Hearing a clicking sound when you eat can be an unusual and sometimes concerning experience. This phenomenon is often associated with the temporomandibular joint, commonly referred to as the TMJ. While occasional jaw sounds might occur without consequence, persistent clicking, especially during chewing, can indicate an underlying issue with this complex joint.
Understanding Your Jaw Joint and the Clicking Sound
The temporomandibular joint acts as a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone (mandible) to the temporal bones of your skull, located just in front of each ear. This dual-function joint allows for both rotational and gliding movements, enabling essential actions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. Within each TMJ, a small, oval-shaped articular disc made of fibrocartilage sits between the bones, acting as a cushion and facilitating smooth motion.
When the jaw moves, this disc is designed to glide along with the head of the mandible, staying properly positioned within the joint space. A clicking or popping sound often occurs when this articular disc momentarily slips out of its normal position and then snaps back into place as the jaw opens or closes. This is known as disc displacement with reduction, meaning the disc “reduces” or returns to its proper alignment during the jaw movement.
Common Causes of Jaw Clicking
Disc displacement with reduction is a primary reason for jaw clicking. This displacement can happen due to various factors affecting the joint’s mechanics.
Muscle imbalances around the jaw can also contribute to clicking sounds. Overactive or tense jaw muscles, such as those involved in clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism), can pull the jaw out of its optimal alignment, stressing the TMJ and its disc. This constant strain can lead to changes in the joint’s function, making it more prone to clicking during movements like eating. Poor posture, particularly a forward head posture, can further exacerbate muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders, indirectly influencing TMJ function.
Mild inflammation or wear within the joint can also trigger clicking. Conditions like osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can affect the TMJ, leading to changes in the joint surfaces and potentially causing clicking or grating sounds. Excessive stress or injury can lead to damage or irritation within the joint, contributing to dysfunctional movements and audible clicks. Habits like excessive gum chewing or nail biting also place undue stress on the TMJ, leading to disc movement and sound.
When to Seek Expert Guidance
While occasional jaw clicking without pain or other symptoms may not require intervention, certain signs indicate it is time to consult a healthcare professional. Persistent pain in the jaw, face, or around the ear, especially when chewing, warrants evaluation. If the clicking is accompanied by difficulty opening your mouth wide, or if your jaw occasionally locks in an open or closed position, professional assessment is important. These symptoms can suggest a more significant issue with the joint’s mechanics or disc stability.
Other concerning indicators include swelling in the jaw area, headaches, earaches, or a grating sensation in the joint alongside the clicking. If self-care measures do not provide relief, or if your symptoms worsen over time, seeking expert guidance becomes necessary. A dentist, oral surgeon, or a specialist in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can properly diagnose the cause of your jaw clicking and recommend appropriate management strategies.
Everyday Tips for Jaw Comfort
Several self-care strategies can help alleviate jaw discomfort and potentially reduce clicking. Opting for softer foods that require less chewing effort can significantly reduce strain on the jaw joints. Cutting food into smaller pieces and avoiding hard, chewy, or sticky items like nuts, tough meats, or gum can also provide relief.
Be mindful of extreme jaw movements. Try to avoid widely opening your mouth during yawns, and consciously prevent clenching or grinding your teeth throughout the day and night. Applying warm, moist compresses to the jaw area for 15-20 minutes can help relax tense muscles and reduce discomfort. Gentle jaw exercises, such as slowly opening and closing your mouth or moving the jaw gently from side to side, can improve mobility and alleviate muscle tension.
Managing stress levels is important, as stress often contributes to jaw clenching and muscle tightness. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help relax the jaw muscles. Maintaining good posture, especially for the head and neck, also reduces strain on the jaw.