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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.

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Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

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
Consult with a doctor about Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

Consult with a doctor about Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Online doctors for Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) with a doctor online.

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Doctor

Maria Martelli

Anaesthesiology 12 years exp.

Dr Maria Martelli is a medical doctor specialising in anaesthesiology and pain medicine. She provides online consultations for adults, focusing on the assessment and management of acute, chronic, and complex pain conditions, as well as supportive care in serious illness. She graduated from the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice and completed her specialisation in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care. Alongside hospital work, she has extensive experience in home and inpatient hospice care, supporting patients with severe pain and advanced disease. Since 2021, she has been a certified specialist and continues to work in anaesthesiology, intensive care, and pain treatment. Patients consult her for: 

  • Chronic pain lasting more than 3 months (musculoskeletal, neuropathic, mixed pain).
  • Acute pain requiring medical assessment and treatment planning.
  • Post-operative pain and recovery support.
  • Cancer-related pain and symptom relief.
  • Palliative care support and quality-of-life improvement.
  • Adjustment and optimisation of pain medication.
  • Second opinions for complex or treatment-resistant pain.

Dr Martelli takes a structured, evidence-based approach, carefully analysing symptoms, previous treatments, and overall health status. Her consultations focus on realistic pain control goals, safety of therapy, and improving daily functioning. She is especially attentive to patients living with long-term pain or serious illness, providing clear explanations, compassionate guidance, and medically sound recommendations adapted to each individual situation.

5.0 (198)
Doctor

Taisiia Proida

Family medicine 7 years exp.

Taisiia Proida is a general practitioner with a specialization in mental health and a cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT), a member of the European Psychiatric Association. She offers online consultations for adults aged 18 and over, combining evidence-based medicine with an individualised approach to mental health care. She specialises in consultations and ongoing support for a wide range of mental health concerns, including: 

  • Mood disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression.
  • Anxiety disorders: generalised anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, phobias.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Assessment is provided only after an initial psychiatric evaluation and during a follow-up appointment.
  • Personality disorders and emotional instability.
  • Cyclothymia and mood fluctuations.
  • Schizophrenia spectrum and related conditions.

Dr. Proida combines clinical expertise with an empathetic approach, offering structured support based on evidence-based practices. Her work integrates CBT techniques with medical management, with a focus on anxiety and depressive disorders. She works with clients from different countries and cultural backgrounds, adapting her communication style and recommendations to individual needs. With experience in international clinical trials (Pfizer, Merck), she values clarity, trust, and collaborative partnership in patient care.

5.0 (939)
Doctor

Alina Tsurkan

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Alina Tsurkan is a licensed family medicine physician based in Portugal, offering online consultations for adults and children. She provides professional primary care, with a focus on prevention, accurate diagnosis, and long-term management of acute and chronic conditions.

Dr. Tsurkan supports patients with a wide range of health issues, including:

  • Respiratory infections: cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, and lingering coughs.
  • ENT conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis (ear infections), sore throat, allergic rhinitis.
  • Eye conditions: allergic or infectious conjunctivitis, red eyes, irritation.
  • Digestive issues: acid reflux (GERD), gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, bloating, nausea.
  • Urinary and reproductive health: urinary tract infections (UTIs), cystitis, prevention of recurrent infections.
  • Chronic diseases: hypertension, elevated cholesterol, weight management.
  • Neurological complaints: headaches, migraines, sleep disturbances, fatigue, general weakness.
  • Children’s health: fever, infections, digestive issues, follow-ups, vaccination guidance.

She also provides:

  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange in Portugal.
  • Personalised preventive care and wellness consultations.
  • Interpretation of test results and medical reports.
  • Follow-up care and medication review.
  • Support in managing multiple coexisting conditions.
  • Remote prescription management and medical documentation.

Dr. Tsurkan’s approach is evidence-based and holistic. She works closely with each patient to develop an individualised care plan that addresses both symptoms and root causes. Her goal is to empower patients to take control of their health and maintain well-being through lifestyle adjustments, routine check-ups, and early intervention.

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€55
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Doctor

Joao Silva

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr. João Silva is a physician with training and experience in the field of General and Family Medicine, dedicated to providing healthcare focused on the well-being and quality of life of his patients. Throughout his professional career, he has developed broad clinical competencies, striving to maintain a medical practice based on scientific evidence and continuous knowledge updates.

Between 2013 and 2019, he completed the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Porto, where he acquired a solid academic and clinical education.

Subsequently, between January 2021 and December 2021, he completed the General Internship at the Entre Douro e Vouga Hospital Center in Santa Maria da Feira, where he had the opportunity to work in different hospital settings and deepen his competencies in several areas of medicine.

From January 2022 until March 2026, he works as a Resident Physician in General and Family Medicine at USF Salvador Machado in Oliveira de Azeméis, developing clinical activities in primary healthcare, follow-up of chronic patients, and health promotion in the community.

Complementing his medical training, Dr. João Silva also completed a Postgraduate Degree in Continuing and Palliative Care at CESPU, strengthening his preparation in the comprehensive approach to patient care, especially in situations requiring prolonged care and multidisciplinary support.

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€61
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