What is temporomandibular disorders?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are problems with jaw movement and pain in and around the jaw joints. This can cause pain when you talk, chew, swallow, yawn, or do other movements with your mouth or jaw. TMDs are also called TMJ or TM problems.

TMDs can affect the jaw and jaw joint as well as muscles in the face, shoulder, head, and neck. Common symptoms include:

• Joint and muscle pain in your face when you move your jaw.
• Pain when you chew, yawn, or open your mouth wide.
• Earaches.
• Headaches.
• Joint sounds, such as clicking and popping.
• Trouble with fully opening your mouth.
• Your jaw locking.

In most cases, symptoms are mild and don't last long. They tend to come and go without getting worse and usually go away without a doctor's care.

Some people may develop long-lasting (chronic) symptoms. Chronic pain or trouble moving the jaw may affect talking, eating, and swallowing.

Your doctor may do a physical exam and ask questions about your past health.

If you have sudden pain after a facial or jaw injury, your doctor may order an imaging test, such as an X-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI.

If you still have symptoms after the first period of treatment, your doctor may look for problems in the jaw joint structure.

The focus of treatment is to ease pain in the jaw joint and restore jaw movement. Using techniques to relax your muscles and manage stress may also help, such as cognitive behavior therapy and acupuncture.

Dental splints may be used. Splints are often pieces of plastic that fit between the upper and lower teeth. They help protect the teeth from grinding and clenching.

Physical therapy can help if your symptoms are caused by tight muscles. Physical therapy can help you stretch and release tight muscles and scar tissue.

Your doctor may suggest medicines. In some cases, the doctor may inject numbing medicine into the spot that hurts.

Most people don't need dental work or surgery. Surgery may be used if you have structural problems in your jaw joint.

• Put an ice pack or a warm, moist cloth on your jaw for 15 minutes. Do this several times a day. Try switching back and forth between moist heat and cold.
• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Choose softer foods, such as eggs, yogurt, soup, or pureed foods. Try to avoid hard foods. Cut food into small pieces.
• If it doesn't cause pain, practice relaxing your jaw. Gently open and close your mouth. Move your jaw straight up and down. Do this for a few minutes every morning and evening. Watching yourself in a mirror can help.
• Have good posture. Try to line up your ears, shoulders, and hips when sitting and standing.
• Learn to manage your stress. Try:
  • Relaxation techniques. These may include taking slow, deep breaths, and mindful meditation. It may include progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, tai chi, and qi gong.
  • Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days to relieve stress. Try walking.
• Try not to:
  • Hold a phone between your shoulder and your jaw.
  • Open your mouth all the way, like when you sing loudly or yawn.
  • Clench or grind your teeth, bite your lips, or chew your fingernails.
  • Clench things between your teeth, such as pens, pipes, or cigars.