Do you experience recurring jaw pain or wake with headaches or facial muscle tension? Perhaps your jaw clicks when you eat, or you have noticed signs of tooth grinding or clenching.
These symptoms may be associated with a temporomandibular disorder, commonly known as TMD. However, jaw discomfort and headaches can have many possible causes. A dental assessment can help identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and determine whether treatment or referral is appropriate.
Understanding the TMJ and TMD
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull. Together with the surrounding muscles, these joints allow you to speak, chew and yawn.
TMD is a broad term for conditions affecting the jaw joints, muscles or related structures. Possible symptoms include:
- Jaw, facial or temple discomfort
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Limited jaw movement or locking
- Headaches or discomfort extending into the neck
- Tooth wear or fractures associated with grinding
Not everyone who experiences jaw clicking has TMD or requires treatment. Your dentist will consider the nature, frequency and severity of your symptoms before making recommendations.
The Connection Between Bruxism and Jaw Discomfort
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, which may occur during sleep or while awake. Some people are unaware that they do it until a dentist identifies tooth wear or they begin experiencing muscle tension.
Persistent grinding or clenching can contribute to worn or fractured teeth and may be associated with jaw muscle discomfort. However, it is only one possible factor in TMD symptoms.
A Careful Approach to TMD Assessment
At Portside Dental, we begin by listening to your concerns and learning when your symptoms occur. Your dentist may examine your teeth, bite, jaw movement and chewing muscles and ask about relevant dental and medical history.
Because jaw pain can have several contributing factors, there is no single management approach that suits everyone. Depending on the findings, your dentist may recommend:
- Monitoring mild symptoms
- Changes to habits that place strain on the jaw
- Self-care measures to reduce muscle tension
- A custom oral appliance when grinding is contributing to tooth wear
- Physiotherapy or assessment by another qualified health practitioner
We will explain why an option may or may not be suitable and what you can realistically expect. Some patients may require referral for further investigation, particularly when symptoms are persistent, severe or not primarily dental in origin.
Arrange a Jaw Pain Assessment in Newport
If you are concerned about jaw discomfort, restricted movement, tooth wear or frequent grinding and clenching, contact Portside Dental on (03) 9967 6131 to arrange an assessment.
Dr Meredith Metin and our Newport dental team can evaluate your symptoms and discuss whether dental management, monitoring or referral may be appropriate for you.
Do you experience frequent headaches, especially in the morning? Do you notice exaggerated musculature in front of your ears? Have you noticed an increase in jaw pain, or even tooth chips and fractures?
These can all be signs of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD), which is sometimes caused by bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding and clenching).
What Is TMJ/TMD?
Medical and dental professionals commonly use the acronym TMJ or TMD to describe disorders of the temporomandibular joints. These are hinge-like joints that connect the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull. These joints allow for purposeful movement, such as eating, yawning and speaking.
When these joints don’t function correctly, you may notice:
- Head, neck, shoulder and jaw pain
- A clicking noise in the jaw joint
- Pain when eating or yawning
- Tooth wear and fractures (if associated with bruxism or orthodontic issues)
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism refers to the habit of grinding and clenching your teeth while sleeping. The symptoms are like TMJ signs, but you may also notice exaggerated musculature in front of the ears.
Without treatment, bruxism can lead to or increase TMJ symptoms. It can also cost you your teeth!
Jaw Muscle Relaxant Therapy in Newport, VIC
Your Newport dentist offers a treatment plan that may help alleviate or eradicate your symptoms. This is not traditional splint therapy. Instead, we administer injections to targeted areas to relax the muscles that support your TMJs. In turn, these injections curb nighttime teeth grinding and clenching.
You don’t have to experience every symptom to be diagnosed with TMJ or bruxism, so if you notice jaw joint changes or discomfort, it’s essential to book a consultation.
At Portside Dental, Your Comfort and Well-Being Are Always Priorities
To learn more about jaw muscle relaxant therapy or to book a consultation, please contact us on (03) 9967 6131.
We accept Afterpay to help with financing and offer Saturday hours by appointment.
