Do you suffer from a clicking jaw joint, or one that can become painful or even lock sometimes? If you are, you are probably suffering from... take a deep breath... Tempero-mandibular pain dysfunction syndrome.

The condition can be worrying, but don’t stress about it. It will not cause long-term damage, but it can be a real annoyance if you suffer from it.

Here are some tips to prevent it.

Avoid Hard foods or chewing gum. Don’t open your mouth too wide. Pay attention to your posture. During the day, try to keep your teeth apart as this relaxed position eases tension on your jaw muscles.

It may be necessary for your dentist to make you a bite guard to wear. They may also describe some exercises you can try at home to loosen up the muscles.