Why Does My Jaw Click When I Chew in Richmond

Hearing a small pop or click when you chew might not seem like a big deal at first. For many people in Richmond, these jaw sounds come and go without much thought. But when the clicking happens often, or it’s paired with pain, tightness, or locking, it’s usually a sign something more is going on. One common reason for this is a problem with your temporomandibular joint, also called the TMJ.

Dr. Brian Briesemeister works with patients dealing with jaw joint issues every day. Clicking, popping, or discomfort during meals isn’t something to brush off. It can affect how you eat, how comfortable your jaw feels, and even how you sleep at night. Richmond residents often come to Dr. Brian Briesemeister once the clicking gets more frequent or when their jaw starts to feel sore just from talking or smiling. Understanding what’s causing the sound is a first step toward lasting relief.

What Is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint acts like a slide-and-hinge, connecting your lower jawbone to the side of your skull. Every time you open your mouth to talk, chew, yawn, or laugh, this joint is doing work several times a day.

When this joint gets out of sync, people may feel sharp pains or dull aches in that area. A common early sign is clicking or popping. Many people don’t notice it until it gets more frequent or starts affecting how their jaw moves.

Other signs of TMJ issues may include:

• Soreness in or around your jaw
• Muscle tightness near your cheeks or temples
• Difficulty chewing tough or chewy foods
• Your jaw locking in place, either open or shut
• Pain that reaches your neck, ears, or shoulders

Some people start feeling these symptoms after a dental procedure or from clenching their jaw during stressful weeks. Others notice it following a small injury or nighttime grinding. Often, the signs grow gradually and become more noticeable over time.

Dr. Brian Briesemeister has seen everything from mild discomfort to more serious cases that affect daily function. If that sound or pain continues and doesn't go away on its own, it may be time to take a closer look.

Why Does My Jaw Click?

A clicking jaw is common, and many people in Richmond live with it for years. Still, it’s your body’s signal that your jaw isn’t moving the way it should.

Possible causes of jaw clicking include:

1. Joint Displacement

There’s a small disc inside your jaw joint that helps things move smoothly. If that disc slips out of place, you might hear a clicking sound as your jaw opens or closes.

2. Jaw Muscle Tension

Tension in the muscles around your jaw can change your bite and movement. When the muscles are tight, you might notice your mouth doesn’t feel like it’s opening evenly or easily.

3. Past Trauma or Injury

An old injury can throw off the way your jaw works, even if it wasn’t painful at the time. Over time, the joint can shift and start moving abnormally.

4. Teeth Grinding or Jaw Clenching

Grinding your teeth, especially at night, puts serious strain on the joint. Even if you don’t realize you’re doing it, this pressure can cause or worsen TMJ symptoms.

5. Jaw Misalignment or Bite Problems

If your bite is off, your jaw works harder to stay aligned. That added effort stresses the joint and nearby muscles, often leading to popping or discomfort.

Even when the clicking isn’t painful, it can be a warning sign. Dr. Brian Briesemeister helps Richmond-area patients figure out if their symptoms are easy to manage or something that needs careful attention. Early action is important for avoiding worse flare-ups later.

How to Address TMJ Symptoms

Once you know the cause of your symptoms, it’s easier to pick the right treatment. TMJ symptoms like jaw clicking, soreness, and limited movement can be frustrating, but they don’t have to take over your life. The goal is to ease tension, reduce pain, and get the joint moving properly again.

Treatment options may include:

Oral Appliances

Custom-fitted oral appliances help guide your jaw into better alignment. They help reduce pressure on the joint and ease clicking or pain. These may be worn at night or sometimes during the day, depending on your needs.

Physical Therapy

Specific stretches and movements can help loosen stiff muscles and improve your jaw’s range. Dr. Brian Briesemeister may recommend exercises tailored to your situation to steadily improve function.

Stress Management

Stress can cause or worsen TMJ problems through clenching or grinding. Breathing exercises, mindfulness, or small lifestyle changes may reduce stress and in turn ease muscle tightness.

Each patient is different. That’s why having Dr. Brian Briesemeister take a close look at your jaw alignment and movement is important. His experience treating different levels of TMJ discomfort helps guide a custom plan that gets you on track.

Tips for Managing TMJ at Home

Along with hands-on care, there are steps you can try at home to support treatment and protect your jaw each day.

Gentle Jaw Exercises

Light jaw stretches may help improve flexibility and keep muscles from tightening up. Dr. Brian Briesemeister can show you which ones are safest and most effective.

Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods

Skip snacks that overwork your jaw. Tough meats, gum, and chewy candies can trigger symptoms. Choose foods that require less effort to bite and chew.

Apply Warm Cloths

Placing a warm cloth on your jaw may help soothe tension and improve blood flow. It can be a small way to ease discomfort throughout the day.

These at-home tips are helpful in keeping symptoms under control, especially when they’re used alongside professional treatment. A few daily habits can make a big difference over time.

Making Chewing More Comfortable Again

TMJ symptoms can affect your daily life in more ways than one. That clicking sound isn't just an annoyance. It’s a sign that something needs attention. Whether it's soreness, jaw locking, or discomfort during meals, your jaw deserves care that works.

Start by understanding what’s going on, then take the next step with help from Dr. Brian Briesemeister. Richmond patients benefit from clear answers and real solutions. It doesn’t have to be complicated or painful to move forward. A combination of professional care and mindful habits at home can bring real relief and help you chew, talk, and smile with more ease every day.

Dealing with TMJ symptoms can be frustrating, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Connect with Dr. Brian Briesemeister at the Center For Sleep & TMJ for a personalized approach that targets the source of your discomfort. Discover how we can help you find lasting relief from TMJ symptoms and restore comfort and function to your daily routine.