Your jaw clicks likely because of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. The clicking can happen when the TMJ or the cartilage disc within it moves out of its normal position and then snaps back, often during activities like yawning, chewing, or talking. This condition is commonly associated with temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Common causes include:

• Misalignment or displacement of the cartilage cushioning the TMJ.
• Jaw muscle strain or stress-related clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism).
• Trauma or injury to the jaw.
• Arthritis affecting the TMJ.
• Behavioral habits like excessive gum chewing or nail-biting.

Jaw clicking is often harmless, especially if it occurs only occasionally during wide mouth movements. However, if the clicking is accompanied by pain, limited jaw movement, or other symptoms like headaches, ear pain, or neck pain, it could indicate a more serious TMJ disorder that may require medical evaluation and treatment. In summary, your jaw clicks because the TMJ is either moving out of place or strained, causing a snapping sound, and while it is often not a cause for concern, persistent or painful clicking should be checked by a healthcare professional.