Jaw clicking or popping? Book a TMJ assessment.
Jaw Clicking or Popping
South Kensington, London
Jaw clicking or jaw popping when opening or closing the mouth is a relatively common experience. It typically originates from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull and allows the jaw to move smoothly during speaking, chewing, and yawning. While a clicking jaw when opening mouth is often benign, persistent or painful clicking may indicate a temporomandibular disorder that could benefit from professional assessment. At our South Kensington dental practice, our dentists provide structured TMJ evaluations to help identify contributing factors and discuss appropriate management options.
Explore other jaw and dental concerns we assess or read on to understand what may be causing your jaw clicking and when professional evaluation may be helpful.
Jaw Clicking or Popping?
Let us assess your jaw joint and discuss management options
- TMJ examination & palpation
- Jaw movement assessment
- Bite analysis
- Tooth wear evaluation
- Personalised management plan
Why Does the Jaw Click or Pop?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex hinge-and-slide joint that allows the jaw to open, close, and move from side to side. Within the joint, a small disc of cartilage sits between the jawbone and the skull, acting as a cushion and allowing smooth movement.
Jaw clicking or jaw popping may occur when this disc moves slightly out of its usual position during jaw movement. As the disc shifts and then returns, it can produce an audible click or pop. A clicking jaw when opening mouth is relatively common and affects a significant proportion of the population at some point.
Jaw clicking no pain is often benign and may not require treatment. However, if clicking is persistent, becomes painful, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as locking or restricted movement, a professional assessment can help evaluate whether management is appropriate.
Is Jaw Clicking Always a Problem?
Not necessarily. Some people experience occasional jaw joint clicking without any discomfort or limitation in movement. In these cases, the clicking may simply reflect normal variation in how the joint disc moves and does not always indicate a disorder that requires intervention.
If the clicking is painless, does not restrict how far you can open your mouth, and does not appear to be getting worse, monitoring with simple self-care measures may be sufficient. Many patients find that symptoms remain stable over time without needing active treatment.
However, if pain develops alongside the clicking, if the jaw begins to lock in an open or closed position, or if jaw movement becomes restricted, evaluation is advisable to identify whether a temporomandibular disorder may be contributing and to discuss appropriate management.
Common Causes of Jaw Clicking
Several factors can contribute to jaw clicking or popping. In many cases, more than one factor may be involved.
Disc Displacement Within the TMJ
The TMJ contains a small cartilage disc that acts as a cushion between the jawbone and the skull. Minor positional changes in this disc — where it shifts slightly out of its usual alignment — can produce a clicking or popping sound when the jaw opens or closes. In many cases, this is painless and does not restrict jaw movement.
Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
Habitual grinding or clenching — often occurring during sleep or periods of stress — places sustained pressure on the jaw muscles and TMJ. Over time, this muscle tension can contribute to joint stress, clicking sounds, and facial discomfort.
Bite Imbalance
When the upper and lower teeth do not meet evenly, the jaw may compensate by shifting slightly during opening and closing. This uneven contact can place additional strain on the TMJ and may contribute to clicking or popping over time.
Muscle Tension and Stress
Stress and anxiety can lead to increased tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw joint. This muscular tightness may affect how smoothly the joint moves, potentially contributing to clicking, stiffness, or discomfort.
Previous Trauma
A past injury to the jaw, face, or head — even if it occurred some time ago — may have affected the alignment or mechanics of the TMJ. Trauma-related changes can sometimes lead to clicking or other joint symptoms that develop gradually.
Symptoms That May Accompany Jaw Clicking
Jaw clicking may occur on its own or alongside other symptoms that fall under the broader category of temporomandibular disorder symptoms. You may also notice:
These symptoms can have various causes and require professional assessment for confirmation. A TMJ evaluation helps determine whether the jaw joint is a contributing factor.
Persistent Jaw Clicking or Discomfort?
If you are experiencing persistent jaw clicking, discomfort when chewing, or episodes of jaw locking, a TMJ assessment can help evaluate contributing factors and discuss appropriate management options. Book a consultation at our South Kensington clinic for a structured jaw joint evaluation.
How Dentists Assess Jaw Clicking
When you attend our practice with concerns about TMJ clicking, our general dentistry team carries out a structured evaluation. The assessment typically includes:
Review of symptom history, duration, and any triggers
Examination of jaw movement — opening, closing, and lateral motion
Palpation of jaw muscles and the TMJ area for tenderness
Bite assessment to check for uneven contact or alignment issues
Checking for signs of tooth wear that may indicate grinding
Radiographs where clinically indicated to evaluate joint structures
Findings from the assessment guide management recommendations. Your dentist will discuss the results with you and outline appropriate options before any treatment begins.
Management Options for TMJ Clicking
The most appropriate management depends on the cause, severity, and impact of symptoms. Common approaches include:
Monitoring (If No Pain Present)
If jaw clicking is painless and does not restrict movement, your dentist may recommend a period of monitoring with simple self-care measures. Many cases of painless jaw clicking remain stable and do not require active treatment.
Night Guard or Splint Discussion
If teeth grinding or clenching is identified as a contributing factor, a custom-made night guard or occlusal splint may be discussed. These appliances are designed to reduce pressure on the TMJ during sleep and help protect the teeth from wear. A splint is not universally appropriate for all cases and is recommended based on individual findings.
Jaw Exercises
Guided jaw movement exercises can help improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and support smoother jaw function. Your dentist can demonstrate appropriate techniques and advise on frequency and duration.
Lifestyle Modifications
Simple adjustments can help reduce strain on the TMJ. These may include avoiding very hard or chewy foods, reducing gum chewing, being mindful of clenching habits during the day, and applying gentle heat to tense jaw muscles.
If teeth grinding is identified as a contributing factor, learn more about how we manage tooth grinding and the protective options available.
When Referral May Be Considered
Most cases of jaw clicking can be assessed and managed within a general dental setting. However, in some circumstances, referral to an appropriate specialist may be discussed.
This may be considered if symptoms are severe or do not respond to conservative measures, if there is significant restriction in jaw movement, or if more complex joint issues are suspected that require further investigation such as advanced imaging or specialist assessment.
Your dentist will discuss the most appropriate pathway based on clinical findings and your individual circumstances.
When Should You Arrange a TMJ Assessment?
Consider booking an evaluation if you experience any of the following:
Clicking becomes painful or is accompanied by aching
Jaw movement becomes restricted or difficult
Episodes of jaw locking occur when opening or closing
Headaches appear to be linked to jaw tension or clenching
Symptoms persist beyond several weeks without improvement
If you experience sudden jaw locking where you are unable to open or close your mouth, or severe pain that is rapidly worsening, consider contacting our emergency dentists for prompt assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
About jaw clicking and TMJ concerns
Book a TMJ Assessment in South Kensington
Jaw clicking or popping is common and not always a cause for concern, but persistent symptoms may benefit from structured assessment.
Our dental team in South Kensington provides careful TMJ evaluations and personalised advice, including splint discussion and referral guidance where appropriate. Book your appointment to have your jaw symptoms assessed and discuss suitable next steps.
Open Monday–Sunday • 2 mins from South Kensington tube
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At South Kensington Medical & Dental, we are fully registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
