hedgegrail pharmacy logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
hedgegrail pharmacy logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Pharmacy First
Pharmacy Services
Our Store
Health Advice
Order
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
hedgegrail pharmacy logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Pharmacy First
Pharmacy Services
Our Store
Health Advice
Order
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
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

  • 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

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.

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
Last Reviewed
23 June 2023
NHS websiteNHS website
hedgegrail pharmacy logo
Hedgegrail Pharmacy in Stoke Poges offers a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as health and beauty products
Company Registration: 2041755
Premises GPhC: 1099892
Superintendent: Baljit Singh Bahra
Do Something
Do Something
Menu
Pharmacy First
All Pharmacy First Services
Earache
Impetigo
Insect Bite
Shingles
Sinusitis
Sore Throat
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Pharmacy Services
Order Prescriptions
Our Store
Health Advice
Opening Hours
Store Hours Unavailable
No store selected for opening hours
Loading Open Hours...
Hedgegrail Pharmacy © 2024
Privacy Policy