TMJ Pain (Jaw Pain)
TMJ Pain (Jaw Pain)
Understanding TMJ Pain
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is the term used when your teeth and jaw are out of their correct alignment. This may cause a variety of significant oral and general health problems. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the ball and socket joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. It’s one of the most flexible and frequently used joints in your body, enabling you to move your jaw freely so you can speak, chew, yawn and laugh.
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Symptoms of TMJ Pain
- Head, neck or facial pain
- Pain when chewing
- Chronic headache similar to a migrainePain when chewing
- Shoulder or back pain
- Grinding or clenching of teeth (bruxism)
- Ear pain with no sign of an infection
- Limited jaw movement
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Clicking or popping jaw joints
- Pain behind the eyesClicking or popping jaw joints
- Unrestful sleep
- Dizziness
- General lack of energy
- Head, neck or facial pain
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Treatment Options for TMJ Pain
- Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. - Physical Therapy
Exercises, stretching, and massages to strengthen jaw muscles and improve movement. - Occlusal Splints
Neuromuscular dentistry looks at the relationship between the teeth, surrounding muscles and the jaw joints. When these three factors are not ‘working together’ this is when you experience the associated pain. It is possible to correct these joint, muscle and teeth issues by having a custom splint made by The Dental Practice team. These splints which look like a mouthguard fit over your teeth. They can provide relief for much of the symptoms caused by TMD. - Lifestyle Changes
Stress management techniques like meditation or relaxation exercises can reduce tension in the jaw muscles. Avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods can also help. - Heat/Cold Therapy
Apply warm or cold compresses to the affected for temporary pain relief.
- Medications
Aftercare for TMJ Pain
Proper aftercare is essential to manage jaw pain and prevent recurrence:
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent additional dental issues that could exacerbate jaw pain.
- Stick to soft foods that do not strain your jaw.
- Perform jaw exercises as recommended by a healthcare provider to strengthen and relax the jaw muscles.
- Engage in stress-relief activities such as yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises.
- Regularly consult your dentist or healthcare provider to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Real Customers, Real Patient Story
Proudly rated 4.9 on Google, our patients’ satisfaction speaks volumes. Discover their experiences and see why K Family Dental is their trusted choice in Chatswood.
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Dr Chen helped treat the many problems I had with great care. Above and beyond excellent personalised service, thank you very much.
🌟 Excellent Dental Clinic Services in Chatswood - A Smile Worth Sharing! 🌟 I recently had the pleasure of visiting K Family Dental Clinic for my dental needs, and... Read More I couldn't be happier with the exceptional care and service I received. Let me share my positive experience with you! Expert and Friendly Staff: From the moment I stepped into the clinic, I was greeted by a warm and welcoming team. The staff members were not only highly skilled and knowledgeable but also genuinely caring and friendly. They made me feel comfortable and at ease throughout the entire visit. 🌟 State-of-the-Art Facilities: The clinic boasts modern and well-equipped facilities, creating an atmosphere of professionalism and trust. The cleanliness and organization of the practice gave me confidence that I was in good hands. ⭐ Comprehensive Examinations: The dentist performed a thorough examination, taking the time to listen to my concerns and answer all of my questions. They explained each step of the process in a clear and understandable manner, ensuring I was well-informed about the condition of my oral health. 💫 Personalized Treatment Plan: Following the examination, the dentist developed a personalized treatment plan tailored to my specific needs. They discussed various options with me, considering my preferences and budget. I appreciated their transparency and commitment to finding the best solution for me. 🌈 Pain-Free Procedures: During the treatment, the dentist and their team went above and beyond to ensure my comfort. They used gentle techniques and took measures to minimize any discomfort. I was pleasantly surprised by how painless the entire procedure was. 👏 Exceptional Results: I am thrilled with the outcome of my dental treatment. The dentist's expertise and attention to detail resulted in a beautiful and healthy smile. I feel more confident than ever before, and I can't stop sharing my positive experience with friends and family. 👍 Customer-Centric Approach: What truly sets this dental practice apart is their commitment to exceptional customer service. They prioritize patient satisfaction and go the extra mile to ensure a positive experience from start to finish. I felt valued as an individual, not just a patient. 🌟 I highly recommend K Family Dental for anyone seeking top-notch dental services. Their skilled team, modern facilities, personalized approach, and commitment to excellence make them the go-to choice for all your dental needs. Trust me, your smile will thank you! 😁✨
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My experience at K Family Dental was fantastic. I hadn't been to the dentist for some time and wasn't sure what to expect. Dr Chen was very friendly and took... Read More the time to explain to me why certain things were important (there was a lot I learnt during the visit). I also thought he was very thorough and was genuinely interested in my well-being. I'd definitely recommend his practice to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions?
We’re Here to Help.
If you need more information or assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is ready to support you.
Contact us for urgent advice. After hours, follow our emergency care tips until you can reach the clinic.
Even if you take good care of your teeth, accidents can happen that need urgent attention. Even a minor injury could put you at risk of infection if you don’t get care as soon as possible. If any of your teeth are injured or knocked out, or you have a toothache, swelling, bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms, contact our clinic right away.
To manage dental pain until your appointment, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid eating hard or chewy foods that may aggravate the pain.
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At K Family Dental, we take pride in our team of highly skilled dentists and dedicated staff. We bring together the best in modern dentistry, with a focus on providing top-tier care in a welcoming environment. Our team is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Japanese, offering comprehensive care that’s culturally attuned and personal.