The mouth, jaw, and throat regularly produce various sounds, many of which go unnoticed until they become loud or frequent. These noises are typically a byproduct of mechanical movement, air dynamics, or fluid friction, ranging from simple clicks to disruptive snores. Understanding the origins of these sounds helps distinguish between a harmless quirk and an indication of a physical issue that may require attention.
Mechanical Noises of the Jaw
The most common source of oral clicking or popping is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which acts as a sliding hinge connecting the lower jawbone to the skull. Within this joint is an articular disc made of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber and helps the jaw move smoothly. Clicking occurs when this disc becomes slightly displaced, slipping out of its normal position when the mouth is opened and snapping back into place when closed.
Another type of joint noise is a popping sound, which can be caused by a phenomenon called cavitation. This occurs when the pressure within the joint’s synovial fluid changes rapidly, causing dissolved gases, primarily nitrogen, to form bubbles that quickly collapse. This rapid collapse releases energy that creates the audible pop, similar to the sound made when cracking knuckles. Constant clenching or grinding of the teeth, known as bruxism, also contributes to these mechanical noises by placing strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
Sounds Caused by Air and Saliva
Sounds produced during speech or swallowing often relate to the friction and movement of air and saliva within the oral cavity. A lack of adequate lubrication, known as xerostomia or dry mouth, can lead to sticky or clicking sounds during movement. Saliva is normally responsible for moistening the mouth and lubricating the mucosal surfaces, but when flow is reduced, the tongue may adhere to the palate or teeth.
This adhesion creates a distinct, sticky sound when the tongue or cheek is pulled away from the dry surface during speech or swallowing. Xerostomia can be caused by dehydration, certain medications, or mouth breathing, all of which reduce the amount or quality of saliva. Other sounds are produced by deliberate muscular action, such as tongue clicking or cheek sucking. Habitual tongue clicking involves pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth and rapidly pulling it down, using suction to create an audible click. Sucking the cheeks inward creates a similar sound when the soft tissue snaps away from the teeth due to sudden air pressure changes.
Sleep-Related Oral Noises
Noises that occur during sleep are primarily the result of the natural relaxation of muscles in the throat and mouth. When the body enters deeper stages of sleep, the muscles supporting the soft palate, uvula, and tongue relax significantly. This relaxation allows the tissues at the back of the throat to sag into the airway, causing a partial obstruction.
As air is inhaled and exhaled, it is forced through this narrowed passage, causing the relaxed soft tissues to vibrate and produce the sound known as snoring. The degree of the sound’s loudness is directly related to the amount of airway narrowing and the resulting velocity of the air passing through. In a more severe scenario, the throat tissues may collapse completely, leading to a temporary cessation of breathing called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
This total blockage is often followed by a choking or gasping sound as the brain briefly rouses the individual to restart the breathing process. The distinction between simple snoring and OSA is important, as the latter involves repeated interruptions of breathing that can severely impact sleep quality and oxygen levels. Snoring is often louder and more disruptive when sleeping on the back, as gravity further pulls the relaxed tongue and soft palate into the airway.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While many mouth noises are benign, certain accompanying symptoms suggest a need for professional evaluation by a dentist, primary care physician, or sleep specialist. Persistent jaw clicking or popping that is accompanied by pain, tenderness, or limited range of motion may indicate a developing temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Furthermore, any jaw noise that results in the joint temporarily locking open or closed, making it difficult to fully move the mouth, should be immediately checked.
For sleep-related sounds, loud, chronic snoring combined with daytime fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, or observed pauses in breathing are signs of possible obstructive sleep apnea. Untreated OSA can lead to serious health issues, including strain on the cardiovascular system. A medical professional can accurately diagnose the source of the noise and recommend appropriate interventions, such as oral appliance therapy for jaw issues or a sleep study for breathing concerns.