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Jaw clicking is one of the most common concerns people have about their temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Sometimes it’s nothing more than a harmless noise. Other times, it’s an early sign of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) that deserves professional attention.

One of the most useful clues is when the click happens—during opening, closing, or side‑to‑side movement. These patterns can help you form a reasonable working understanding of what might be going on before you see a clinician for TMD.

This article breaks down the different types of clicking, what they may indicate, and a simple exercise that can support early self‑care for TMD.

Understanding TMJ Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

🔍 Why Jaw Clicking Happens

The TMJ is a hinge‑and‑glide joint with a small disc that cushions movement. Clicking usually occurs when the disc is not moving smoothly with the jaw. This can happen for many reasons—muscle tension, joint irritation, habitual clenching, or changes in how the disc moves.

Understanding the timing of the click helps narrow down the possibilities.

1. Clicking on Opening: TMD

A click that occurs early in opening—often within the first 10–20 mm—may suggest that the disc is slightly forward and snaps back into place as the jaw begins to open.

A click that occurs mid‑opening may indicate that the disc is recapturing later in the movement, often associated with more noticeable deviation or “wiggle” in the jaw path.

A click that occurs near full opening is less common and may relate to joint strain or hypermobility (too much movement) rather than disc displacement.

What this pattern may suggest about TMD

Early opening click → disc displacement with early reduction
Mid‑opening click → disc displacement with later reduction
Late opening click → joint laxity or muscle imbalance

These are not diagnoses—just patterns that help guide what to look for.

2. Clicking on Closing

A closing click often means the disc is slipping forward again as the jaw returns to rest.

What this pattern may suggest

Closing click → disc reducing on opening but displacing again on closing
Closing click with deviation → muscle imbalance or disc instability

A closing click is often paired with an opening click, forming a “double click” pattern.

3. Clicking During Lateral (Side‑to‑Side) Movements

Lateral movement is more complex than most people realize. The jaw doesn’t simply slide sideways—it rotates, glides, and shifts in a coordinated sequence.

How the jaw moves laterally

Beginning of opening: slight lateral shift is normal as the jaw finds its path
Mid‑opening: the jaw should center itself
End of opening: the jaw may shift again depending on muscle tension or joint mechanics

Clicking during lateral movement may indicate: TMD

The disc is unstable and shifts position as the jaw moves sideways
One side of the jaw is working harder than the other
Muscles on one side are tighter or overactive

If clicking happens only during lateral movement, it may be more muscle‑related than disc‑related.

4. Putting the Patterns Together: A “Best‑Guess” Working Understanding

While only a trained clinician can diagnose TMD, you can form a reasonable working understanding by observing:

✔ When does the click occur?

Opening, closing, or lateral movement?

✔ Where in the movement does it occur?

Beginning, middle, or end?

✔ Is there pain?

Pain changes the urgency.

✔ Is the click getting louder, more frequent, or harder to reproduce?

Changes over time matter.

✔ Does the jaw deviate or shift?

This can indicate muscle imbalance or disc movement.

A simple pattern guide

Clicking Pattern	Possible Interpretation (Not a Diagnosis)
Early opening click	Disc displacement with early reduction
Mid‑opening click	Disc displacement with later reduction
Opening + closing click	Disc reducing then displacing again
Lateral‑only clicking	Muscle imbalance or mild disc instability
Clicking with pain	Joint irritation or inflammation

If clicking is painful, progressively worsening, or affecting chewing, it’s time for a professional evaluation.

5. A Helpful Exercise: Controlled Opening With Tongue‑Up Position

This exercise supports smoother jaw mechanics and reduces strain on the joint.

Tongue‑Up Controlled Opening

Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth.
Keep your teeth slightly apart.
Slowly open your mouth without letting your tongue lose contact with the palate.
Stop before the tongue lifts off.
Close gently and repeat 8–10 times.

Why this helps TMD

Encourages proper jaw tracking
Reduces excessive forward translation of the joint
Helps calm overactive muscles
Promotes smoother disc movement

This exercise is gentle and safe for most people, but it’s not a substitute for individualized care.

When to Seek Professional Help For TMD

A clinician such as a Chiropractor or dentist familiar with TMJ issues, can help if:

The clicking is painful
The jaw locks or feels unstable
The clicking is getting worse
You have headaches, ear symptoms, or facial tension
You avoid certain foods because of discomfort

Early assessment can prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones.

Perform 5–10 repetitions, 2–3 times per day, provided there is no increase in pain, clicking, or locking.

If clicking persists despite limiting range, or if pain or locking develops, discontinue the exercise and seek in-person evaluation. Long-term TMD treatment may also include education, temporary dietary modification, stress and clenching management, posture correction, and—when indicated—splints or targeted physiotherapy.

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Jaw Clicking, TMD, and When to Seek TMD Treatment