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complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302

Jaw joint problems.png

Your jaw (temporomandibular) joints are in front of your ears. The joint allows you to open and close your mouth, and move your jaw sideways.

Within the joint lies a disc that acts as a cushion between the jaw bone and the skull. Muscles and ligaments around the joint help move your jaw.

Jaw joint problems (temporomandibular disorders or TMD) are a group of conditions which affect the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. The most common symptoms are:

  • joint noise, such as clicking, popping or grinding
  • pain, usually a dull ache in and around the ear
  • limited mouth opening
  • headache

Pain occurs when your muscles tighten up and go into spasm. You may struggle to open your mouth.

Joint noise occurs if the disc moves out of its regular position. Often the disc slips forward and you hear a click as it returns. A simple click without pain is not a cause for concern.

Jaw joint problems can be caused by:

  • stress, which is often worse around exam time
  • grinding your teeth
  • wear and tear of the jaw joint
  • a blow to the head or face
  • an uneven bite (rare)

Jaw joint problems are very common but not usually serious. It’s rare for jaw joint problems to lead to other conditions such as arthritis.

Orthodontics

Current research suggests that brace treatment does not cause jaw joint problems and cannot be recommended to treat them.

There’s no evidence that brace treatment makes jaw joint problems better or worse. It’s good practice to delay the start of your brace treatment until symptoms have settled. If you develop jaw joint problems during brace treatment talk to your orthodontist and dentist and follow the advice below.

Treatment

Jaw joint problems respond well to simple measures over a period of time. You can manage them at home. Try the following measures to help relax your muscles and reduce their workload: 

  • Diet – Eat soft food which needs little chewing, to allow your muscles to rest.
  • Medicine – Your health provider may recommend anti-inflammatories and painkillers.
  • Comfort packs – Hold heat packs or ice packs to the jaw, whichever feels better.
  • Habits – Stop any habits such as clenching, grinding, nail biting or chewing gum.
  • Rest – Rest the joint as much as possible and do not yawn too wide.
  • Jaw joint exercises – Talk to your orthodontist and dentist to find out which are best for you.

If these treatments do not help, talk to your orthodontist and dentist. You may be referred to a specialist in joint problems to discuss other options. However, these are rarely needed and most people’s symptoms often improve on their own.

Useful websites

British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons - Jaw Joint Problems

NCIC Orthodontics

NHS - Temporomandibular disorder

Contact details

Orthodontic Department
Cumberland Infirmary
Newtown Road
Carlisle
CA2 7HY
Tel: 01228 814225