--- type: Article title: "How to get rid of jaw clicking and popping – causes, consequences and treatment" description: "Jaw clicking or popping when you chew? Causes, what it means for the temporomandibular joint and which treatments help – from an orthodontist in Cologne." resource: https://www.just-kfo.de/en/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-jaw-popping-causes-consequences-and-treatment/ language: en tags: [orthodontics, articles] timestamp: 2026-09-06T03:17:36+02:00 --- # How to get rid of jaw clicking and popping – causes, consequences and treatment A clicking jaw can be quite a nuisance and sometimes even painful. This clicking – also called jaw popping – often occurs while chewing and has various causes. But is jaw clicking really dangerous? What lies behind it, and how can you get rid of it? In many cases, a targeted TMD treatment – for temporomandibular disorder, often called TMJ – helps with jaw problems. Here you will learn what clicking in the temporomandibular joint means, which tips may help you, and when it makes sense to seek professional treatment. JUST KFO – your orthodontic specialists in Cologne – are here to advise and support you. Jetzt Termin buchen What happens when your jaw pops while chewing? The temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) connects your lower jaw to the skull. It allows you to open and close your mouth. Between the two lies a small disc of cartilage, the so-called articular disc, which acts as a cushion. If this disc slips out of place or the joint surfaces do not meet properly, clicking or popping can occur. This often happens when you open your mouth or chew. Sometimes it is harmless, but it can also point to problems that should not be ignored. What are the causes of jaw clicking? There are many reasons why your jaw may pop. Here are the most common ones: Stress and tension: If you unconsciously clench or grind your teeth, this can overload your jaw muscles. Misaligned teeth: A bad bite can throw the temporomandibular joint out of balance. Jaw misalignment: An underbite or overbite can place uneven strain on the temporomandibular joint. Osteoarthritis or arthritis: Joint wear or inflammation can damage the temporomandibular joint. Injuries or trauma: A blow to the jaw or an awkward movement can irritate the joint. Getting rid of jaw clicking – these tips will help you! 1. Relaxation exercises for the jaw Sit down comfortably and let your lower jaw hang loosely. Breathe in and out deeply without clenching your teeth. This can help release tension in your jaw muscles and reduce the clicking. 2. Stretching exercises for mobility Open your mouth wide and hold this position for a few seconds. Repeat this several times to improve the mobility of your jaw. These exercises can make chewing easier and reduce the popping. 3. Heat treatment to relax the muscles A warm cherry pit pillow or a compress on your jaw area can loosen tense muscles. But be careful: if inflammation is present, you should avoid heat. 4. Gentle massage Massage your jaw muscles with circular movements. This promotes blood flow and can release tension. Massage can also help relax the temporomandibular joint. 5. Avoid strain from certain foods Chewing gum, hard candy, or tough meat can put a lot of strain on your temporomandibular joint. If you suffer from jaw clicking, it is better to avoid these foods. When should you consider professional treatment? Jaw popping is common – and by itself, not yet a reason for treatment. In population studies, about one-fifth to one-quarter of adults show disc displacement with reduction: the cartilage disc in the joint briefly slips out of position when opening and audibly snaps back. This is the typical cause of popping. As long as there is no pain and no restriction of movement, it is not a finding that needs to be treated. What matters, therefore, is what comes with it. A professional evaluation makes sense if any of the following signs applies to you: The popping has persisted for more than four weeks and is not getting better. It hurts when chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth wide. Your jaw catches, jumps, or locks when opening. You can no longer open your mouth as wide as before – as a guide: three stacked fingers fit vertically between your incisors. You wake up in the morning with tense chewing muscles or jaw pain . Headaches, earaches, or neck pain occur together with the popping. If none of these applies, you can initially stay with the exercises above and check again in a few weeks. If you're unsure whether your symptoms are related: Our TMD self-assessment walks you through these points. It takes about two minutes, is anonymous, and requires no registration. It does not provide a diagnosis — it simply organizes what you've observed and tells you whether an examination is advisable. Mehr zum ThemaCMD-Schmerztherapie in KölnWas bei einer Untersuchung des Kiefergelenks geschieht, welche Schienen infrage kommen und wie wir Sie durch die Behandlung begleiten. Zur CMD-Schmerztherapie Possible professional treatments: Custom-fitted dental splints can relieve your temporomandibular joint and reduce grinding. Physical therapy improves the mobility of your jaw and releases tension. Medication may be necessary for acute pain or inflammation. Minimally invasive procedures such as injections into the temporomandibular joint sometimes help. Surgical procedures are only necessary in severe cases. Getting rid of jaw clicking – can it go away on its own? If stress or muscle tension is the cause, the problem may resolve on its own. Jaw clicking is a common phenomenon that affects many people. However, if the popping lasts longer or pain occurs, you should see an orthodontist . Preventing jaw clicking – how to protect yourself To prevent jaw clicking, you can follow these tips: Reduce stress: Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation help reduce unconscious teeth grinding. Regular check-ups with your orthodontist: This way, misalignments or early symptoms can be detected in good time. Healthy sleep habits: Good sleep hygiene can reduce the strain on your lower jaw. Adjust your diet: Soft foods relieve your temporomandibular joint, especially during acute symptoms. When to see a specialist about jaw clicking Jaw clicking can be harmless, but it can also point to serious problems with the temporomandibular joint. At JUST KFO in Cologne you receive a thorough examination and individual treatment options tailored to your needs. If symptoms persist, you should definitely see a dentist to clarify possible misaligned teeth or other problems. Book an appointment now and get advice from our specialists! Book an appointment now Jetzt Termin buchen Sources:Schupp, W., Haubrich, J., & Funke, J. (2020). Behandlung mit Okklusionsschienen und deren Herstellung im digitalen Workflow. Informationen aus Orthodontie & Kieferorthopädie, 52(3), 227–231. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1200-5934 Schiffman, E., Ohrbach, R., Truelove, E., et al. (2014). Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) for Clinical and Research Applications. Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, 28(1), 6–27. https://doi.org/10.11607/jop.1151 Deutsche Gesellschaft für Funktionsdiagnostik und -therapie (DGFDT) & DGZMK. S3-Leitlinie: Diagnostik und Behandlung von Bruxismus. AWMF-Registernr. 083-027, Version 2.1 (Januar 2026). register.awmf.org Schupp, W., Haubrich, J., & Neumann, I. (2010). Invisalign treatment of patients with craniomandibular disorders. International Orthodontics, 8(3), 253–267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ortho.2010.07.010 Frequently asked questions about jaw clicking and popping Is jaw clicking dangerous? Occasional, painless clicking is common and usually harmless. If it occurs regularly, however, or comes with pain, limited mouth opening, or muscle tension, it should be evaluated by a professional. What are the most common causes of jaw clicking? Often a functional disorder of the temporomandibular joint (temporomandibular disorder, TMD) is behind it – caused, for example, by teeth grinding, stress, a misaligned bite or overloading of the chewing muscles. A functional analysis clarifies the exact cause. Can jaw popping go away on its own? Sometimes it does, especially when it is triggered by temporary overload or stress. If it persists, becomes more pronounced, or is accompanied by pain or limited mouth opening, it makes sense to have it examined – this clarifies whether any treatment is needed at all and which one suits you. What helps against jaw clicking? Depending on the cause, relieving the chewing muscles, targeted exercises, physical therapy, an occlusal splint or correcting an underlying misalignment can help. A careful diagnosis is always the basis. Which specialty treats jaw popping? The first people to turn to are orthodontists and dentists who specialize in functional disorders (TMD). Depending on the cause, we work on an interdisciplinary basis with physical therapy or orthopedics.