Introduction

In Episode 63 of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, Dr Clifford Yudelman discusses the common concern of jaw clicking—what causes it, when it’s harmless and when it requires attention, and how to manage it effectively without incurring unnecessary treatment costs.

**00:01:47 – ** What exactly is jaw clicking, and why does it happen?

Jaw clicking is an audible “pop” or “click” that arises from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is a ball-and-socket joint connecting the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone of the skull. Within this joint sits a small articular disc of cartilage that should glide smoothly during opening and closing. When that disc momentarily displaces and then repositions itself—often riding slightly forward on opening and snapping back on closing—it produces the characteristic clicking or popping sound.

Further Reading:

• What is TMJ and How is it Treated? (OptiSmile Blog)

https://optismile.co.za/blog/what-is-tmj-and-how-is-it-treated/ (optismile.co.za)

**00:02:33 – ** Is jaw clicking always a sign of a serious problem, or can it be harmless?

Occasional, painless clicking—especially in younger individuals—is often benign. In such cases, the disc displacement is intermittent, there is no pain, the range of motion is normal, and there is no locking; therefore, it rarely requires invasive intervention. However, if clicking is accompanied by persistent discomfort, restricted mouth opening, altered jaw movement (e.g. asymmetrical opening), or locking episodes, it may signal temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), which warrants professional evaluation.

Further Reading:

• Understanding Bruxism & TMJ Disorders (OptiSmile Blog)

https://optismile.co.za/blog/understanding-bruxism-tmj/ (optismile.co.za)

• What is TMJ and How is it Treated? (OptiSmile Blog)

https://optismile.co.za/blog/what-is-tmj-and-how-is-it-treated/ (optismile.co.za)

**00:03:42 – ** What anatomical structures are involved in jaw clicking?

The principal components are:

1. Mandibular condyle (the “ball” of the lower jaw).
2. Glenoid fossa (the “socket” on the temporal bone).
3. Articular disc (a small, fibrocartilaginous cushion between ball and socket).
4. Ligaments (stabilising fibres around the joint).
5. Lateral pterygoid muscle (attaches to the front of the disc and can pull it forward).
6. Posterior attachments (back-of-disc tissues that help retain the disc).
7. When ligaments or muscular tensions change (for instance, due to hypermobility, stress or injury), the disc can slip ahead of the condyle and then click back into place during mouth movements.

Further Reading:

• What is TMJ and How is it Treated? (OptiSmile Blog)

https://optismile.co.za/blog/what-is-tmj-and-how-is-it-treated/ (optismile.co.za)

**00:04:57 – ** When should listeners be concerned about jaw clicking and seek professional advice?

Seek professional advice if you experience any of the following for more than a few weeks:

• Persistent pain localised around the ear, temple or TMJ.
• Jaw locking (inability to open or close fully).
• Reduced range of motion (e.g. inability to open wider than 35–40 mm).
• Crepitus (a grating or grinding sensation in the joint).
• Noticeable changes in your bite (teeth no longer align as they once did).
• Such signs may indicate early degenerative changes, inflammation or disc displacement that cannot self-resolve.

Further Reading:

• What is TMJ and How is it Treated? (OptiSmile Blog)

https://optismile.co.za/blog/what-is-tmj-and-how-is-it-treated/ (optismile.co.za)

**00:06:44 – ** How can you distinguish between TMJ-related clicking and benign joint noises?

• Benign clicking:
• • Intermittent and painless.
• • No limitation in opening/closing.
• • May occur only on large mouth openings (e.g. yawning or a big bite).
• • Full, unrestricted jaw movement—normally above 40 mm interincisal opening.
• Pathological clicking/TMD:
• • Accompanied by pain on chewing or jaw movement.
• • Morning stiffness, headaches or earaches.
• • Restricted opening (< 35 mm interincisal).
• • History of trauma (e.g. blow to the jaw).
• • Popping or grinding that disturbs daily activities.
• If you can click repeatedly without discomfort and maintain normal jaw range, it’s likely benign. Otherwise, TMD evaluation is recommended.

Further Reading:

• What is TMJ and How is it Treated? (OptiSmile Blog)

https://optismile.co.za/blog/what-is-tmj-and-how-is-it-treated/ (optismile.co.za)

• Understanding Bruxism & TMJ Disorders (OptiSmile Blog)

https://optismile.co.za/blog/understanding-bruxism-tmj/ (optismile.co.za)

**00:08:07 – ** What common factors or habits contribute to jaw clicking?

• Parafunctional habits (unconscious behaviours that overload the TMJ):
• • Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
• • Ice chewing
• • Lip or cheek biting
• • Nail biting
• Stress-induced muscle tension:
• The lateral pterygoid muscle may pull the disc forward under stress.
• Poor posture:
• Jutting the chin forward when using a phone or laptop increases TMJ strain.
• Physiotherapists such as Trish Lang (Bree Street, Cape Town) specialise in correcting neck and jaw posture.
• Trauma:
• Whiplash or direct blows to the jaw can stretch or tear ligaments, displacing the disc.
• Arthritis:
• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can erode joint surfaces, leading to uneven disc movement and clicking.

Further Reading:

• Understanding Bruxism & TMJ Disorders (OptiSmile Blog)

https://optismile.co.za/blog/understanding-bruxism-tmj/ (optismile.co.za)

• How to Deal with Teeth Grinding (OptiSmile Blog)

https://optismile.co.za/blog/deal-teeth-grinding/ (optismile.co.za)

**00:11:00 – ** Do you have any simple self-assessment or home-care measures to alleviate the clicking?

1. Gentle heat or cold therapy:
2. • Apply a warm compress (10–15 minutes) over the TMJ to relax tightened muscles.
3. • Use a cold pack wrapped in a cloth (never directly on skin) to reduce local inflammation.
4. Jaw-stretching exercises (ensure correct technique; refer to a physiotherapist):
5. • Place two index fingers between your front teeth; gently stretch open to encourage the disc to re-seat.
6. • With tongue on the roof of your mouth, open and close gently while standing with your chin tucked and head against a wall (posture and opening exercise).
7. • Numerous TMJ-specific exercises exist; proper guidance from a qualified physio is advised.
8. Soft