lasting harm.
Jaw clicking from a displaced disc, however, involves the disc physically slipping in and out of place. When this happens repeatedly—especially alongside jaw discomfort, fullness in the ears, or tension that leads to headaches—it may point to an underlying TMJ issue rather than a harmless sound.
When to Be Concerned about Jaw Sounds
When should you be concerned about jaw sounds? Essentially, three situations indicate you should worry about jaw sounds:
- You have other TMJ symptoms
- Your jaw sound worsens or changes
- Your jaw sound stops
If you experience these situations, you should consult a TMJ dentist.
Other TMJ Symptoms
You should talk to a TMJ dentist if you have other TMJ symptoms besides your jaw noises. Some of the most common TMJ symptoms include:
- Neck pain
- Irregular jaw motion
- Limited jaw motion
- Locked jaw
- Tooth damage
- Tinnitus, earache, or vertigo
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
If you experience one or more of these additional symptoms, you should suspect TMJ. Schedule an appointment with a TMJ dentist to get a complete evaluation of your jaw joint.
Your Jaw Sound Worsens or Changes
Another cause for concern is if your jaw sounds worsen or change. Most often, the worsening jaw sound simply becomes more frequent. If you used to get jaw sounds occasionally, but now you hear them every day, you likely have TMJ–and it’s getting worse. Getting treatment can stop the progression of the disease and prevent the need for invasive treatment, including surgery.
You should also worry if your jaw sounds change from popping and clicking to grinding (crepitus). Crepitus means that your cushioning disc is either constantly out of place or is degraded to the point where it allows your bones to grind against each other.
Why You Should Worry If Jaw Sounds Stop
The most common reason for popping and clicking jaw sounds is that the cushioning disc of the jaw is slipping in and out of place. The sound typically occurs when the disc slips back into place. The disc isn’t slipping into place if you aren’t hearing sounds.
When the disc is constantly out of place, your bones will likely start grinding against each other. You might also develop a locked jaw because the out-of-place disc can interfere with the motion of the jaw.
Restorative Dental Care and TMJ
In some cases, persistent clicking or popping can signal that your bite no longer supports healthy jaw function. When the teeth don’t meet evenly, the jaw joint and surrounding muscles must work harder to compensate, which can contribute to jaw pain, facial pain, ear pain, or even recurring headaches. Restorative dental care—such as rebuilding worn teeth, correcting bite imbalances, or stabilizing the way the jaw closes—can sometimes play a role in reducing strain on the TMJ. While not every patient needs restorative treatment, a thorough evaluation can reveal whether improving the bite may help your jaw function more comfortably and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Crepitus: a Jaw Sound That’s Always a Problem
Most often, people report popping or clicking jaw sounds, but another common jaw sound indicates a different problem. Crepitus is a grinding sound in the jaw joint. This is the sound caused by two bones scraping together as they move. If you hear crepitus, it might be too late for noninvasive TMJ treatments. However, it’s not too late to stop the ongoing effects of bone grinding, including the destruction of the jaw joint and painful bone spurs.
Get Treatment for Jaw Joint Sounds
If jaw popping or clicking has become more frequent—or if it’s joined by jaw pain, facial discomfort, ear pain, or headaches—it’s worth getting clarity rather than guessing what’s going on. TMJ issues rarely resolve on their own, and early care can prevent the joint from becoming more strained or limited over time.
For answers you can trust, Michigan Head & Neck Institute in Detroit offers thorough evaluations and thoughtful, conservative treatment options. If you’re concerned about jaw noises or related symptoms, call (586) 573-0438 to schedule a visit and get the guidance you need to protect your long-term comfort and jaw function.
