A clicking or popping sensation in the jaw can be unsettling, often leading people to question the involvement of their third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. Jaw clicking is a frequent symptom of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), which affects the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. While a direct cause-and-effect relationship between wisdom teeth and jaw clicking is uncommon, the presence or eruption of these molars can indirectly contribute to jaw joint issues. This article explores the mechanics of jaw clicking and how wisdom teeth may influence the alignment of the jaw.
Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) links the lower jawbone, or mandible, to the temporal bone of the skull, located just in front of the ear. This pair of joints works in tandem, allowing for the wide range of motion necessary for speaking, chewing, and yawning. The TMJ combines two types of movement: a simple hinge action for opening and closing the mouth, and a sliding motion that enables the jaw to move forward, backward, and side-to-side.
For movement to occur smoothly, a small, oval-shaped piece of cartilage known as the articular disc rests between the two bony components of the joint. This disc acts as a shock absorber, preventing bone-on-bone friction and guiding the jaw’s motions. Jaw clicking, medically termed crepitus or joint noise, often occurs when this disc slips out of its correct alignment or moves abruptly during the opening and closing cycle. The clicking sound occurs as the joint’s rounded end, the condyle, moves past the displaced disc, causing the disc to snap back into position.
How Wisdom Teeth Affect Jaw Alignment
Wisdom teeth do not typically cause jaw clicking directly, but they can initiate structural changes that place strain on the TMJ. The jaw often lacks sufficient space for these final molars to erupt properly, leading to impaction or partial eruption. When wisdom teeth attempt to emerge or become impacted, the resulting pressure can push neighboring teeth, leading to crowding or a shift in the overall dental alignment.
This shift in tooth position can create malocclusion, a condition where the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly when the mouth is closed. An uneven bite forces the jaw muscles to work harder or to adjust the jaw’s resting position to compensate for the misalignment during chewing. This sustained muscular tension and unnatural movement pattern can strain the TMJ over time, potentially leading to disc displacement and the characteristic clicking sound.
Inflammation associated with problematic wisdom teeth can also affect the nearby jaw joint structure. Infections surrounding a partially erupted molar, known as pericoronitis, can cause inflammation that radiates outward to the surrounding tissues and the TMJ. Furthermore, the surgical trauma and required jaw manipulation during wisdom tooth extraction can temporarily stress the joint, sometimes resulting in post-operative swelling and stiffness that affects normal jaw function.
Primary Factors Contributing to TMJ Disorders
While the influence of wisdom teeth is indirect, a variety of other factors are common causes of temporomandibular joint disorders. One frequent cause is bruxism, which involves the habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, often occurring unconsciously during sleep. This sustained, excessive force places strain on the jaw muscles and the joint structures, contributing to disc erosion and joint pain.
Chronic stress is strongly linked to TMD because it often leads to increased muscle tension throughout the body, including the jaw and neck. This tension can exacerbate existing clenching habits or directly contribute to muscular fatigue and pain around the TMJ.
Common Causes of TMD
- Physical trauma, such as a direct blow to the jaw or a whiplash injury, which can damage the joint or surrounding ligaments, leading to jaw dysfunction.
- Systemic issues like arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), which cause degenerative changes or inflammation within the joint capsule.
- Repetitive actions, such as excessive gum chewing or habitually resting the chin on the hand, which strain the joint over time.
Diagnosis and Initial Management
A consultation with a dental professional or an oral surgeon is appropriate if jaw clicking is accompanied by persistent pain, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, or the jaw locking in place. The diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough physical examination, where the clinician listens to the jaw during movement and palpates the joint and surrounding muscles for tenderness. Imaging, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to visualize the bony structures and the position of the articular disc to determine if there is internal joint damage.
Initial management of TMJ disorders focuses on non-invasive therapies intended to reduce strain and inflammation. Patients are often advised to temporarily adopt a soft-food diet to minimize the workload on the jaw muscles and joint. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, are commonly recommended for short-term pain relief and to decrease swelling in the joint area.
Applying moist heat or cold packs to the side of the face can help to relax tense jaw muscles and alleviate discomfort. Self-care also involves consciously reducing habits that strain the joint, such as teeth clenching and excessive gum chewing. For individuals with nighttime grinding, a custom-fitted occlusal guard or splint may be prescribed to protect the teeth and reduce the force transmitted to the jaw joint.