Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a group of conditions causing pain and stiffness in the jaw joint and the chewing muscles. It can cause clicking, aching around the ear, headaches and difficulty opening the mouth fully. Most cases settle with self-care, and guideline evidence supports exercise, hands-on therapy and education for longer-lasting jaw pain.
Also known as TMD, TMJ disorder, TMJ dysfunction, jaw joint pain
Symptoms
- Pain in the jaw, in front of the ear or in the face
- Clicking, popping or grating noises when opening or closing the mouth
- Stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Jaw pain when chewing, talking or yawning
- Headaches, earache or a feeling of fullness in the ear
- The jaw occasionally locking or catching
Causes and risk factors
- Clenching or grinding the teeth, often at night or when stressed
- Overuse, such as chewing gum or very chewy foods
- Injury to the jaw or face, including whiplash
- Stress, anxiety and poor sleep
- Changes in the jaw joint disc or arthritis
- Other long-term pain conditions
What the evidence says helps
- An international clinical practice guideline published in the BMJ strongly recommends supervised jaw exercise and stretching, therapist-assisted mobilisation, manual trigger point therapy and supervised postural exercise for chronic jaw pain.1
- The same guideline strongly recommends usual care, including home exercises, reassurance and education, and cognitive behavioural therapy for people living with long-term TMD pain.1
- The guideline makes a conditional recommendation against reversible occlusal splints (mouth guards) for chronic TMD pain, and strongly advises against irreversible splints and jaw surgery to remove the disc.1
- A 2026 meta-analysis found that structured self-management, including home exercise programmes and digital support, reduced jaw pain, although results varied between studies.2
- A meta-analysis comparing manual therapy with occlusal splints found manual therapy may improve mouth opening and disability more, but the number of studies was small.3
Things you can try at home
- Rest your jaw by choosing softer foods and cutting food into small pieces for a while
- Avoid chewing gum, biting nails and very wide yawning
- Notice daytime clenching and practise keeping your teeth apart with your jaw relaxed
- Use a warm compress on the jaw muscles for comfort
- Try relaxation techniques and support good sleep if stress is a factor
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Call 999 if jaw pain comes with chest pain, breathlessness, sweating or feeling sick, as this can be a sign of a heart attack
- Go to A&E if your jaw is locked open or closed, or you cannot open your mouth after an injury
- See a GP urgently if you are over 50 and have jaw pain when chewing with a new headache, scalp tenderness or changes in vision
- See a GP or dentist urgently if you have facial swelling, fever or signs of dental infection
- See your GP if you notice numbness in the face, a lump, or unexplained weight loss
How Apollo can help
Our osteopaths assess your jaw, neck and posture, and screen for signs that need referral to your GP or dentist. Care may include explanation and reassurance, gentle hands-on techniques for the jaw and neck muscles, and a home exercise programme to improve jaw movement. We can also work alongside your dentist where dental assessment is needed.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Will my jaw pain go away on its own?
Many cases of jaw pain settle within weeks with self-care such as softer foods, rest and relaxation. If it lasts more than a few weeks or keeps returning, an assessment can help find out what is contributing.
Is jaw clicking a problem?
Jaw clicking is very common and often painless, and on its own it is not usually a concern. If clicking comes with pain, locking or difficulty opening your mouth, it is worth getting checked.
Do I need a mouth guard for TMD?
A recent international guideline does not recommend reversible splints as a routine treatment for chronic jaw pain, preferring exercise, hands-on care and education. Your dentist may still advise a guard for other reasons, such as protecting teeth from grinding.
References
- Busse JW, Casassus R, Carrasco-Labra A, et al. (2023). Management of chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders: a clinical practice guideline. BMJ. View source
- Mohr J, Ketschau J, Grabenhorst A, et al. (2026). A systematic review and meta-analysis: exploring the efficacy of self-managed treatments for temporomandibular disorders (TMD): the role of home exercise and digital therapies. Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. View source
- Villar-Aragón-Berzosa V, Obrero-Gaitán E, Lérida-Ortega MÁ, et al. (2024). Manual therapy techniques versus occlusal splint therapy for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Dentistry Journal. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
