Does Your Jaw Click? Understanding TMJ

Indexed: 2026-05-18

[00:00:00]Does your jaw click? Well, it's not supposed to do that, but let's talk about why it does. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, often referred to as just TMJ or TMJD, affects the joint that connects the mandible or the lower jaw to the skull at the temporal bone. This joint is one of the most used in the human body and is involved in speaking, chewing, and even micro-movements like swallowing. [music] And because of how much we rely on it, even a small dysfunction can have significant effects over time. In a healthy joint, it glides smoothly over the joint surface [music] cushioned by a small fibrocartilaginous disc. In TMJD, the system begins [music] to break down and the disc can become worn down, degenerated, or displaced, getting stuck behind [music] the mandibular condyle, leading to locked jaw, misalignment, and uneven mechanical stress on the joint. In skeletal remains, this can appear as a flattening of the mandibular condyle, uneven pitting, or erosion of the joint surface. [music] And because this joint is so frequently used, the constant grinding, chewing, and mechanical stress leads to progressive and quick degeneration. And this can also lead to pain, clicking, or popping sounds, and a limited range of motion. [music] And the clicking and popping is actually caused by the joint slipping back and forth behind the mandibular condyle. So, that was a little bit more about temporomandibular joint dysfunction and why your jaw pops sometimes. If you enjoyed this video and you would like to support the museum, [music] make sure to check out our online gift shop.