Are you suffering from a sore jaw? Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches on a regular basis? If so, we may be able to help. Often, jaw joint pain is a symptom of TMJ disorder. The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull.

How we can help with jaw pain

TMJ disorder is a common condition, which is characterised by symptoms that affect the joint, including stiffness, pain, a limited range of movement and clicking and popping noises. Sometimes, TMJ disorder is linked to facial injuries, but often, it is caused by bruxism, or grinding the teeth.

In cases where jaw pain is associated with bruxism, we can identify potential solutions and hopefully, find a means of alleviating symptoms. There are many reasons why people grind their teeth and most commonly, it’s a sub-conscious action, which takes place during the night. If you grind your teeth, you may find that your teeth become worn and uneven. Stress and anxiety can increase the risk of bruxism, but loose fillings and crowns and an uneven bite can also contribute to tooth grinding.

If you suffer from jaw pain, we will examine the mouth and the jaw joint and try to determine a cause. We can carry out necessary repairs, such as replacing loose fillings and we can also discuss the option of orthodontic treatment. If there aren’t any clear causes of bruxism, we may recommend using a specially designed bite guard to protect your teeth and jaw joint during the night. This guard is designed to provide a barrier to stop the top and bottom arches of teeth clashing together while you sleep. The guard is customised to fit you perfectly, so you should find it comfortable.

If you’re struggling with jaw pain, get in touch with us today! Our experienced dental team is here to help.