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.
Check if you have 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
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eat soft food, like pasta, omelettes and soup
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take paracetamol or ibuprofen
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hold an ice pack or heat pack wrapped in a tea towel to the jaw, whichever feels better
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massage the painful jaw muscles
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try to find ways to relax
Don’t
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do not chew gum or pen tops
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do not bite food with your front teeth
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do not yawn too wide
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do not bite your nails
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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
Urgent advice: Get advice from 111 now if:
You have pain around your jaw, ear or temple:
- while eating
- and frequent, severe headaches
- and a sore scalp
- and vision problems, such as double vision or loss of vision in 1 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.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you're unable to eat or drink
- the pain is affecting your daily life
- the pain is affecting your sleep
- the pain and discomfort keep coming back
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
Page last reviewed: 20 June 2023
Next review due: 20 June 2026