Clicking Jaw
A clicking jaw usually means the cushioning disc inside the joint isn't moving smoothly with the jaw. It's common, often harmless — but when it comes with pain or locking it needs proper assessment.
Ready to book your appointment?
Send us your details and we'll be in touch — usually within one working day.
The joint, the muscles, or both.
Most jaw problems are muscular rather than structural, driven by clenching, stress and poor sleep. Muscular pain responds well to a splint, heat, jaw exercises and habit awareness.
True internal derangement of the disc — clicking with locking or limited opening — is less common and may need physiotherapy or specialist referral.
Symptoms of TMD.
The signs vary, but most people notice one or more of these:
- 01A click or pop when opening or chewing
- 02Jaw ache, especially in the morning
- 03Difficulty opening wide or locking
- 04Tenderness in front of the ear
- 05Headaches at the temples
- 06Grating or crunching sounds
Where it comes from.
The most common culprits:
Don't wait it out.
Speak to your our practice dentist if you're experiencing any of the following — book an appointment as soon as you can:
- —Clicking is accompanied by pain.
- —Your jaw locks open or closed.
- —You can't open as wide as you used to.
- —You wake with facial or temple ache.
In discomfort right now?
Sudden inability to close your mouth, or severe jaw pain after trauma, needs urgent assessment — contact us or attend A&E if the jaw is locked open.
A plan, not a quick fix.
We examine the joints and muscles, check your bite, and usually start with a custom splint, jaw exercises and habit advice. Persistent cases are referred for physiotherapy or specialist care.
