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.

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

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