Common "Jaw Clicking" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Jaw Clicking

Jaw clicking sound occurs due to jaw popping. It occurs due to extended opening of the jaw during yawning and problems in the functioning of the temporomandibular joint. The symptoms are tenderness in the jaw, difficulty opening mouth wide, difficulty eating, headache, toothache, and earache. The habits that can cause jaw popping are teeth grinding, nail-biting and clenching jaws. The other reasons are arthritis, injury to the jaw, and myofascial pain syndrome. Its treatment depends on the cause.

Recently Answered Questions Recently Answered Questions

All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

I could feel on and off cracking and popping noise around my jaw and wrist. Is this bad?

Query: Hello doctor, My jaw pops and cracks and it has been happening for like two years. It used to be worse but it comes and goes. Also, when I move my wrists, there is a cracking or popping noise. Sometimes, my wrist locks and I have to roll it to fix it. Is this bad? I am a female.   Read Full »


Dr. Atul Prakash

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Fingers popping is common and not considered to be a cause for worry. It, however, must be remembered that you should avoid popping them. Jaw cracking is another condition that as long it is not painful can be observed, but if you have pain in the areas just in front...  Read Full »

Why am I unable to open my mouth more than two fingers wide?

Query: Hi doctor, Since yesterday, I am unable to open my mouth widely. I have a restricted opening. When I try to open my mouth widely, I have pain in the right side of the jaw. I consulted a doctor yesterday. He gave me an injection and suggested me to take some tablets. In the early morning, I tried to...  Read Full »


Dr. Beryl F

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Please mention whether you have a previous history of dental treatments like fillings, tooth removal, or root canal treatment. Please mention whether you have a habit of tobacco chewing and smoking. Please mention whether you have any associated tooth pain. Please m...  Read Full »

I have a dislocated TMJ. Is it incurable?

Query: Hi doctor, I have been suffering from jaw pain and stiffness for a while now which can sometimes result in a headache and pain in the ears. I also can hear my jaws pop when I open my mouth wide. I visited a dentist regarding this issue and after an X-ray, it was concluded that I have a dislocated T...  Read Full »


Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. There is always a cause associated with it, that can be one of the following: Habitual one-sided chewing. Missing posterior teeth from one side. Decayed teeth on one. Malocclusion. In case you have one of the above-mentioned conditions associated or night clinc...  Read Full »

Why do I have a high-pitched sound when I move the jaw up and down?

Query: Hi doctor, I have high-pitched sound while moving my jaw up and down on eating, yawning, turning my head sideways to the affected side, and grinding my teeth. I have fullness in my ears while the jaw is motionless. I have these symptoms for more than six months. I consulted a doctor and thought tha...  Read Full »


Dr. Abhinav Raj Gupta

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Yes, your symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) clicking will disappear soon by following proper treatment. So do not be worried. You have consulted a stomatologist and he advised you to have a nightguard. I suggest you go for an acrylic repositioning splint. If the...  Read Full »

There are clicking sounds whenever I open and close my mouth wide. What could be the reason?

Query: Hi doctor, I am experiencing clicking sounds whenever I open my mouth wide and close it. It is not painful, but I am curious because I have been experiencing this for the past week. I am a male, my height is 5 feet 10 inches, and my weight is 187 pounds. Thank you.  Read Full »


Dr. Divya Banu M

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com The clicking sound is due to some TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problem (could be either hard or soft tissue related). The cause can be ruled out only after clinical examination and checking X-rays. Kindly visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the same. Since you d...  Read Full »

Why do I feel a pull in my jaw area every time I yawn?

Query: Hi doctor, Whenever I yawn sometimes it feels like I pulled something, and on my bottom jaw I push on it and something goes up.  Read Full »


Dr. Geethanjali. S. S

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your upper and lower jaw are connected with a joint called temperomandibular joint. Similarly we have elbow joint and knee joint. The lower jaw is movable only because of this joint. So whenever you yawn, sounds like that joint is rubbing high and that is why you feel ...  Read Full »

I have a popping and locking feeling in my left jaw. What to do?

Query: Hello doctor, I usually get a popping and locking sensation in my left jaw which happens while eating and getting up in the morning. I also have a partially erupted wisdom tooth in that part. I read about TMJ on the internet and I am getting anxiety because of it. I am very afraid. Recently, the jaw...  Read Full »


Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. There is nothing to be afraid of. You seem to have recurrent disc displacement. The main cause can be the one you mentioned, your half-erupted tooth. I suggest you get it removed and make sure you eat from both the sides. The joint gets stressed if you eat from only one...  Read Full »

I have a TMJ clicking problem which increases with stress. Why?

Query: Hello doctor, I have a TMJ problem of clicking and popping sounds with pain sometimes, and it elevates when I am in stress. Kindly advise.  Read Full »


Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I will surely help you and will give you detailed instructions.  Read Full »

On chewing, my upper and lower teeth touches only on my left side. What is the cause?

Query: Hi doctor, I have some problems with my jaw muscles due to clenching or grinding at night. It causes a variety of symptoms such as headaches. When I chew, I feel like my upper and lower teeth touch only in my left side and I seem to have overdevelopment of masseter muscle on the same side. I have c...  Read Full »


Dr. Ummah Mohammad

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern and I will try my best to provide you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. There are several reasons for your problem and there are several types of treatment depending upon your cause. If it occurs due to malocclusion or misaligned teeth, th...  Read Full »

I an unable to chew due to pain in my TMJ, and now my face looks asymmetrical. What should I do?

Query: Hi doctor,I am having pain in my right TMJ. It has been there for many years but is getting worse. I am not able to chew anything. The right side of my face looks fuller than the left, and my face looks asymmetrical. My TMJ used to get stuck or make clicking sounds till last year. But now it does no...  Read Full »


Dr. Soheel Hussain Zargar

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. This is due to a disorder in TMJ (temporomandibular joint), and one side is hypertrophied due to a chewing issue. This problem can be due to problems in teeth, high contacts, lack of teeth, trauma to the joint, and retro discitis. You are advised to visit a nearby dent...  Read Full »

ask-doctor-img Ask a Doctor Online

* Your first query consult is free!

Search for a Health Issue



Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.