Are you suffering with a sore jaw? Have you noticed clicking noises when you open your mouth or does it hurt when you yawn? If you’ve got problems with your jaw, we can help.

What causes jaw pain?

Jaw pain often results from injuries, but it can also be a result of a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ disorder or TMD). This condition is characterised by a group of symptoms that affect the temporomandibular joint, the joint that joins the skull to the lower jaw. Symptoms include clicking or popping noises, restricted movement in the jaw, jaw pain, aches and pains in the shoulders and neck and stiffness in the jaw. TMJ disorder is often linked to bruxism, or tooth grinding. If you grind your teeth, this can increase tension in the muscles surrounding the joint. You may find that pain is heightened in the morning if you do grind your teeth. Sometimes, loose restorations and orthodontic issues can also cause problems.

How we can help

If you have a painful jaw, call us and make an appointment. We will examine your mouth and ask you a few simple questions about your symptoms. We’ll also have a good look at the jaw. The first thing to do is pinpoint a cause of pain and then we can start thinking about suitable treatment options. In many cases of TMJ disorder, treatment isn’t required, but if you do have symptoms as a result of bruxism, we may recommend that you trying using a bite guard. This customised device is worn during the night and it helps to prevent the top and bottom arches of teeth coming together while you sleep. Your bite guard will be made especially for you, so you don’t need to worry about comfort.