Jaw pain, locking, or difficulty chewing deserves an assessment. We help identify the cause and discuss appropriate care.
Your temporomandibular joints are the two joints just in front of your ears that help you chew, speak, and yawn. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) involve pain or problems with these joints or the surrounding muscles. Several factors may contribute, and the cause is not always clear. An examination helps distinguish TMD from other causes of jaw or facial pain.
We examine your joints, muscles, bite, and tooth wear patterns, and review your symptoms and habits — a clear picture before any treatment.
We discuss conservative options based on your symptoms, which may include changes to habits, exercises, or referral for physical therapy. A custom guard may help protect teeth from grinding, but its effect on jaw pain varies.
We avoid treating jaw pain by routinely changing the teeth or bite. Any irreversible dental treatment requires a separate, clearly explained indication. Persistent or complex symptoms may need specialist assessment.
We track your symptoms and response. If an appliance causes pain, stop using it and contact us. We reassess care or arrange referral when symptoms persist.
Clenching and grinding can wear or damage teeth and restorations. Significant damage may need restorative care, including full-mouth rehabilitation in some cases. Tooth wear does not by itself establish a TMD diagnosis. If you notice wear or suspect grinding, an assessment can help determine whether protection or other care is appropriate.
Rest the joint: softer foods, smaller bites, no gum chewing. Apply moist heat for muscle soreness or cold for sharp pain. Watch daytime clenching — lips together, teeth apart is the resting position. Managing stress may also help reduce clenching. Ask us about appropriate self-care for your symptoms.