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How to Crack Your Jaw Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Relieving Pain by Cracking Your Jaw 2 Stretching Your Jaw 3 Changing Your Behavior and Seeking Treatment Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Last Updated: May 18, 2025 Fact Checked
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This article was co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 636,635 times.
Dealing with jaw pain can be rough. Many times, jaw pain or jaw clicking is caused by TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome. Some people find relief from jaw pain by cracking their jaw, while others find stretching and massaging it to provide more relief. In addition, changing your daily behaviors and being aware of things you do that could aggravate your condition can help you deal with jaw discomfort. Jaw pain can usually be dealt with without professional treatment. However, if you experience consistent, severe pain or your jaw has locked in one position, you may need medical attention.[1]X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonExpert Interview
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Relieving Pain by Cracking Your Jaw
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1 Relax your jaw. Some people find that trying to crack their jaw helps ease pain from TMJ or other jaw issues. To do so, relax your jaw and let it drop so that your mouth is open slightly.[2]XResearch source
2 Place your palms flat against the side of your jaw. Position your palms flat against each side of your face. Your thumb and index finger should make a “U” shape around your ear when you do this. Advertisement
3 Press against your jaw, alternating between sides. Press your palm against your jaw, moving it to one side and then the other. The goal is to wiggle your jaw back and forth until you can get it to crack or pop back into place.
4 Move your jaw in different directions. In addition to moving your jaw side-to-side, you can also try moving it forward, backward, up, and down. Everyone is different so you might have to experiment with what works for you to be able to crack your jaw.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Stretching Your Jaw
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1 Look at your jaw’s alignment in a mirror. Stretching your jaw can also help relieve pain. Begin with your jaw in a relaxed and centered position, but do not allow your teeth to touch. Use the mirror to see if your jaw is centered.[3]XResearch source
You may have tension in your jaw without realizing it. If this is the case, your jaw may be shifted to one side or the other.[4]XResearch source
When the mouth is closed and in a neutral position, the lips should be closed but the teeth should not be in contact.
2 Open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can. As you are opening your mouth, imagine that your jaw is dropping to the ground and that it is pulling your mouth open. You should feel your jaw muscles being stretched, but should not be in any pain.[5]XResearch source
Be careful not to over-stretch, the joints in your neck and jaw are small and can be easily irritated. There is no need to open your mouth past the point of discomfort.[6]XResearch source
Hold this position for five seconds. While you do this, look upward toward the ceiling. If there is any tension in your cheeks, you will begin to feel the muscles relax as you stretch and hold this position.
3 Close your mouth slowly. As you begin to close your mouth, bring your gaze back to center. Be sure that your jaw returns to a centered and neutral position. Use the mirror to check the alignment of your jaw.
4 Stretch your jaw to the left. Slide your jaw as far to the left as you comfortably can while being careful not to let your teeth come in contact or grind. As you stretch your jaw to the left, look to the right.[7]XResearch source You may feel tension in your temple when doing this.
Hold this positions for five seconds. Remember to keep your eyes to the right as you hold this stretch. You may feel tension in the opposite corners of your jaw.
5 Return to a centered and neutral position. After allowing the muscles to relax, slowly close your mouth and bring your lips together. Bring your gaze back to center.
6 Stretch your jaw to the right. Repeat the stretch, but this time, to the opposite side. Remember to look the opposite way of the stretch and be careful that your teeth do not grind.[8]XResearch source
Hold for five seconds. Allow the muscles to relax before returning your jaw to a neutral position.
7 Repeat the entire process. Whenever you feel your jaw beginning to tighten up, perform this stretching routine three-to-five times.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Changing Your Behavior and Seeking Treatment
Download Article
1 Wear a bite splint at night. Pain in the jaw is often caused by grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, or putting tension on muscles around the jaw while you sleep. A bite splint, which you can get from your dentist, is a removable protective device that covers the surface of the teeth and gums while you sleep. Wearing a bite splint at night can help decrease this tension and, therefore, relieve the pain in your jaw.
Symptoms of bruxism can include flattened, flat, loose, or chipped teeth, worn tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, headaches originating in the temples, pain that feels like an earache, and indentations on your tongue.[9]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
2 Check your jaw for tightness throughout the day. It won’t be easy, but training your brain to stop doing behaviors that aggravate your jaw issues can help ease the pain you feel. For example, pay attention to when you clench your jaw. You can help train your brain to recognize when you’re clenching your jaw by checking it for tightness when you perform certain activities.[10]XResearch source
For example, check your jaw for tightness every time you walk through a doorway, close a browser window, or go to the bathroom. Choose actions you know you perform multiple times on a daily basis.
