Many people notice a click in the jaw while eating or yawning and wonder if something is wrong. A click on its own, without pain, is common and often harmless. It's worth getting checked when it comes with pain, stiffness or a jaw that gets stuck.
Why the jaw clicks
Your jaw joint, the temporomandibular joint or TMJ, sits just in front of each ear. A small disc of cartilage cushions it. If that disc slips slightly forward, the jaw has to ride over it as you open your mouth, and you hear a click. Tight chewing muscles, clenching and grinding can all add to it.
When a click is usually nothing to worry about
- It doesn't hurt
- Your mouth still opens fully
- It hasn't changed over months
When to get it checked
- The click comes with pain in front of the ear or in the face
- Your mouth doesn't open as wide as it used to
- The jaw catches or locks, even for a moment
- You get headaches or ear pain along with the clicking
- The click started after an injury to the face
If your jaw has locked and won't open, see a dentist soon. The earlier it's treated, the easier it usually is.
What you can do at home
- Eat softer food for a while and cut it into small pieces
- Skip chewing gum and very wide yawns
- Notice if you clench your teeth during the day, and let your jaw rest with the teeth slightly apart
- A warm compress on the side of the face can ease sore muscles
If this doesn't help within two weeks, come in for a check-up. Most jaw problems get better with simple treatment such as a night splint. Only a few need a procedure.
हिंदी में संक्षेप
जबड़े में सिर्फ़ क्लिक की आवाज़, बिना दर्द के, अक्सर चिंता की बात नहीं होती। लेकिन अगर आवाज़ के साथ कान के सामने दर्द हो, मुँह पूरा न खुले, या जबड़ा अटक जाए, तो जाँच ज़रूर करवाएँ। तब तक नरम खाना खाएँ, च्युइंग गम न चबाएँ और दिन में दाँत भींचने से बचें।