Which of the following is a likely cause of clicking of posterior teeth?

The clicking of posterior teeth is often associated with changes in the occlusion or the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. An excessive vertical dimension can cause a situation where the posterior teeth do not occlude properly when the jaw is closed, leading to a clicking sound during movement. This could be due to a mismatch in how the teeth come together or the way the jaw articulates during motion.

When the vertical dimension is increased beyond the optimal level, it can alter the function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated muscles, contributing to this phenomenon. The resulting mechanical situation may lead to the teeth making contact in a manner that produces a clicking sound, particularly during biting or chewing.

In contrast, the other options do not typically relate directly to the clicking of posterior teeth. Insufficient bite force generally indicates a lack of forceful contact rather than the improper contact that leads to clicking. Low salivary flow can lead to discomfort and other oral health issues, but it does not directly affect the mechanics of the teeth clicking together. Gingival recession refers to the receding of gum tissue and is more about periodontal health rather than the occlusal dynamics affecting the sound of posterior teeth.