What Causes the Jawbone to Click When Opening the Mouth?

Popping sounds in the jawbone upon opening the mouth may be caused by habitual mouth opening, trauma or injury, dental occlusion issues, perforation of the articular disc, anterior displacement of the articular disc, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, and targeted general and pharmacological treatments can be administered under medical guidance. Details are as follows:

1. Habitual Mouth Opening:

It may lead to strain on the jaw joints, causing popping sounds upon opening the mouth. Prolonged habitual mouth opening subjects the joints to excessive pressure, resulting in wear and tear and decreased stability, further leading to popping sounds, pain, or limited mobility. To address this, consciously reduce the amplitude and frequency of mouth opening. Correct bad habits like excessive mouth opening and unilateral chewing.

2. Trauma or Injury:

Trauma or injury to the maxillofacial area can damage joint structures, causing persistent or intermittent popping sounds. Avoid excessive jaw movement and give the injured area adequate rest. Minimize wide-mouth opening or chewing hard foods to reduce joint strain.

3. Dental Occlusion Issues:

Malocclusion of upper and lower teeth leads to abnormal jaw movement trajectories, increasing pressure on the jaw joints and surrounding soft tissues. This abnormal pressure may cause joint popping, pain, or discomfort. After seeking medical attention, dental occlusion issues can be diagnosed through cephalometric analysis, X-ray examination, etc. Orthodontic treatment, grinding, or other methods may be employed to correct tooth alignment and occlusion. Avoid overusing one side of the mouth for chewing and strive for even usage of both sides.

4. Perforation of the Articular Disc:

Long-term excessive mouth opening, malocclusion, or chewing hard foods can cause perforation of the articular disc, altering the normal contact between the disc and condyle, leading to popping sounds. Adjust chewing habits to avoid overusing the joint, such as avoiding prolonged wide-mouth opening or chewing gum. Try hot or cold compresses and gentle oral exercises to alleviate symptoms. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention promptly.

5. Anterior Displacement of the Articular Disc:

When the articular disc displaces forward, it fails to return to its normal position upon mouth opening, subjecting the jawbone to abnormal pressure during movement, causing popping sounds. Conservative treatments such as joint massage, physical therapy, and hot compresses can be employed under medical guidance to alleviate pain and improve joint mobility. When necessary, a jaw splint can be worn to reduce joint pressure and alleviate symptoms. Other possible causes include ligament laxity. If popping sounds in the jawbone upon opening the mouth persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly for CT scans, MRI, and development of a personalized treatment plan based on specific conditions.