3 Avoid opening your mouth too wide. Opening your mouth too wide can also cause your jaw to pop out of place. To help prevent this from happening, keep your mouth closed as much as possible when you do things like yawn, talk, or eat.[11]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
4 Avoid foods and candy that require excessive chewing. You should also make an effort to stay away from foods that require excessive mastication. Having to chew more than normal can cause pain in your jaw.[12]X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonExpert Interview In general, you’ll want to stay away from things like gum, sunflower seeds, chewy candies, and ice chips.[13]X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
5 Implement a massaging routine.[14]X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonExpert Interview Stretching and massaging your jaw can help relieve pain and relax the muscles.[15]XResearch source Start by massaging your jaw once a day before bed. If you are experiencing more pain than usual, add a second session in the morning until the pain has subsided and return to massaging it only once a day.
To massage your jaw, place your fingertips on your lower jaw and move them up, pushing on the skin while you do this. Once your fingers reach your scalp, remove them and start the movement again from your lower jaw. Do this for about 2 minutes.
6 Go to the doctor or dentist for severe, consistent pain. Most jaw pain will go away on its own or through self-massage and stretching. If you have consistent, severe pain, however, you should seek professional help.[16]X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonExpert Interview You should also visit a professional if you’re having trouble swallowing your food or if it hurts to open and close your jaw. Your dentist or doctor can both diagnose TMJ and guide you as to what treatment is best for your situation.[17]XResearch source
7 Go to a hospital or emergency room if the jaw is locked in place. If your jaw is locked in either an open or closed position, you should go to the hospital or emergency room to get help.[18]X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonExpert Interview To treat a locked jaw, the doctor will sedate you to a comfortable level and then manipulate the jaw until it returns to the correct position.[19]X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
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Question How can I relax my jaw when I sleep? Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Expert Answer Avoid sleeping on your stomach. This sleeping position can cause excessive stress on your jaw joint Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 15
Question Do jaw exercises work? Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Expert Answer There are a few simple jaw stretches that can help provide relief for your jaw pain, including chin tucks and tongue ups. To do a chin tuck, keep your back straight and chest up. Hold your chin back to give it a double chin effect. Hold it for 3 seconds and then repeat the same exercise ten times. To try a tongue up, touch the upper floor of your mouth with your tongue and slowly open and close your mouth. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 19
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Co-authored by: Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon This article was co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. This article has been viewed 636,635 times. 4 votes - 70% Co-authors: 27Updated: May 18, 2025 Views: 636,635 Categories: Chronic Pain
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The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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Article SummaryX
To crack your jaw, start by relaxing your jaw so that your mouth hangs slightly open. Then, place both hands flat against your cheeks with your thumbs and index fingers making a “U” shape around your ears. With your palms pressing against your jaw, wiggle your hands back and forth. If your jaw still doesn’t crack, try moving it in different directions like up and down or forwards and backwards until it clicks. For more tips, including how to stretch your jaw to relieve your pain, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Paulina R.
Jun 25, 2023
"Never thought this would actually help as it seemed like an easy method but it actually worked. I could feel the right side of my jaw locked. After trying method 1 I even stopped having a headache."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon 4 votes - 70% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 27Updated: May 18, 2025 Views: 636,635
Paulina R.
Jun 25, 2023
"Never thought this would actually help as it seemed like an easy method but it actually worked. I could feel the right side of my jaw locked. After trying method 1 I even stopped having a headache."..." more
Mike Yiannakis
Jul 7, 2020
"Supplied infomation that I did not know before, now I would love to try out to see if it will help me as this has been driving me crazy. I hope it will work after all these years of suffering."..." more
Envy Adams
Jan 7, 2018
"I couldn't close my mouth and have my teeth line up properly because I had somehow, accidentally popped my jaw out of place. The stretching exercises really helped pop it back into place."..." more
Jane Ross
May 28, 2019
"Moving my jaw to the right/left and looking in the opposite direction loosened my jaw considerably. All of the suggestions helped. I'm going try and develop a daily routine."..." more
Philip Charles
Sep 22, 2016
"The stretching motions did help with the problem." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Relieving Pain by Cracking Your Jaw 2 Stretching Your Jaw 3 Changing Your Behavior and Seeking Treatment Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS 
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Co-authored by: Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon This article was co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. This article has been viewed 636,635 times. 4 votes - 70% Co-authors: 27 Updated: May 18, 2025 Views: 636,635 Categories: Chronic Pain 
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1 Relax your jaw. Some people find that trying to crack their jaw helps ease pain from TMJ or other jaw issues. To do so, relax your jaw and let it drop so that your mouth is open slightly.[2] 
2 Place your palms flat against the side of your jaw. Position your palms flat against each side of your face. Your thumb and index finger should make a “U” shape around your ear when you do this. Advertisement 
3 Press against your jaw, alternating between sides. Press your palm against your jaw, moving it to one side and then the other. The goal is to wiggle your jaw back and forth until you can get it to crack or pop back into place. 
