28/12/2025
Jaw clicking is a very common experience and for most people it is not a cause for concern. The jaw joint where your lower jaw meets your skull contains a small piece of cartilage that acts like a cushion and helps the joint move smoothly. When this cartilage slips slightly out of its ideal position the jaw can make a clicking or popping sound as you open or close your mouth. That sound is the cartilage briefly popping back into place during movement.
If your jaw clicks it is something you may deal with for much of your life. Many people live with it without any serious problems. Some approaches such as gentle intra oral vocal massage work can help relax the surrounding muscles and may reduce the clicking for short periods of time but they are not usually a permanent fix.
In most cases a clicking jaw on its own is nothing to worry about. However if your jaw ever locks open or closed or if you experience pain along with the clicking it is important to see your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional. Pain and locking can signal a different issue that needs proper assessment and care.