What Causes a Clicking Jaw?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 22nd, 2026.
Clicking jaw is most commonly caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The clicking sound occurs when the small disc inside your jaw joint slips out of its normal position, creating a popping noise as it moves over the rounded end of your jawbone. This affects approximately 10-15% of adults and can result from teeth grinding, jaw clenching, arthritis, or jaw injury. Other causes include misaligned teeth, excessive gum chewing, or stress-related muscle tension. While occasional clicking is usually harmless, persistent clicking accompanied by pain, locking, or difficulty opening your mouth warrants evaluation by a healthcare provider or dentist.
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