4 Move your jaw in different directions. In addition to moving your jaw side-to-side, you can also try moving it forward, backward, up, and down. Everyone is different so you might have to experiment with what works for you to be able to crack your jaw. Advertisement 
1 Look at your jaw’s alignment in a mirror. Stretching your jaw can also help relieve pain. Begin with your jaw in a relaxed and centered position, but do not allow your teeth to touch. Use the mirror to see if your jaw is centered.[3] 
2 Open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can. As you are opening your mouth, imagine that your jaw is dropping to the ground and that it is pulling your mouth open. You should feel your jaw muscles being stretched, but should not be in any pain.[5] 
3 Close your mouth slowly. As you begin to close your mouth, bring your gaze back to center. Be sure that your jaw returns to a centered and neutral position. Use the mirror to check the alignment of your jaw. 
4 Stretch your jaw to the left. Slide your jaw as far to the left as you comfortably can while being careful not to let your teeth come in contact or grind. As you stretch your jaw to the left, look to the right.[7] You may feel tension in your temple when doing this. 
5 Return to a centered and neutral position. After allowing the muscles to relax, slowly close your mouth and bring your lips together. Bring your gaze back to center. 
6 Stretch your jaw to the right. Repeat the stretch, but this time, to the opposite side. Remember to look the opposite way of the stretch and be careful that your teeth do not grind.[8] 
7 Repeat the entire process. Whenever you feel your jaw beginning to tighten up, perform this stretching routine three-to-five times. Advertisement 
1 Wear a bite splint at night. Pain in the jaw is often caused by grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, or putting tension on muscles around the jaw while you sleep. A bite splint, which you can get from your dentist, is a removable protective device that covers the surface of the teeth and gums while you sleep. Wearing a bite splint at night can help decrease this tension and, therefore, relieve the pain in your jaw. 
2 Check your jaw for tightness throughout the day. It won’t be easy, but training your brain to stop doing behaviors that aggravate your jaw issues can help ease the pain you feel. For example, pay attention to when you clench your jaw. You can help train your brain to recognize when you’re clenching your jaw by checking it for tightness when you perform certain activities.[10] 
3 Avoid opening your mouth too wide. Opening your mouth too wide can also cause your jaw to pop out of place. To help prevent this from happening, keep your mouth closed as much as possible when you do things like yawn, talk, or eat.[11] 
4 Avoid foods and candy that require excessive chewing. You should also make an effort to stay away from foods that require excessive mastication. Having to chew more than normal can cause pain in your jaw.[12] In general, you’ll want to stay away from things like gum, sunflower seeds, chewy candies, and ice chips.[13] 
5 Implement a massaging routine.[14] Stretching and massaging your jaw can help relieve pain and relax the muscles.[15] Start by massaging your jaw once a day before bed. If you are experiencing more pain than usual, add a second session in the morning until the pain has subsided and return to massaging it only once a day. 
6 Go to the doctor or dentist for severe, consistent pain. Most jaw pain will go away on its own or through self-massage and stretching. If you have consistent, severe pain, however, you should seek professional help.[16] You should also visit a professional if you’re having trouble swallowing your food or if it hurts to open and close your jaw. Your dentist or doctor can both diagnose TMJ and guide you as to what treatment is best for your situation.[17] 
7 Go to a hospital or emergency room if the jaw is locked in place. If your jaw is locked in either an open or closed position, you should go to the hospital or emergency room to get help.[18] To treat a locked jaw, the doctor will sedate you to a comfortable level and then manipulate the jaw until it returns to the correct position.[19] Advertisement 
Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. 
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