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 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.

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

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from 111 now if:

  • you're unable to eat or drink
  • you have clicking, popping or grinding noises when you move your jaw
  • you have difficulty opening your mouth fully or your jaw is locking
  • you have pain around your jaw, ear or at the side of your head
  • you have frequent, severe headaches
  • you have pain or tenderness at the side of your head or on the scalp
  • you have vision problems, such as double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes

These can be signs of a serious problem that needs urgent treatment.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

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.

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