Jaw Clicking When You Open Your Mouth? Here's What It Means and What to Do
Updated July 20261 minute read
A click or pop when you open your mouth usually comes from the cushioning disc in the jaw joint moving as you open (disc displacement "with reduction"). Painless clicking by itself is common and often harmless — it doesn't necessarily need treatment. Clicking that comes with pain, catching, limited opening, or locking is more meaningful and responds well to jaw-focused physical therapy.
What this usually means
Most likely causes. A clicking jaw most often reflects the joint disc slipping and snapping back as you open and close (disc displacement with reduction). Less common causes. Clicking with catching or locking suggests the disc is staying displaced and may limit opening — worth assessing.
What you can try at home
If the click is painless and not limiting, you can usually monitor it — avoid forcing wide opening, gum, and hard/chewy foods, and practice a relaxed jaw rest position. If pain, catching, or locking develops, get it assessed rather than testing the click repeatedly.
When to see a physical therapist
If clicking comes with pain, catching, limited opening, or locking, a TMJ-focused PT can improve jaw control and reduce symptoms.
Red flags — don't wait
Seek prompt care for a jaw that locks open and won't close, jaw pain after trauma, or jaw pain with chest/breathing symptoms (emergency).
How a PT treats this
When relevant, treatment improves jaw movement control and coordination, relaxes the muscles, and addresses clenching.
Frequently asked questions
Sources (3)
This article is for education only and isn't medical advice. Always talk to a licensed clinician about your specific situation.