Do you hear clicking, popping or grating in your jaw?
In many people, jaw clicking occurs without pain or restriction and may not require treatment. When jaw noises come with pain, stiffness or locking, an assessment at NCOFP in Galway can help identify the underlying cause.
Sound familiar?
Jaw clicking may occur on its own or alongside other symptoms. Common symptoms include:
Symptoms are often triggered or worsened by chewing, yawning, prolonged talking, or clenching and grinding habits.
Understanding jaw clicking
Jaw clicking and other jaw joint noises are common symptoms involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. Jaw joint noises are sounds that occur within the TMJ during jaw movement such as opening, closing, chewing, or yawning. These sounds may include:
In many cases, these noises are related to movement of the articular disc, a cushioning structure located between the jawbone and the skull.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays an essential role in everyday activities such as eating, speaking, yawning, and facial expression. When the structures within the joint are not functioning normally, symptoms such as clicking, popping, discomfort, or restricted movement may develop.
In many people, jaw clicking occurs without pain or restriction and may not require treatment. Some people experience joint noises for many years without developing pain or dysfunction. Others may develop symptoms that affect comfort, chewing ability, or jaw movement.
However, when jaw noises are associated with pain, stiffness, locking, or changes in normal jaw function, they may indicate an underlying temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder that requires further assessment.
Why it happens
Jaw clicking and joint noises are most commonly related to changes in how the disc moves within the temporomandibular joint.
The disc normally moves smoothly between the jawbone and skull during opening and closing movements. If the position or movement of the disc becomes altered, clicking or popping sounds may occur. Potential contributing factors include:
In many patients, jaw clicking remains stable and does not progress. However, some individuals may experience increasing symptoms over time.
Why it matters
Not all jaw clicking requires treatment.
Many patients are concerned that clicking automatically means there is damage to the joint. In reality, some forms of joint noise can remain stable for years without causing pain or affecting function.
However, when clicking is associated with pain, locking, stiffness, or restricted movement, the underlying diagnosis becomes important. A structured assessment can help:
When to get help
You may benefit from a specialised orofacial pain assessment if you experience:
An assessment can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate management approach.
Clicking can sometimes be followed by locking episodes. Our jaw locking page explains what to look out for, including when to seek urgent help.
How we help
At NCOFP, assessment begins with identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms rather than simply focusing on the noise itself.
Listening and examining
Explaining what’s happening
A plan agreed with you
Your assessment is tailored to your symptoms and clinical needs.
A comprehensive assessment may include:
We explain what is happening and why.
The goal is to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine whether the jaw noises represent a harmless finding or a condition requiring treatment.
A plan agreed with you, suited to your individual needs.
Management options depend on your symptoms, the assessment findings and how your jaw function is affected. Not everyone requires active treatment.
Management options
Treatment recommendations depend on your symptoms, assessment findings and individual needs. Painless jaw clicking with normal movement often does not require treatment. Where clicking is associated with pain, locking or restricted movement, appropriate management may include:
A custom-made oral appliance may be considered in selected cases, particularly where clenching or grinding and associated symptoms are relevant. Suitability depends on your assessment.
About oral appliances →If clicking occurs alongside jaw pain or muscle discomfort, appropriate pain-management strategies may be considered. Medication or other interventions depend on your symptoms and clinical circumstances.
About medication management →Individualised exercises and movement strategies may help improve jaw mobility, coordination and function during everyday activities.
Where relevant, advice on clenching, grinding, excessive jaw loading and other contributing habits may help reduce strain on the jaw muscles and joints.
Understanding why jaw clicking occurs, what it means and when it may need attention can help you make informed decisions about your care. Where clicking is painless and jaw function is normal, reassurance and monitoring may be all that is needed.
If symptoms persist, the jaw locks repeatedly or movement remains restricted, further investigation or referral to another healthcare professional may be appropriate in selected cases.
The aim is not necessarily to eliminate every joint noise, but to address pain or functional problems where present. Your management plan will be guided by the underlying cause of your symptoms, with a focus on jaw movement and everyday function.
Why choose NCOFP
NCOFP is a specialised clinic in Galway focused on orofacial pain, jaw disorders and dental sleep medicine. We take the time to understand what your jaw noises mean and agree a plan that suits you.
Jaw clicking does not always indicate a problem that needs treatment. Its significance depends on factors such as pain, movement, locking and your overall symptoms. Understanding how these factors relate to one another can help clarify whether management is appropriate.
Your symptoms, clinical findings and individual circumstances help guide a management plan tailored to your needs. The aim is to help you understand your jaw symptoms, explore appropriate treatment options and support comfortable jaw movement and everyday quality of life.
Where it would help, Dr Chah will refer you within a trusted network of healthcare professionals and work with them on your care. Where needed, he will also liaise with your own dentist, GP or consultant.
Who you will see
Dr Neysan Chah
B.A., B.Dent.Sc., MSc. OFPOM, Dip. ABOP, FAAOP, FICD
Dr Chah has advanced training in orofacial pain, supporting a focused approach to assessing jaw joint noises and understanding their relationship to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and related symptoms. Expert assessment can be particularly helpful when jaw clicking or popping occurs alongside:
About Dr Chah →FAQs
In many cases, jaw clicking is not serious and may occur without pain or long-term consequences. However, clicking associated with pain, locking, or restricted movement should be professionally assessed.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Some patients require no treatment, while others may benefit from oral appliances, exercises, or other targeted interventions aimed at improving jaw function and reducing symptoms.
Not necessarily. Jaw clicking is often related to disc movement within the joint rather than arthritis. A clinical assessment can help determine the cause.
In some patients, symptoms remain stable for years. In others, clicking may be followed by stiffness, locking episodes, pain, or reduced jaw movement. Early assessment can help identify patients who may benefit from intervention.
Dr Chah will take a detailed history, examine your jaw movement, joints and muscles, and talk you through the findings and your options.
No. You can book directly with NCOFP in Galway. We also welcome referrals from dentists, GPs and other healthcare professionals.
Take the next step
Jaw clicking and joint noises are common, but when they occur alongside pain, restricted movement or changes in jaw function, further assessment may be helpful. An orofacial pain assessment at NCOFP can help clarify the possible causes of your symptoms and determine whether any management is needed. If jaw clicking or joint noises are causing discomfort or affecting your daily activities, you can arrange an assessment with Dr Neysan Chah.
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