My Jaw Pops When I Eat — Should I Be Concerned?

If your jaw makes a popping or clicking sound when you eat, yawn, or speak, you’re not alone — many people experience this symptom. 

Occasional popping isn't always a cause for alarm, but persistent or painful jaw noises could signal an underlying issue. Jaw popping often results from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which affects up to 12% of people, especially younger adults and women.

Dr. David Blaustein and the Chelsea Dental Aesthetics team explain what causes jaw popping, when to be concerned about it, and what treatment options are available here at our office in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City.

What causes jaw popping?

Your TMJ is a hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Stress, misalignment, or strain on this joint can cause clicking, popping, or even locking of the jaw. 

If your jaw locks, you might not be able to open your mouth fully. That can make it hard to speak and eat, which understandably impacts your quality of life and ability to consume adequate nutrition.

Common jaw popping triggers include teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis — it can impact every joint in your body, including your jaw — misaligned teeth, or trauma to your jaw area.

When is jaw popping a problem?

Jaw popping that occurs infrequently and without pain usually isn’t a major concern. 

However, if you experience frequent popping, jaw pain, or difficulty chewing, or your jaw locks in an open or closed position, give us a call. Dr. Blaustein can determine the source of your jaw popping and recommend the appropriate treatments.

Treating jaw popping

In mild cases, home remedies such as applying ice, eating softer foods, avoiding hard or crunchy foods, and performing jaw stretches may alleviate discomfort. However, home remedies only mitigate symptoms; they won’t treat the root cause of your jaw popping.

The best treatment for jaw pain and popping depends on the cause. For example, you might benefit from a night guard if bruxism contributes to your jaw discomfort. A night guard is an oral device you wear while asleep to stop you from grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw. 

Dr. Blaustein may also recommend a night splint. Splints are also worn at night but offer more vertical support than a night guard.

If misalignment is the culprit, he may recommend bite correction. Your bite can be corrected with clear braces, restorations, or occlusal equilibration — all available at our Manhattan office.

If you have arthritis in your jaw, you might benefit from eating softer foods, taking medication, and massaging your jaw. Night guards can help if you have osteoarthritis in your jaw.

Does your jaw pop?

If your jaw pops or clicks when you eat, don’t brush it off. The sooner you get answers, the sooner you can get relief! During your initial appointment, Dr. Blaustein reviews your symptoms, examines your mouth, and reviews your X-rays. 

In most cases, jaw popping can be corrected without surgery. Even without surgery, we offer sedation dentistry to relax you during any therapies or procedures you may need.

Questions? To learn more about treatment options for jaw popping, call our office or request an appointment online today.