Important: This article is general information, not medical advice. Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Jaw clicking can have more than one explanation
MyHealth Alberta uses temporomandibular disorders as a term for several problems involving jaw movement and pain around the jaw joints. Clicking or popping can occur with discomfort, limited opening, catching, or locking, but a sound alone does not establish a cause.
The jaw joints support talking, chewing, swallowing, yawning, and other movements. Official Alberta information notes that causes can be difficult to determine and may involve more than one factor.
Describe movement and changes clearly
For a care conversation, it can help to note when clicking or discomfort began, what jaw movement brings it on, whether the mouth catches or locks, and whether talking, chewing, swallowing, or yawning are affected.
Pain around the jaw, ear pressure, headaches, or changes over time can be useful observations to mention. They are not a way to decide what condition is present or what treatment is appropriate.
Keep decisions with the care team
MyHealth Alberta’s pathway says that each person’s journey is unique and that care decisions depend on individual needs. Share what matters to you and how the concern affects everyday activities with the appropriate healthcare professional.
This page does not recommend jaw exercises, products, medicines, tests, dental work, referrals, or treatment. It is general Alberta public information, not an individual care plan.
Keep emergencies separate
For people physically in Alberta with active AHCIP, an AlbertaMD request starts clinic review for a non-emergency concern. The clinic reviews the request before the next step. Callback timing and clinical decisions, including diagnosis, treatment, prescriptions, testing, referrals, and other outcomes, depend on that review.
Trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, or a serious facial or jaw injury can be emergencies. Call 911 for a possible immediate, life-threatening emergency instead of waiting for an online response.
Common patient questions.
Ready to start? For an eligible non-emergency concern, start your visit form when you are ready; the clinic reviews each request. Call 911 for an emergency or seek prompt professional assessment when a concern cannot wait.
Can jaw clicking prove that I have a jaw-joint disorder?
No. Clicking can occur in several contexts. This article cannot diagnose the cause of an individual jaw concern.
What should I keep ready for a care conversation?
A timeline, movement triggers, whether the jaw catches or locks, effect on talking or chewing, other changes, and the question you want answered can support a clearer discussion.
Does this page select a jaw treatment?
No. It gives general Alberta public information and does not select exercises, products, medicines, tests, dental work, referrals, or treatment.
Does jaw clicking identify the cause of a concern?
No. MyHealth Alberta explains that jaw clicking or popping can occur in several contexts and that the cause can be difficult to determine. Individual assessment remains necessary.
Continue with related Alberta guides.
These patient guides add context on virtual care, care navigation, and next-step preparation.
Learn more from Alberta resources.
These public resources offer additional context on virtual-care preparation, safety, and professional standards.
Ready to see a doctor?
Request a doctor call today.
For non-emergency health concerns only. For requests submitted during open hours, the clinic reviews each request and contacts you about the next step.