If your GP or dentist has referred you to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery due to pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region, you’re not alone – this is a common reason for referral.

There are often several steps you can take before attending hospital, and this page outlines those options.

Understanding Your Condition

Your pain is most likely related to the muscles and soft tissues of the face or jaw. This is a common condition, affecting up to 85% of people at some point in their lives. It can be uncomfortable and impact daily function. Symptoms often worsen during or after chewing and during periods of physical tension or stress.

Symptoms may include:

• Dull ache and tenderness around and in front of the ear
• Pain radiating down the side of the face and along the jawline or cheekbone
• Headache-like pain around the temples
• Pain radiating into the sides of the neck
• Restricted mouth opening

This is not usually a serious condition and typically comes and goes. Conservative management aims to rehabilitate cramping and sprained chewing muscles and allow the cartilage disc in the joint to return to a normal position. Surgery is rarely required.

If, after following the advice provided, you still wish to receive an appointment, please contact the department on 01324 566249.

Things That May Help Your Symptoms

Soft Diet

Rest your jaw and facial muscles by eating a soft diet. Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing or wide mouth opening, such as meat, sticky sweets, chewing gum, apples, and burgers. Cut food into smaller, manageable pieces.

Simple Pain Killers

Use simple painkillers (like those for headaches) when pain is worse. Take them regularly for 3 – 5 days rather than waiting until the pain becomes severe. Avoid taking them regularly for more than two weeks.

Heat Application

Apply warm (not boiling) water in a hot water bottle or heat pad to the side of your face for 5 – 10 minutes once or twice daily. This helps relax muscles and relieve pain, especially in cold weather or during stress.

Massage

Massage the muscles in front of your ear, at the jaw angle, and at your temples after applying heat. Do this at least twice daily to reduce tension and discomfort.

Dental Mouthguards

Your dentist may recommend a mouthguard to wear at night or during the day to protect your teeth from grinding. While it may not reduce symptoms for everyone, it can prevent tooth wear.

Lifestyle Changes and Stress

Stress, worry, and anxiety can worsen myofascial pain. Managing your mental health through relaxation and stress reduction can help alleviate symptoms.

Things to Avoid

Change Your Jaw Movement Habits

Avoid unnecessary jaw movements that can tire the muscles:

• Clenching your teeth: Use visual reminders (e.g. coloured dots on your TV, fridge, or computer) to check if you’re clenching and stop if you are.
• Avoid biting habits: Don’t bite pen tops, nails, lips, or your tongue.
• Sleep Bruxism: If you grind your teeth at night, improve your sleep by:
  • Taking gentle exercise before bed
  • Avoiding caffeine and nicotine
  • Going to bed at a regular time
  • Creating a quiet, dark, and comfortable sleep environment