Jaw pain should never feel normal
If you live with jaw pain every day, you might assume it is just part of your routine. However, jaw pain is not normal. It is often a sign of a deeper issue involving one or both of your TMJs. These joints connect your jaw to your skull and allow you to talk, chew, and yawn. When they become inflamed or misaligned, it can result in discomfort, pain, and functional limitations.
- Frequent headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ears
- Pain in the jaw, face, or neck
- Muscle soreness in the upper back or shoulders
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding in the jaw
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully or chewing
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder (TMD):
How we diagnose and treat TMJ disorders
For anyone dealing with frequent jaw discomfort, a Dentist Brantford residents trust can offer the experience and insight needed to bring relief. Addressing the issue early with personalized care can prevent long term complications and restore comfort in daily life.
Diagnosis
Your visit will begin with a thorough clinical examination. We will assess the condition of your jaw, facial muscles, bite, and teeth. We will also check for discomfort, unusual sounds, or restricted movement. If signs of TMD are confirmed, we may suggest a night guard or bite splint as an initial approach.
Treatment and relief
Bite splints are clear, plastic oral appliances that are custom designed to fit your upper or lower teeth. These devices help relieve pain by preventing clenching and grinding while realigning your bite to reduce pressure on the joints and muscles.
Other treatment options
In some cases, orthodontic treatment or restorative dental procedures may be recommended, especially if a misaligned bite or missing teeth are contributing to the problem. If excessive pressure is coming from one area of your bite, reshaping certain teeth may help distribute the pressure more evenly.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ stands for the Temporomandibular Joint, which connects your lower jaw to your skull. TMD refers to disorders that occur when this joint is inflamed or misaligned, often leading to discomfort or restricted movement.
Symptoms can include jaw tenderness, headaches, pain around the ears, difficulty chewing or yawning, and unusual sounds like clicking or grinding. In some cases, the pain extends to the neck or shoulders.
There are several possible causes, including injuries to the jaw, arthritis, chronic stress, tooth grinding, poorly fitting dentures, and jaw misalignment. Since the causes vary, a professional exam is necessary to determine the right treatment.
It is possible. Many headaches are related to tension in the muscles of the head and jaw. While there are many causes of headaches, jaw disorders are a common and often overlooked factor.
Most TMD cases can be treated with non invasive therapies like bite splints, stress management, and gentle jaw exercises. Surgery is very rare and only considered after other treatment options have been explored.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
