Why does the jaw click?
The jaw joint sits just in front of the ear, and it has a small disc of cartilage inside it that moves as you open and close. When that disc slips a little out of position, the joint can click or pop as it moves back.
That on its own is very common. Many people have a jaw that has clicked for years and never caused them any trouble.
When can a click be left alone?
If the click is painless, your mouth opens fully, chewing is comfortable and nothing has changed for a long time, it is usually reasonable to leave it and simply keep an eye on it.
It is still worth mentioning at your next dental check-up, so it is on record if anything changes later.
Which signs mean it should be looked at?
Pain in the jaw or in front of the ear that does not settle, or keeps coming back. A jaw that catches, gets stuck partly open, or will not open as wide as it used to. Pain when chewing, or a bite that suddenly feels different.
Headaches or aching jaw muscles in the morning can go along with clenching or grinding at night, and that is worth raising too. It is often the muscles rather than the joint itself.
When is it urgent?
If your jaw is stuck open and you cannot close your mouth, it may have dislocated and needs to be seen the same day.
If the pain started after a blow to the face and your teeth no longer meet properly, the jaw itself may be injured. Our guide on the first hour after a dental injury covers the signs that point to a fracture.
Swelling of the face or neck with a fever, or any difficulty swallowing or breathing, is a hospital emergency and should not wait for a dental appointment.
Jaw pain that comes with chest pain or tightness, pain down the arm, breathlessness or sweating can come from the heart rather than the jaw. Call an ambulance or go to a hospital emergency department straight away.
Who should assess jaw joint problems?
Jaw joint symptoms have several different causes, including the joint, the chewing muscles, grinding, the bite, and sometimes a tooth or an ear problem that only feels like the jaw. They are not all treated the same way, which is why the examination matters more than the label.
At STHIRA, Dr Bhargav Kuchu examines you, and where the case calls for it he seeks the opinion of Dr Swetha Basu, our consultant in oral medicine, radiology and orofacial pain.
We are in Rai Durg, and patients often come in from Gachibowli and the areas around it. The address and timings are on that page.
What does treatment usually involve?
Most jaw joint problems are treated conservatively first. That can mean a night splint, jaw exercises or physiotherapy, medication for a period, and changing habits like clenching or chewing on one side.
Procedures such as arthrocentesis, which washes out the joint, or surgery are considered only when conservative treatment has not worked. Imaging is used where it will actually change the plan, not as a routine first step.
Our TMJ and jaw pain page sets out how an assessment is done at the clinic and the order treatment is tried in.
Common questions
Is jaw clicking without pain a problem?
Usually not. A painless click with full opening and comfortable chewing is common and is often simply monitored. It is worth having it checked if pain, locking or limited opening develops.
What should I do if my jaw is stuck open?
A jaw that is stuck open and will not close may have dislocated. It should be seen the same day rather than waiting.
Does TMJ pain always need surgery?
No. Most jaw joint problems are treated conservatively first, with splints, exercises, medication and habit changes. Surgery is considered only when those have not worked.
Can teeth grinding cause jaw pain?
It can. Clenching or grinding, often at night, can make the chewing muscles ache and is a common reason for morning jaw pain and headaches.