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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Very happy client. Had my vineers done as well as a tooth implant and couldn’t be happier. Always get compliments on my teeth. Thank you
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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Your family’s healthy smiles are just a visit away. We ensure every check-up is comfortable, every treatment is thorough, and we aim for optimal oral health.