Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

Temporomandibular disorder is a condition affecting the movement of the jaw. It's not usually serious and generally gets better on its own.

Check if you have TMD

Signs of TMD include:

• pain around your jaw, ear and temple
• clicking, popping or grinding noises when you move your jaw
• a headache around your temples
• difficulty opening your mouth fully
• your jaw locking when you open your mouth

The pain may be worse when chewing and when you feel stressed.

TMD can also stop you getting a good night's sleep.

How to ease TMD yourself

There are some simple things you can do to try to reduce your jaw pain.

Do

• eat soft food, like pasta, omelettes and soup
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen
• hold ice packs or heat packs to the jaw, whichever feels better
• massage the painful jaw muscles
• try to find ways to relax

Don't

• chew gum or pen tops
• bite food with your front teeth
• yawn too wide
• bite your nails
• clench your teeth – apart from when eating, your teeth should be apart
• rest your chin on your hand

Try either:

• a pack of frozen peas, wrapped in a tea towel, for no more than 5 minutes at a time, or
• a hot water bottle, wrapped in a tea towel, twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes

See your GP if:

• you're unable to eat or drink
• the pain is affecting your life
• the pain is affecting your sleep
• the pain and discomfort keep coming back

Treatment from a GP

Your GP may suggest:

• stronger painkillers
• relaxation techniques to reduce stress
• ways to improve your sleep

Your GP might suggest you see:

• a dentist, if teeth grinding might be an issue
• a psychologist, if stress and anxiety are making your pain worse

If these treatments don't help, you may be referred to a specialist in joint problems to discuss other options, such as painkilling injections or surgery.

Causes of TMD

TMD can be caused by:

• teeth grinding
• wear and tear of the joint
• a blow to the head or face
• stress
• an uneven bite