*When you move your jaw, you may notice a clicking or grating noise

* Difficulty opening or closing your mouth

* Swelling or tenderness over the joint

* Pain in the face, neck and chewing muscles

* Headaches or back pain.

* Pain in your ear, possibly with ringing noises Is there treatment for this problem?

* Your dentist may recommend that you take painkillers or tablets to relax the muscles.

* You could also try using an ice pack at home or stress-relieving techniques

* Your dentist may advise replacing your missing teeth with a denture or bridge, or a different denture, to change the way your jaw sits

* Alternatively, they may suggest that you wear a 'biteguard' at night, which will take pressure off the joint

* The success of such treatments will depend on how much the joint has been damaged and on how much future damage can be prevented