Jaw Clicking on One Side: Is It TMJ or Something Else?

When you open your mouth, do you hear a clicking sound? You're not alone, and many patients report experiencing jaw clicking on one side during everyday activities like eating, yawning, or speaking. This unexpected sound can be concerning — especially when it's accompanied by discomfort or pain

While jaw clicking often indicates a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, several other factors could be responsible for that distinctive popping sound. Understanding what's actually happening when your jaw produces those concerning clicks and snaps can help determine the appropriate approach for treatment.

Why Does My Jaw Click on One Side?

Your temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone and skull, which gives you the range of movements that you need for talking, chewing, and expressing yourself.

When your temporomandibular joint doesn’t function the right way, you might notice clicking, popping, or even experience what our patients describe as "my jaw makes crunching noise" during routine activities.

But what causes this annoying sound? There are a few possible explanations:

TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorders affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, and when you experience clicking in the jaw while chewing, it's often because the disc inside your joint has slipped out of place.

The disc normally sits between the jawbone and skull, cushioning movement. When you open your mouth, this displaced disc might pop back into position, creating that click, and then slip out again when you close your mouth, sometimes causing another click.

Not all TMJ disorders cause pain, but many do — especially if the condition progresses untreated. “My jaw snaps when I chew” is a common complaint among patients with more advanced TMJ issues.

Bruxism

Do you grind or clench your teeth? This habit, known as bruxism, puts a lot of pressure on your TMJ. Many people don't even realize they're doing it, especially if it happens during sleep.

The extra strain can cause the jaw joint to become inflamed or damaged, leading to that familiar clicking sound. We might notice worn tooth enamel, which is a telltale sign of grinding, before you've even registered the jaw clicking symptoms.

Stress

Your body responds to stress in surprising ways. Muscle tension usually concentrates in the jaw and neck areas when you're under pressure. This tension can pull your jaw joint slightly out of alignment, resulting in TMJ jaw clicking when you move your mouth.

The relationship between stress and jaw problems creates a frustrating cycle. Stress leads to jaw tension, which causes clicking and pain, which creates more stress, and breaking this cycle typically requires addressing both the physical and emotional aspects.

Arthritis

As we age, the cartilage in our joints can wear down. Osteoarthritis in the jaw joint can cause roughened surfaces that don't smoothly move against each other, resulting in clicking, grinding, or popping sounds.

Other forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, can also affect the TMJ. These autoimmune conditions cause inflammation that damages the joint structure over time.

Jaw Injury

A blow to the face, whiplash, or even extensive dental work can damage the TMJ or surrounding tissues. The injury might throw off the balance of your jaw's movement pattern, leading to clicking sounds as your body tries to compensate.

Even after your injury heals, the altered movement patterns can persist, causing your symptoms to continue

Malocclusion

When your teeth don't align properly when you bite down, it's called malocclusion. This misalignment forces your jaw to work harder during normal activities like eating and speaking.

The extra strain can lead to TMJ problems — including that characteristic clicking sound you hear when opening or closing your mouth.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

While TMJ jaw clicking is a common symptom, it's rarely the only one. You might also experience:

• Pain or tenderness in your jaw, especially in front of your ear
• Aching pain that radiates through your face, jaw, or neck
• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
• Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
• Headaches, particularly in the morning
• Ear symptoms like pain, ringing, or a feeling of fullness
• Limited range of motion when opening your mouth

It's worth mentioning that not everyone with jaw clicking has all of these symptoms. Some people experience just the clicking with no pain at all, while others might have several symptoms that seriously impact their quality of life.

Final Thoughts

If you're experiencing jaw clicking on one side, don't panic — but don't ignore it either. While occasional clicking without pain might not require immediate treatment, persistent symptoms warrant professional attention.

At Raleigh TMJ and Sleep, we can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

Learn more about the symptoms of TMJ.