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Jaw pain and clicking (TMD)
Pain around the jaw joint is often temporomandibular disorder (TMD). It is not usually serious and often gets better on its own.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. It does not replace a check by a dentist or doctor. If you are worried, contact a dental professional.
Common signs
- Pain around the jaw, ear or temple.
- Clicking, popping or grinding when you move your jaw.
- Headache around the temples.
- Trouble opening your mouth fully, or the jaw locking.
What can help
- Eat soft food.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen, as the pack says.
- Hold a wrapped cold pack (up to 5 minutes) or a wrapped warm pack on the jaw, whichever feels better.
- Gently massage the sore muscles.
- Find ways to relax.
- Do not chew gum or pens, bite nails, or yawn very wide.
- Keep your teeth apart when you are not eating.
When to see a dentist
- You grind or clench your teeth. A dentist can check this.
- The pain does not ease after a few weeks.
Get urgent help if
- You cannot eat or drink.
- Your jaw locks, or you cannot open your mouth fully.
- You have frequent, severe headaches, or pain on the side of your head or scalp.
- You have problems with your eyesight, like double vision.
Get an urgent doctor appointment.
Related: Toothache
Sources
Paraphrased in plain words. Links checked and accessed 21 Oct 2026.
- NHS (UK). “Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)”. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/temporomandibular-disorder-tmd/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).