Why does my jaw pop or catch out of place when I yawn?

If your jaw pops or clicks when you yawn, that's usually nothing to worry about. It's common and rarely needs treatment. But pain, catching, locking or trouble closing your mouth is a different story, and it's worth having checked. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Two jaw joints connect your lower jaw to your skull. 

• A painless pop does not always mean you have a jaw disorder. 

• Pain, stiffness, catching or locking may be signs of a jaw joint problem. 

• When treatment is needed, simple options usually come first. 

If your jaw pops, catches or feels stuck when you yawn, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. They can check how your jaw moves and help find the cause. 

What part of your jaw pops when you yawn? 

Your lower jaw meets your skull at two temporomandibular joints, or TMJs. One sits near each ear. These joints let your jaw open, close and move from side to side. A wide yawn may make an existing sound easier to notice, but the sound alone does not mean your jaw has slipped out of place. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says pain-free clicking or popping is common and considered normal.¹ 

What causes jaw popping or catching when you yawn? 

Jaw popping as a result of yawning does not always mean something is wrong. However, a painful pop or one that comes with catching, stiffness or trouble moving your jaw may be a sign of a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. 

TMD is a name for more than 30 problems involving the jaw joints and the muscles that move them. For many people, no single cause can be found. Some cases begin after an injury to the jaw joint. Studies have not found that braces or the way your upper and lower teeth meet are responsible for TMD.¹ 

Is jaw popping when yawning something to worry about? 

Not always. MedlinePlus notes that a painless joint sound is common and, by itself, does not mean you have a TMD.² Pain changes the picture. Tell your dental provider if the popping comes with pain, stiffness, catching, locking, trouble moving your jaw, pain that spreads to your face or neck or a change in how your teeth fit together. Your dental provider can examine your jaw and decide whether you need an X-ray or another imaging test. 

Who is more likely to get jaw popping or TMD? 

Women have about twice the TMD rate reported for men. It is especially common among women ages 35 through 44.¹ These figures apply to TMD, not to painless jaw popping. People outside these groups can also develop a TMD. 

What if my jaw catches or locks when yawning? 

Catching feels different from a simple pop. Your jaw may pause, feel blocked or become harder to move as you open or close your mouth. Locking means the jaw gets stuck and cannot move through its full range. Do not try to force it past the stuck point. 

Catching deserves a closer look because it can happen before your jaw locks. If your jaw locks fully open or closed, review what to do next and contact a dental provider promptly. 

What can help with jaw popping or catching? 

Painless popping alone usually does not need treatment. If you have pain or trouble moving your jaw, care usually starts with simple steps that can be stopped or changed. Treatments that permanently alter the joint or the way your teeth fit together should not be the first choice. Options your dental provider or doctor may suggest include the following:¹

• Eat softer foods while your jaw is sore. 

• Apply heat or cold and do gentle jaw exercises. 

• Ask whether an over-the-counter pain medicine is safe for you. 

• Give your jaw a break from clenching, chewing gum and biting your nails. 

A dental provider may discuss a night guard if you clench or grind your teeth. Its main benefit may be protecting your teeth from wear. Research has not clearly shown that night guards reduce TMD pain.¹ The guard should not move your teeth or permanently change your bite. Stop using it and tell your dental provider if it makes your pain worse. 

A CPAP mask may sometimes add to jaw and tooth soreness. Crying for a long stretch can also leave your jaw sore. 

Jaw popping that comes with pain, catching or trouble opening deserves a closer look. Schedule an appointment with your dental provider to have your jaw checked and discuss options that fit your needs. 

Why does my jaw pop or catch out of place when I yawn? FAQs 

Still have questions about jaw popping? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

Is it normal for jaw popping to happen on only one side? 

Yes. You have a separate jaw joint on each side, so one side can make a sound while the other does not. Tell your dental provider which side is affected, especially if it also hurts, catches or becomes harder to move. 

Can jaw popping go away on its own? 

Many TMD symptoms improve on their own, while a painless pop may not need treatment at all.¹ See a dental provider if pain, catching or locking begins or if moving your jaw becomes harder. 

Should I try to stop yawning wide? 

You do not need to limit a normal, painless yawn. If opening wide causes pain or makes your jaw catch, do not force it farther. Make an appointment if this keeps happening. 

When should I see a dental provider about jaw popping? 

See a dental provider if the popping becomes painful or comes with tenderness, stiffness, catching, locking, headaches or a change in how your teeth fit together. Get prompt help if your jaw becomes stuck open or closed. A dental provider can examine the joint and decide whether imaging or other care is needed. 

Sources 

¹ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders).” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd 

² National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus: “Temporomandibular Disorders.” https://medlineplus.gov/temporomandibulardisorders.html