The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull. Problems here can cause jaw pain, clicking, and headaches — but most cases improve with simple treatment.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-like joint on each side of your face that connects 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 rotate. It is in constant use throughout the day for chewing, speaking, and swallowing.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is the umbrella term for problems affecting the TMJ, the muscles that control jaw movement, and the surrounding structures. They are very common — affecting an estimated 20–30% of the population at some point in their lives, and more frequently in women.
What causes TMJ problems?
TMD is usually caused by a combination of factors rather than a single cause. These include:
Jaw muscle tension — from clenching or grinding (bruxism), stress, or overuse
Joint disc problems — a small disc sits within the joint to cushion movement. If it slips out of position, it can cause clicking or locking.
Arthritis — inflammatory or degenerative arthritis can affect the joint
Trauma — a blow to the jaw or face, or whiplash injury
Hypermobility — excessive joint laxity (looseness) makes some people more susceptible
Stress and psychological factors — anxiety and stress are strongly linked to TMD
Many TMD cases are self-limiting — they resolve on their own or with simple treatment. Only a small proportion of patients develop long-term, severe symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of TMD can vary widely between people. 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 opening or closing the mouth
Limited mouth opening — difficulty opening wide or a jaw that feels "stiff"
Locking of the jaw — open or closed
Headaches, especially in the morning or after eating
Earache without an ear infection
Facial pain or muscle aches — particularly in the cheeks and temples
Pain when chewing, yawning, or speaking
Note: clicking alone, without pain or restriction, does not necessarily need treatment.
How are TMJ problems treated?
Most TMD improves with simple, conservative measures. Treatment aims to reduce pain and restore normal function:
Self-management and education — understanding the condition and making simple lifestyle changes is the foundation of treatment.
Pain relief — over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen) and paracetamol can help manage pain during flare-ups. Always follow label instructions. Avoid ibuprofen if you have asthma, cardiovascular disease, stomach problems, kidney issues, take blood-thinning medications, or are pregnant — check with your dentist or pharmacist if unsure.
Soft diet — eating soft foods reduces stress on the jaw joint and muscles while the area heals.
Warm or cold compress applied to the affected area to relax muscles and reduce discomfort.
Physiotherapy — jaw exercises to restore movement and strength, posture advice, and manual therapy.
Occlusal splint — a custom-made appliance worn at night to protect the teeth and reduce muscle activity.
Psychological support — CBT or stress management if psychological factors are contributing.
Specialist referral — in complex or severe cases, your dentist may refer you to a maxillofacial unit or TMD specialist. If your symptoms persist or a disc problem is suspected, an MRI scan may be arranged to assess the joint structures in detail — this is the most informative imaging test for the TMJ.
What you can do at home
The following self-care steps can significantly help with TMD:
Eat soft foods — such as soups, pasta, fish, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods like crusty bread, raw carrots, or tough meat.
Cut food into small pieces rather than opening your mouth wide to bite.
Keep your teeth apart and jaw relaxed when not eating — your lips should be together but your teeth should not touch. This reduces muscle fatigue.
Apply a warm flannel or heat pack to painful muscles for 10–15 minutes several times a day.
Practise relaxation and stress management — many people find their TMD improves significantly when stress reduces.
Avoid wide yawning — support your jaw with your hand if you need to.
When to see your dentist
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 is stopping you from eating or sleeping
You have tried self-management for 4–6 weeks without improvement
Your dentist will assess the joint and muscles, discuss your history, and help develop a management plan. In most cases, a reassuring diagnosis and simple advice is all that is needed.
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. Your dentist will discuss your individual circumstances and any risks and treatment specific to you. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances.
References
Aligned with guidance from: NICE, FGDP(UK), SDCEP.