Jaw Popping, Clicking, or Pain? You’re Not Alone

By Dr. Cohen, DDS

A lot of patients come into our office mentioning the same thing:

“My jaw pops when I open,” or “I hear clicking when I chew.”

Some ignore it. Others assume it’s normal.

But in many cases, these are signs of TMJ issues—and understanding what’s going on is the first step to fixing it.

What Is TMJ, Anyway?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It’s the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, right in front of your ears. This joint is responsible for:

• Opening and closing your mouth 

• Chewing and speaking 

• Moving your jaw side to side 

When this joint or the surrounding muscles become irritated, inflamed, or misaligned, it can lead to what’s commonly called TMJ disorder (TMD).

Common Signs of TMJ Issues

TMJ problems don’t always show up the same way for everyone, but common symptoms include:

• Jaw popping or clicking 

• Jaw stiffness or tightness 

• Pain near the ears or temples 

• Headaches or facial pain 

• Difficulty opening your mouth fully 

• Jaw locking open or closed 

If you notice any of these regularly, it’s worth paying attention.

Simple Ways We Evaluate Jaw Function

One of the first things we look at is how your jaw moves.

1. How Wide Can You Open?

A healthy jaw should open smoothly without pain or deviation. Limited opening or discomfort can signal joint or muscle problems.

2. Side-to-Side Movement

We may ask you to move your jaw left and right. Restricted or uneven movement can indicate muscle tension, joint inflammation, or disc issues within the joint.

These simple assessments tell us a lot about how your jaw is functioning.

What Can Help Relieve TMJ Symptoms?

TMJ treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on the cause and severity, solutions can include:

Reducing Stress on the Jaw

Stress plays a major role in jaw tension. Activities like:

• Yoga 

• Stretching 

• Regular exercise 

can help relax the muscles around the jaw and reduce clenching or grinding.

Night Guards

For patients who grind or clench their teeth at night, a custom night guard can make a big difference. It helps:

• Protect your teeth 

• Reduce pressure on the jaw joint 

• Minimize morning jaw pain or headaches 

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Advanced Care When Needed

In more complex cases, TMJ symptoms may require collaboration with a specialist or oral surgeon for advanced imaging or treatment options.

When Should You Get Checked?

If your jaw popping, clicking, or pain is:

• Persistent 

• Getting worse 

• Affecting your daily comfort 

it’s time to have it evaluated. Early intervention can prevent long-term joint damage and chronic discomfort.

If you’re experiencing jaw issues, we’re here to help guide you toward the right solution—whether that’s simple lifestyle adjustments or more advanced care.

Our dental office is located at 27871 Medical Center Rd, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, and routinely evaluates jaw function as part of comprehensive dental care.