Clicking jaw joints could be a warning sign — ignoring it may make it hard to open your mouth

Kim Hye-sun, professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery / Coutesy of Gangnam Severance Dental Hospital

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw to the skull, allows us to open and close our mouths. However, frequent consumption of tough foods or chronic stress can trigger temporomandibular joint disorders — often starting with a clicking sound in the jaw. Left untreated, this condition could eventually make it difficult to open your mouth, experts warn.

What is a TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular joint disorder refers to a variety of functional abnormalities and pain occurring in the jaw joint, surrounding ligaments and the muscles involved in chewing. It can appear suddenly in acute cases but more often develops gradually over many years. Since it’s not caused by bacteria or viruses like the common cold, even after treatment, ongoing management is essential.

What are the main symptoms?

There are three main signs to watch: joint noises, pain and restricted mouth opening. If you only hear clicking sounds in your jaw, immediate treatment may not be necessary. However, if left unaddressed, the disc (articular disk) that enables smooth jaw movement may shift out of place. This can block the joint’s movement, making it hard to open your mouth. Before that stage, people often feel pain in the chewing muscles, with symptoms such as cheek pain, tension headaches or pain near the ears, neck and shoulders.

When should you seek treatment?

If jaw pain is ignored, persistent pressure inside the joint can lead to inflammation. Chronic inflammation may progress to degenerative arthritis, which in severe cases can erode the jawbone and negatively affect how the upper and lower teeth align. If symptoms persist for more than three months, it’s important to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Most cases are treated with physical therapy and medication, but if the disc is severely displaced, joint surgery may be considered.

How can TMJ disorders be prevented?

Jaw pain is proportional to the pressure placed on the joint. Chewing tough foods excessively, chronic stress, and nighttime teeth grinding all put prolonged strain on the TMJ, making it more susceptible to damage. People should evaluate their eating habits and develop ways to manage stress to avoid this condition.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.