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Why does my jaw click and sometimes lock?
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Dental & Oral Disorders
Question #18503
14 hours ago
21

Why does my jaw click and sometimes lock? - #18503

Arwah

I experience a clicking / cracking sound in my jaw when opening and closing my mouth. If I try to open my mouth a little wider than usual, it only opens halfway up to the point where the sound occurs, and then it stops. After some time, when my jaw relaxes, I am able to open my mouth fully again. Sometimes my jaw feels tight or stretched. This tightness is mild normally, but it becomes much more noticeable during periods of stress. I eat using both sides of my mouth normally. This problem has been present for approximately 13–14 years. Chewing hard foods (such as bubble gum or tough foods) causes my jaw to lock, which is why I stopped eating hard foods a long time ago. There is no noticeable swelling. My face shape appears slightly asymmetrical near the chin area. I am not sure whether this is related to my jaw problem or if it has been present since birth, as I did not notice it during childhood.

Age: 24
Chronic illnesses: My jaw clicking and occasional locking is a chronic condition, present for over a decade.
24
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
2 hours ago
5

Hello dear As per clinical history it seems occlusal discrepancy causing malocclusion and clicking sound Probably there are chances of fibrosis and myalgia I suggest you to please get clinical evaluation done with nearby dentist for better clarity In addition please get get opg or cbct done to rule out exact etiology Regards

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