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. 
   
3. Glenoid fossa (the “socket” on the temporal bone).
4. Articular disc (a small, fibrocartilaginous cushion between ball and socket).
5. 
   
6. Ligaments (stabilising fibres around the joint).
7. 
   
8. Lateral pterygoid muscle (attaches to the front of the disc and can pull it forward).
9. Posterior attachments (back-of-disc tissues that help retain the disc).
10. 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 diet:
9. • Limit hard, chewy or crunchy foods (nuts, biltong, tough meats) for 1–2 weeks to reduce joint loading.
10. Postural awareness:
11. • Keep your head centred over your shoulders; avoid leaning forward or craning your neck.
12. • Consider Pilates, gentle yoga or “chin-tuck” exercises to retrain head position.
13. Stress management:
14. • Mindful breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, gentle walks, Pilates or Pilates-based activities.
15. Avoid parafunctional triggers:
16. • Refrain from nail biting, lip/cheek biting, excessive gum chewing or wide yawning.

Further Reading:

• Understanding Bruxism & TMJ Disorders (OptiSmile Blog)

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

• Relief and Recovery: Managing Bruxism and TMJ Disorder (OptiSmile Blog)

https://optismile.co.za/blog/relief-and-recovery-managing-bruxism-and-tmj-disorder/ (optismile.co.za)

**00:14:05 – ** Are there any non-invasive treatments you can recommend for early-stage jaw clicking?

• Occlusal splints/night guards (custom-made, hard acrylic and often 3D-printed):
• • Reduces stress on the joint and prevents further disc displacement.
• • Over-the-counter soft appliances can exacerbate the problem and worsen the bite—avoid these.
• • A well-fitted, dentist-fabricated splint is far more effective but is not always the first choice if symptoms are mild.
• Physiotherapy (under a suitably trained TMJ specialist such as Trish Lang):
• • TMJ-specific manual therapy and guided exercises can resolve early symptoms in just a few visits.
• Soft-tissue massage:
• • Gentle massaging of the masticatory muscles (masseter, temporalis) can help alleviate tension.
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs):
• • Ibuprofen or prescription medications such as Arcoxia (once-daily dosing) to reduce pain/inflammation.
• Behavioural modification:
• • Consciously avoid parafunctional habits (clenching, nail biting, chewing gum).
• • Reduce caffeine intake and manage stress with relaxation techniques.

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)

• Relief and Recovery: Managing Bruxism and TMJ Disorder (OptiSmile Blog)

https://optismile.co.za/blog/relief-and-recovery-managing-bruxism-and-tmj-disorder/ (optismile.co.za)

**00:18:25 – ** When is it appropriate to consider specialist interventions such as splints or surgery?

• Occlusal splints (hard acrylic, custom-fabricated) are a conservative first step—used nightly to protect joint structures and teeth from bruxism. However, beware of dental practices (notably neuromuscular dentistry protocols) that prescribe 24/7 splint wear leading to irreversible bite changes and extensive restorative work costing hundreds of thousands of rand.
• 
  
• Intra-articular injections (steroid or viscosupplementation) are performed by a TMJ specialist or oral surgeon; indicated only for persistent, moderate-to-severe TMD unresponsive to conservative care.
• 
  
• Arthrocentesis/arthroscopy:
• • Flushing the joint under local anaesthetic, sometimes including lavage or minimal arthroscopic debridement; reserved for chronic, resistant cases.
• Open-joint surgery (disc repositioning, disc removal or joint reconstruction) is only for advanced degenerative TMJ disease with significant pain, deformity or loss of function—very uncommon and highly specialised.

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)

**00:21:56 – ** What preventative strategies help maintain healthy TMJs and avoid future problems?

1. Early identification & stress management:
2. • At the first sign of jaw tension or mild clicking, begin simple relaxation: progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, warm baths or sauna.
3. • Regular light exercise (walking, Pilates, yoga) helps reduce overall stress.
4. • Consider therapy if stress or anxiety becomes unmanageable.
5. Habit interruption:
6. • Consciously avoid nail biting, gum chewing, lip/cheek biting and wide yawning.
7. • Keep a stress ball handy to redirect nervous energy.
8. Postural correction:
9. • Maintain a neutral head position (imagine a string gently pulling the crown of your head upwards).
10. • Perform chin-tuck exercises or attend Pilates/yoga classes to strengthen postural muscles.
11. Regular dental check-ups:
12. • Your dentist should assess TMJ motion, ask about any clicking or discomfort, and monitor bite dynamics.
13. • If you have risk factors (e.g. bruxism, snoring, overweight, large neck), your dentist may recommend an early bruxism splint even before TMD symptoms arise.
14. • Sleep apnoea screening is relevant—there is a well-documented link between poor sleep quality, snoring and nocturnal grinding/clenching.
15. Sleep hygiene:
16. • If a partner reports snoring, consider a home sleep study. Untreated sleep apnoea can aggravate bruxism and TMD, leading to headaches, jaw pain and daytime fatigue.
17. Book a comprehensive digital consultation at OptiSmile if any warning signs emerge. Our 90-minute assessment (CBCT, 3D scans, full set of digital x-rays, photographs and personalised treatment plan) can detect early degenerative changes and help you avoid costly, invasive procedures. We also offer a free 30-minute video consultation if you simply have questions.

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)

Contact the Best dentist in Cape Town

Book your next Dental Checkup with OptiSmile

Follow OptiSmile on Facebook

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.