Why Is My Jaw Clicking on One Side?

By: Bruce Kanehl

Does your jaw click when you move it in certain ways? Perhaps you have noticed that the clicking occurs more on one side than the other. If so, then there may be a few reasons why your jaw is clicking on one side. Let’s take a look at what could be causing this issue and what you can do about it.

What Causes Jaw Clicking on One Side?

Your jaw clicking on one side could be caused by several factors, including misalignment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Other possible causes include teeth grinding, poor posture, arthritis, or even an injured jaw muscle. Depending on which of these is causing your jaw to click, there are different treatments available.

TMJ Dysfunction

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for connecting the jawbone to the skull. If it experiences dysfunction, it can cause the surrounding muscles to become tight and lead to jaw clicking. This type of dysfunction can be caused by trauma to the area or any number of medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or even stress. To treat this, your doctor may recommend wearing a splint at night, which can help reposition the jaw and reduce tension on the area. In some cases, medications or physical therapy may also be recommended.

Misalignment

Sometimes misalignment of the jaw can cause a clicking sound when you open or close your mouth. When your jaw is misaligned, it can cause an imbalance in how your teeth come together when you bite down. As a result, one side of your jaw may be pushing down too hard on another tooth and create an audible popping noise. In order to fix this problem, your dentist may suggest wearing a special night guard while sleeping or having physical therapy to help realign the joint.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding — also known as bruxism — can also cause your jaw to click on one side because it puts extra pressure on the TMJ. This pressure causes the joint to rub against itself which then creates a clicking sound every time you open or close your mouth. Teeth grinding is often related to stress and anxiety, but it can also be caused by malocclusion (an incorrect bite). Wearing a night guard while sleeping can help protect your teeth from grinding and also reduce tension in the muscles around your jaw joints. Your dentist may also recommend relaxation exercises such as meditation or yoga to help reduce stress levels and alleviate any tension in the muscles surrounding the TMJ.

Poor Posture

Poor posture can cause strain on both your neck and shoulders, which can lead to tension in the jaw muscles that causes pain and/or clicking noises when you open and close your mouth. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you sit up straight with both feet firmly planted on the ground at all times. You should also avoid slouching forward or leaning too far back in chairs for extended periods of time.

Jaw Injury

If you have recently experienced a jaw injury, this could be the cause of your clicking jaw on one side. Injuries that involve trauma to the TMJ can cause swelling and inflammation, which can lead to a clicking sound when you open or close your mouth. To reduce pain and discomfort associated with this condition, it is important to rest the joint and allow it time to heal. Ice and over-the-counter pain medications can also be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the area. In some cases, however, physical therapy or surgery may be necessary to fully treat the injury.

How to Treat Jaw Clicking on One Side

If you have been experiencing jaw clicking, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor so that you can get the right treatment plan for your specific situation. Depending on the cause of your jaw clicking, treatment options may include physical therapy exercises to strengthen and relax the muscles in your face and neck; medications to reduce inflammation; splints or mouthguards; or stress management techniques such as guided imagery and mindfulness meditation.

Conclusion

Jaw clicking on one side is usually nothing to worry about but if it persists over time or happens frequently, it’s best to see a doctor or dentist right away so they can diagnose and treat the underlying condition causing it. The good news is that most cases are easily resolved with simple treatments such as adjusting the bite alignment or wearing an orthotic device at night to reduce teeth grinding. Taking these steps will help ensure that your jaw remains healthy and functioning properly for years to come!

If you are experiencing pain or clicking with your jaw, contact Kanehl Dental today to discuss our treatment options.