Overview

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are problems with the muscles and joints that connect your jaw to your skull. The disorders cause pain when you talk, chew, swallow, or yawn. You may feel this pain on one or both sides.

TMDs are often caused by tight jaw muscles. The tightness can be caused by clenching or grinding your teeth. This may happen when you have a lot of stress in your life.

If you lower your stress, you may be able to stop clenching or grinding your teeth. This will help relax your jaw and reduce your pain. Your doctor may suggest a dental splint. Splints can help reduce teeth grinding and clenching.

You may also be able to do some things at home to feel better. But if none of this works, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help relax your muscles and control the pain.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Put either an ice pack or a warm, moist cloth on your jaw for 15 minutes several times a day. You can try switching back and forth between moist heat and cold.
• Make eating easy on your jaw. Choose softer foods that are easy to chew like eggs, yogurt, or soup. Avoid hard foods that cause your jaws to work very hard. Try cutting your food into small pieces. And if your jaw gets too painful to chew, or if it locks, you may need to puree your food for a while.
• To relax your jaw, repeat this exercise for a few minutes every morning and evening. Watch yourself in a mirror. Gently open and close your mouth. Move your jaw straight up and down. But don't do this if it makes your pain worse.
• Manage stress. You may be clenching or tightening your muscles when you are under stress.
• Get at least 2½ hours of moderate to vigorous exercise a week to relieve stress. Walking is a good choice.
• 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.
• Use good posture for sitting and standing. Slumping your shoulders disturbs the alignment of your facial bones and muscles.
• Don't:
  • 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 such as pens, pipes, or cigars between your teeth.