It’s not unusual to hear occasional pops or clicks when you yawn, chew, or open your mouth wide. And if the popping doesn’t hurt, you might wonder if it’s really a cause for concern, or if you can just forget about it.
Painless jaw sounds might seem like no big deal, but they can be an early sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. TMJ disorders can eventually cause painful jaw issues and misalignment, and the good news is that you don’t have to wait until you’re in pain to seek care.
Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, and our team at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California, specialize in evaluating jaw and bite issues that can affect comfort, mouth function, and long-term oral health.
Understanding what’s behind that clicking or popping sound is the first step in determining whether treatment may be beneficial, and you can start right here.
Your jaw joint, or TMJ, connects your jawbone to your skull on either side of your face. Your jaw hinges and allows you to speak, chew, and open or close your mouth.
The joint itself is a complex structure involving muscles, ligaments, and a small disc that cushions your joint as it moves. And if this disc is misaligned or strained, it can lead to clicking or popping sounds when your jaw moves. Common causes of jaw popping include:
Sometimes, the popping is temporary and harmless. In other cases, the condition causing the popping can progress into pain, stiffness, or joint damage over time.
Pain-free jaw popping doesn’t necessarily require urgent treatment, but it’s still worth getting evaluated, especially if it happens frequently or interferes with daily activities. Even without pain, jaw sounds can be a sign of imbalances in your bite or jaw structure that may lead to problems later. A few possible issues that can develop include:
Catching these issues early allows for more treatment options and helps prevent serious complications down the road.
Jaw popping or clicking can be a symptom of TMJ dysfunction, and ignoring those early warning signs can lead to worsening pain and more difficult treatment later. Addressing it while you’re still pain-free gives you the best chance of maintaining normal jaw function and protecting your teeth and joints from long-term damage.
At Touni Orthodontics, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services to assess your jaw function, bite alignment, and signs of TMJ dysfunction. During your evaluation, we review your symptoms, take imaging if needed, and examine how your teeth and jaw move together.
If your popping is caused by a mild misalignment, conservative treatments like bite adjustments, orthodontic therapy, or jaw exercises may be enough to restore balance and prevent future problems.
If more complex TMJ issues are present, we can recommend a personalized treatment plan to reduce strain on your joint and improve jaw stability.
Does your jaw pop, click, or shift when you move your mouth? Don’t wait until it hurts to get it checked out. Schedule a consultation at Touni Orthodontics to find out what’s causing your issues and put a care plan to help you avoid future complications. Call our office or book an appointment online today.
