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Conditions

Understanding TMJ Problems

Your jaw joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull. Problems here can cause jaw pain, clicking and headaches. Most get better with simple treatment.

4 min read

What is the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is your jaw joint. There is one on each side of your face. It works like a hinge. It joins your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull (temporal bone).

You can feel it just in front of each ear when you open and close your mouth.

The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body. It can hinge, slide and turn. You use it all day to chew, speak and swallow.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is the name for problems with the TMJ, the muscles that move the jaw, and the parts around them.

They are very common. An estimated 20–30% of people have them at some point in their lives. They are more common in women.

What causes TMJ problems?

TMD is usually caused by a mix of things rather than one cause. These include:

  • Tense jaw muscles from clenching or grinding (bruxism), stress or overuse
  • Problems with the joint disc. A small disc sits inside the joint to cushion movement. If it slips out of place, it can cause clicking or locking.
  • Arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis, or wear-and-tear (degenerative) arthritis, can affect the joint.
  • Injury. This could be a blow to the jaw or face, or whiplash.
  • Loose joints (hypermobility). This makes some people more likely to get TMD.
  • Stress and psychological factors. Anxiety and stress are strongly linked to TMD.

Many cases of TMD settle on their own or with simple treatment. Only a small number of people have long-term, severe symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of TMD vary a lot from person to person. They include:

  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw, around the ear, in the face or in the temples
  • Clicking, popping or grating noises from the joint when you open or close your mouth
  • Not being able to open wide, or a jaw that feels "stiff"
  • Jaw locking, open or closed
  • Headaches, mostly in the morning or after eating
  • Earache without an ear infection
  • Face pain or aching muscles, mostly in the cheeks and temples
  • Pain when you chew, yawn or speak

Clicking on its own, without pain or trouble opening your mouth, does not always need treatment.

How are TMJ problems treated?

Most TMD gets better with simple, gentle treatment. Treatment aims to ease pain and help your jaw work normally again:

  • Self-care and learning about the condition. Understanding TMD and making simple changes to daily habits is the basis of treatment.
  • Painkillers. Anti-inflammatory painkillers you can buy (such as ibuprofen) and paracetamol can help during flare-ups. Always follow the label.
  • Do not take ibuprofen if you have asthma, heart or blood vessel disease, stomach problems or kidney problems. Do not take it if you take blood-thinning medicines or are pregnant. Check with your dental team or pharmacist if you are not sure.
  • Soft food. Eating soft food puts less strain on your jaw joint and muscles while they heal.
  • A warm or cold compress on the sore area to relax the muscles and ease discomfort
  • Physiotherapy. This includes jaw exercises to improve movement and strength, advice on posture, and hands-on therapy.
  • A bite guard (occlusal splint). This custom-made guard is worn at night. It protects the teeth and reduces muscle activity.
  • Psychological support. Talking therapy (CBT) or stress management can help if stress or emotions play a part.
  • Seeing a specialist. In complex or severe cases, your dental team may refer you to a hospital jaw and face (maxillofacial) unit or a TMD specialist.
  • If your symptoms do not go away, or a disc problem is suspected, you may have an MRI scan. This shows the parts of the joint in detail. It is the most useful scan for the TMJ.

What you can do at home

These self-care steps can help TMD a lot:

  • Eat soft food such as soup, pasta, fish and scrambled eggs.
  • Avoid hard, chewy or crunchy food like crusty bread, raw carrots or tough meat.
  • Cut food into small pieces, so you do not have to open wide to bite.
  • Avoid chewing habits like chewing gum, biting your nails or chewing pens.
  • Keep your teeth apart and your jaw relaxed when you are not eating. Your lips should touch, but your teeth should not. This stops your muscles getting tired.
  • Hold a warm flannel or heat pack on sore muscles for 10–15 minutes, several times a day.
  • Practise relaxing and managing stress. Many people find their TMD gets much better when their stress goes down.
  • Avoid yawning wide. Support your jaw with your hand if you need to.

When to see your dental team

Book an appointment if:

  • Jaw pain has lasted more than a few weeks
  • You cannot open your mouth fully
  • Your jaw has locked open or closed
  • Pain is severe, or stops you eating or sleeping
  • You have tried self-care for 4–6 weeks and it has not helped

Your dental team will check your jaw joint and muscles and ask about your history. They will help you make a plan. Most of the time, a diagnosis that puts your mind at rest and simple advice is all you need.

This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. Your dental team will discuss your individual circumstances and any risks and treatment specific to you. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances.

Sources

Links checked 18 October 2026.

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For clinicians: TMJ / TMD Assessment notes template, Occlusal Splint Fit notes template.

Learn more about dental documentation on our blog or see Nosht pricing.

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