Jaw clicking (TMJ disc displacement)
Clicking or catching of the jaw from movement of the joint's cartilage disc.
Overview
Jaw clicking often reflects movement of the cartilage disc within the jaw joint. Painless clicking alone is common and usually harmless; when associated with pain or locking it benefits from assessment and targeted jaw rehab.
Symptoms
- Clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth
- Occasional catching or brief locking
- Sometimes associated jaw ache
- A sense of the jaw deviating to one side
Causes
- Displacement of the jaw joint disc
- Clenching and muscle imbalance
- Previous jaw trauma
Treatment
- Reassurance for painless clicking
- Jaw control and movement retraining
- Reducing clenching and parafunction
- Dental or specialist input for locking