*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - J : Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Disorder)

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition affecting the movement of the jaw. It's not usually serious and generally gets better on its own.

Check if you have temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

Symptoms of TMD include:

pain around your jaw, ear and temple
clicking, popping or grinding noises when you move your jaw
a headache around your temples
difficulty opening your mouth fully
your jaw locking when you open your mouth

The pain may be worse when chewing and when you feel stressed.

TMD can also stop you getting a good night's sleep.

How to ease temporomandibular disorder (TMD) yourself

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) usually gets better without treatment. But there are things you can do to ease the symptoms.

Do

eat soft food, like pasta, omelettes and soup
take paracetamol or ibuprofen
hold an ice pack or heat pack wrapped in a tea towel to the jaw, whichever feels better
massage the painful jaw muscles
try to find ways to relax

Don't

do not chew gum or pen tops
do not bite food with your front teeth
do not yawn too wide
do not bite your nails
do not clench your teeth - apart from when eating, your teeth should be apart

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from 111 now if:

you're unable to eat or drink
you have clicking, popping or grinding noises when you move your jaw
you have difficulty opening your mouth fully or your jaw is locking
you have pain around your jaw, ear or at the side of your head
you have frequent, severe headaches
you have pain or tenderness at the side of your head or on the scalp
you have vision problems, such as double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes

These can be signs of a serious problem that needs urgent treatment.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Treatments for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) from a GP

The GP may suggest:

stronger painkillers
relaxation techniques to reduce stress
ways to improve your sleep

They might suggest you see:

a dentist, if teeth grinding might be an issue
a psychologist, if stress and anxiety are making your pain worse
a physiotherapist, for advice about jaw exercises and massage

If these treatments do not help, you may be referred to a specialist in joint problems to discuss other options, such as painkilling injections or surgery.

Causes of temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) can be caused by:

teeth grinding
wear and tear of the joint
a blow to the head or face
stress
an uneven bite

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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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