Temporomandibular disorder
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the movement of the jaw. It is not usually serious and generally gets better on its own.
Causes of temporomandibular disorder
TMD can be caused by:
- a blow to the head or face resulting in damage of the jaw joint
- a repetitive action, such as gripping a snorkel or scuba regulator
- stress that causes jaw tension
- teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- an uneven bite.
Symptoms of temporomandibular disorder
If you have TMD you may have:
- jaw pain
- headache
- earache
- difficulty opening your mouth
- noises from your jaw such as clicking or popping.
Jaw clicking or popping without any jaw pain is generally not a cause for concern.
Diagnosing temporomandibular disorder
Your healthcare provider or dentist will ask you some questions and examine your jaw.
You do not usually need tests to diagnose the condition. But your healthcare provider might do some other tests if they think there might be other causes. It is a good idea to have a dental check to make sure a dental problem is not causing your pain.
Your healthcare provider or dentist may request an x-ray.
Self care for temporomandibular disorder
Often you can manage TMD yourself. Sometimes advice from your healthcare provider or dentist can give you specific strategies to help.
Follow these steps to look after your jaw. They can be very effective in helping you to reduce or avoid pain and reduce damage.
- When you are not using your jaw for speaking or chewing, try to keep it slightly open. To do this, put the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth without it touching your teeth and keep your teeth a little apart.
- Change your diet by eating softer, smaller-sized portions.
- Chew food on both sides of your mouth at the same time.
- Chew with your back teeth, rather than your front teeth.
- Try some relaxation techniques to manage stress. This might help to reduce jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
- Try a warm or cold compress to manage jaw or facial pain.
- Avoid foods that make tooth and jaw pain worse. For example, hard foods such as nuts, popcorn, raw apples, and sticky foods such as peanut butter.
- Do not open your jaw wide or move it around a lot to test for pain and movement.
- Do not click your jaw.
- Avoid activities that strain your jaw, for example, wide mouth opening such as yawning.
- Avoid routine dental treatment while you have symptoms of pain and limited opening of your mouth.
- Avoid chewing gum and biting nails.
- Avoid clenching, grinding or tapping your teeth.
Getting help for temporomandibular disorder
Dentist
Some people with TMD find a mouthguard (also called a night guard or dental splint) helpful. They are usually worn over your top teeth and help protect your teeth from damage if you grind or clench. It needs to be fitted by a dentist.
Find a dentist — New Zealand Dental Associationexternal link
Physiotherapist or trained massage therapist
A physiotherapist with a special interest in jaw problems or a trained massage therapist may be able to give you some treatment and exercises. The exercises aim to help you relax your facial muscles and prevent you from clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth.
Find a physio — Physiotherapy New Zealandexternal link
Find a massage therapist — Massage Aotearoa New Zealandexternal link
Your healthcare provider
Talk to your healthcare provider If you have ongoing or persistent pain related to TMD. You might benefit from pain relief medication.
Pain relief medicines for adults
Psychologist
If there are psychological factors or reasons such as stress that may be contributing to your TMD pain, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may help. Psychologists are able to provide support and therapy. There are also a number of online CBT options available.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) — Healthifyexternal link
Find a psychologist — NZ Psychological Societyexternal link
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Most people with jaw pain do not need surgery. If you have not had any improvement in your symptoms or have ongoing issues after trying self care and seeking the other types of help described here, talk to your healthcare provider. They can discuss whether surgery might be an option for you.