What it is
It often gets better by itself within a few weeks or months. Eating soft food, avoiding chewing gum, warm or cold packs and painkillers can help.
A dentist may suggest a mouth guard for teeth grinding. Physiotherapy or talking therapy for stress can also help.
Common signs
- Pain around the jaw, ear and temple
- Clicking, popping or grinding noises when moving the jaw
- Headaches
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
- The jaw locking
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination by a dentist or GP
- Sometimes X-rays or an MRI scan
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Dental notes
- Maxillofacial or physiotherapy letters
- Scan reports
Questions to ask your doctor
- Do I grind my teeth?
- Would a mouth guard help?
- Which exercises are safe for my jaw?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A jaw that is locked open or closed, or jaw pain with chest pain: get urgent help, call 112 for chest pain
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.