Why Does My Jaw Click While I’m Eating?

If you’ve ever experienced a clicking or popping sound in your jaw while eating, you’re certainly not alone. It’s a common issue that many people face and understanding the reasons behind it can help alleviate discomfort and anxiety. In this blog post, I will explore the possible causes of a clicking jaw and the steps you can take to address it.

What Causes Jaw Clicking?

The clicking or popping sounds you may hear come from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull. The TMJ is a complex joint that allows for the movements necessary for chewing, speaking and eating. Despite its impressive design, various factors can lead to dysfunction of this joint, resulting in an audible click.

1. Disc Displacement: The joint contains a small cartilage disc that helps cushion the jaw during movement. The disc can lag behind and create air pockets, when the disc rushes to catch up with the moving jaw bone, it pops the air pockets that it has created, leading to clicking sounds as the joint moves.

There is a wonderful video of this on this website which demonstrates this movement. 

https://www.beverlyhillstmjheadachepain.com/tmj-muscle/tmj/tmj-animation-images/

2. Muscle Tension:

Clenching or grinding your teeth (often referred to as bruxism) can also can cause excessive muscle tension. This muscle tension can alter the biomechanics of the joint and cause the disc to lag and create air pockets as described above.

3. Arthritis: Degenerative conditions such as Osteoarthritis can affect the TMJ, leading to inflammation, pain, and audible clicking when moving the jaw.

When Should You Seek Help for Jaw Clicking?

An occasional click is not a cause for alarm. Many people live their whole life with a jaw that clicks occasionally, and they never develop further jaw problems. However, persistent clicking, accompanied by pain or restricted movement, should not be ignored. 

Here are a few signs that suggest it’s time to consult a professional:

- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or face

- Difficulty or pain while chewing

- Frequent headaches or migraines

- Symptoms impacting your daily activities

At My Jaw Physio, we specialize in addressing issues related to jaw function and can help you develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. You can book online through this link.

Practical Tips for Management of Jaw Clicking. 

In some cases, simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. Here are a few tips to help manage clicking in your jaw:

- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating practices such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can reduce stress and muscle tension.

- Avoid Chewy Foods: Limiting hard or chewy foods can help alleviate strain on your jaw.

- Jaw Exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can benefit the muscles around your jaw. Lara can teach you the right exercises for your specific jaw problem. Lara can teach you ways to open your mouth without clicking at all.

If you are experiencing pain, check out this blog on reducing jaw pain. https://www.myjawphysio.com.au/patient-resources/tips-to-reduce-jaw-pain

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing jaw clicking while eating, understanding the underlying causes is the first step in addressing the issue. While many factors can contribute to this discomfort, there are also effective strategies to minimize symptoms and enhance your quality of life. If you're unsure about the source of your clicking, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional guidance! At My Jaw Physio, we are dedicated to helping you reclaim your comfort. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your condition at 0429992290.