It's not uncommon for people to experience clicking, popping, or soreness in the jaw. Sometimes painful, sometimes more of a nuisance, but in either case it could be an early warning sign of bigger issues. Small "clicks" likely indicate tension within the muscles surrounding the jaw (typically the internal and/or external pterygoids). Occasionally patients mistake this light click for popping within the ear canal. This can potentially lead to disc degeneration and pain within