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Temporomandibular Disorder: Care Instructions

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Areas of pain from TMD, with detail of TM joint showing articular disc, muscle, and lower jawbone.

Overview

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are problems with the muscles and joints that connect your jaw to your skull. These problems 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.

Lowering stress may help relax your jaw and reduce your pain. Your doctor may suggest a dental splint. Splints can help protect the teeth from grinding and clenching.

You may be able to do some things at home to feel better. If that doesn't work for you, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help relax your muscles and control the pain.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • 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.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your jaw is locked open or shut or it is hard to move your jaw.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your jaw pain gets worse.
  • Your face is swollen.
  • You do not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter P868 in the search box to learn more about "Temporomandibular Disorder: Care Instructions".

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.