Jaw Clicking and TMJ in Teens: What Parents Need to Know

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board

Last updated: August 2025

All pediatric dental and oral health content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed pediatric dentists and dental specialists on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current pediatric dental guidelines, evidence-based practices, and standards in oral developmental care.

1 of 7 / Overview

Jaw Clicking and TMJ in Teens: What Parents Need to Know

If your teen complains about a clicking jaw, popping sounds while chewing, or persistent jaw pain, they may be experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder — a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull.

In teenagers, TMJ issues can develop during growth spurts, after orthodontic treatment, or due to postural imbalances, clenching, or oral habits. Left unaddressed, TMJ dysfunction can interfere with eating, speaking, sleep, and emotional well-being.

At DrSensory, we go beyond dental alignment to uncover how TMJ symptoms connect to oral-motor coordination, speech function, and myofunctional development — and we help guide families toward long-term relief.

2 of 7 / Signs & Symptoms

Jaw clicking or popping might seem harmless at first, but it often signals muscle tension or joint misalignment. Common symptoms in teens include:

  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
  • Jaw pain or pressure (especially near the ears)
  • Locking of the jaw (open or closed position)
  • Frequent headaches or neck pain
  • Trouble chewing or biting into foods
  • Jaw fatigue when talking for long periods
  • Uneven bite or shifting teeth
  • Speech becoming slurred or imprecise due to jaw tension

Some teens may not report pain but still experience functional impairments, especially when speaking or eating.

3 of 7 / Causes & Risks

In adolescence, TMJ dysfunction is often multifactorial, developing from a combination of physical and behavioral influences.

Common Causes:

  • Orthodontic changes (braces, retainers, or jaw realignment)
  • Postural changes during rapid growth
  • Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Chewing habits (gum, nails, ice, pen caps)
  • Mouth breathing or low tongue posture
  • Stress or anxiety, especially during academic pressures
  • History of trauma to the face or jaw

Long-Term Risks:

  • Chronic jaw pain or locking
  • Altered facial development
  • Poor sleep and fatigue
  • Difficulty with articulation and clarity in speech
  • Development of compensatory oral habits

4 of 7 / Diagnosis & tests

Diagnosing TMJ in teens requires a careful evaluation of joint function, muscle patterns, and contributing behaviors. At DrSensory, our diagnostic process includes:

  • Clinical jaw movement exam (clicking, range of motion, tension)
  • Bite and alignment analysis
  • Assessment of oral posture and breathing habits
  • Screening for bruxism or clenching patterns
  • Speech evaluation, if articulation is affected
  • Collaboration with dentists, orthodontists, or ENTs as needed

The goal is to identify whether the root issue is mechanical, muscular, behavioral, or developmental — so we can guide the right treatment.

5 of 7 / Care & treatment

TMJ treatment in teens is most successful when it addresses both the immediate symptoms and the underlying cause. At DrSensory, our treatment approach may include:

Myofunctional Therapy

Exercises and retraining for the jaw, tongue, lips, and facial muscles to improve coordination, balance, and resting posture. Especially helpful when mouth breathing or incorrect tongue posture contribute to TMJ strain.

Speech and Oral-Motor Therapy

Targets tension-related speech issues, such as unclear articulation, limited jaw movement, or poor endurance for speaking tasks.

Dental or Orthodontic Coordination

We collaborate with orthodontists or dentists to ensure proper bite alignment and prevent additional strain from retainers or braces.

Behavioral and Lifestyle Interventions

  • Stress reduction techniques
  • Guidance on avoiding gum, chewy foods, or grinding triggers
  • Posture support for school, screen time, and sleep

Night time Bruxism Management

If grinding is a factor, you may need to consider a referral for a custom night guard.

6 of 7 / Living With

Teenagers often normalize discomfort or “clicking” sounds without realizing it’s affecting their ability to chew, speak, or concentrate. Left unaddressed, TMJ dysfunction can become chronic and may impact long-term facial growth and oral function.

How parents can help:

  • Take complaints of jaw noise or pain seriously
  • Monitor speech changes or chewing challenges
  • Limit hard or chewy foods if symptoms appear
  • Avoid brushing off stress or clenching as “just habits”
  • Seek early intervention with a specialist trained in oral-motor function

It is important to help teens not only reduce pain, but also restore functional movement, improve speech, and prevent long-term complications — with a plan tailored to their growing bodies.

Causes and Risks Learn by Diagnosis Category

7 of 7 / related reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if my teen’s jaw clicks when they open or close their mouth?

Jaw clicking in teens is often linked to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction, which affects the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. Clicking, popping, or grinding noises can signal joint misalignment, inflammation, or muscle tension.

Is jaw clicking in teenagers something to worry about?

Occasional jaw clicking without pain is common and usually not serious. However, if your teen experiences pain, limited jaw movement, headaches, or locking, it could be a sign of TMJ disorder and should be evaluated by a dental or medical professional.

What causes TMJ issues in teens?

Common causes include teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching due to stress or anxiety, poor posture, orthodontic issues, or injury to the jaw. Hormonal changes during adolescence may also contribute.

Can TMJ disorders affect eating or speaking in teenagers?

Yes. TMJ disorders can make it painful or difficult to chew, speak, or yawn. Teens might also complain of jaw fatigue, headaches, or earaches—especially after talking or eating.

How is TMJ dysfunction diagnosed in teens?

Diagnosis typically involves a clinical exam, symptom review, and sometimes imaging like X-rays or MRIs. A pediatric dentist, orthodontist, or TMJ specialist may assess jaw alignment and joint function.

What treatments are available for teens with TMJ issues or jaw clicking?

Treatment options include night guards, physical therapy, stress reduction techniques, jaw exercises, orthodontic correction, and in some cases, medications or injections. Most cases improve with conservative, non-invasive care.

When should I take my teen to the dentist or doctor for jaw clicking?

If your teen’s jaw clicking is accompanied by pain, jaw locking, difficulty chewing, or chronic headaches, it’s time to consult a professional. Early intervention can prevent long-term discomfort and joint damage.

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Glossary

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)

The hinge joint that connects the jaw to the skull, allowing for movement when speaking, chewing, and yawning. TMJ issues can lead to jaw pain, clicking, or limited movement.

TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder)

A condition affecting the TMJ and surrounding muscles, often causing pain, clicking, popping, or jaw dysfunction. It is sometimes referred to as TMJ disorder.

Bruxism

The habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep. In teens, bruxism is a leading cause of TMJ pain and jaw clicking.

Jaw Clicking

A clicking or popping sound in the jaw joint during movement. This may result from misalignment, joint irritation, or muscular tension in the TMJ area.

Night Guard

A custom-made oral appliance worn at night to protect teeth from grinding and reduce stress on the jaw joint. Often used in treating TMJ disorders in teens.

Myofascial Pain

Chronic muscle pain in the jaw, face, or neck related to tension or TMJ dysfunction. Common in teens who clench their jaw due to stress.

Jaw Locking

A symptom of more severe TMJ dysfunction where the jaw temporarily gets “stuck” in an open or closed position. This may require urgent evaluation.