Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

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

Symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

Symptoms 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 temporomandibular disorder (TMD) yourself

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) usually gets better without treatment. But there are things you can do to ease the symptoms.

 Do 

• eat soft food, like pasta, omelettes and soup
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen
• hold an ice pack or heat pack wrapped in a tea towel to the jaw, whichever feels better
• massage the painful jaw muscles
• try to find ways to relax

 Don’t 

• do not chew gum or pen tops
• do not bite food with your front teeth
• do not yawn too wide
• do not bite your nails
• do not clench your teeth – apart from when eating, your teeth should be apart

How to make your own ice packs and heat packs

Try either:

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

Treatments for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) from a GP

The GP may suggest:

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

They might suggest you see:

• a dentist, if teeth grinding might be an issue
• a psychologist, if stress and anxiety are making your pain worse
• a physiotherapist, for advice about jaw exercises and massage

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

Causes of temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) can be caused by:

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