Jaw Pain TMJ MelbourneJaw pain (TMJ) and Teeth grinding

Do you notice popping, clicking, tenderness in the jaw joints? Or pain in the ear when you chew, talk, yawn or simply open and close your mouth? If so, you may have symptoms of TMJ (tempero-mandibular joint disorder or TMJ pain).

TMJ disorder is usually caused by a disharmony with your jaw muscles or bite not being balanced or relaxed.  Often there is heavy teeth grinding or clenching of the teeth known as bruxism. Consequently, this causes overuse of the Jaw muscles. The teeth grinding or clenching  is usually worse at night and the disorder can result in significant pain.

At Enhance Dental we thoroughly examine all the possible causes of your TMJ pain or disorder.  We can then provide you with detailed information about your jaw pain. This ensures that you receive the appropriate measures to help treat your problem.

Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ is often associated with one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Jaw Sounds (popping, grinding or grating sounds)
  • Chewing difficulties or discomfort
  • Difficulties opening or closing the mouth
  • Headaches, migraine or neck aches
  • Jaw pain or facial muscle pain
  • Locked jaw or stiffness
  • Ear problems (aches without infection, ringing (tinnitus) or clogged ears)
  • Worn or chipped teeth
  • Tooth or gum sensitivity
  • Dizziness

Causes of TMJ

There are several conditions that may cause TMJ disorders, the most common being listed below: (click for more information)

Teeth grinding or clenching
Also called bruxism. This can cause wear or damage to the jaw joint, teeth or any fillings/restorations. (e.g crowns, veneers etc). Studies indicate over 30% of the population has bruxism. In fact, 1 in 3 people damage their teeth due to teeth grinding during sleep. Yet most are unaware that this is occurring. Our Enhance Dental dentists can accurately detect telltale signs of tooth wear. You may also awaken in the morning with jaw or ear pain.
Crooked teeth
This may cause bite imbalances. You may have difficulty finding a comfortable bite or notice that the teeth have moved and the bite has changed. Fortunately we can often adjust your bite with a variety of methods such as orthodontics (Invisalign or braces) or a method known as bite equilibration.
Previous dental treatment
Such as old fillings or defective crowns can cause bite imbalances. We can carefully determine if adjustment or replacement of any unbalanced dental restorations is required.
Trauma
Previous accidents causing damage or fractures to the jaw or surrounding bones can lead to TMJ disorders.
Stress
This often leads to release of nervous energy by either subconsciously or consciously clenching or grinding teeth together. Often this can be controlled with a bite splint the you wear while you sleep. We will carefully assess if this is appropriate for your situation.
Chewing Habits
Such as excessive gum chewing or fingernail biting. Also frequent chewing of very hard or sticky foods may be associated with TMJ pain or disorders.
Degenerative joint diseases
Such as osteoarthritis. This can be one of the most extreme causes of TMJ disorder. Jaw osteoarthritis can be a debilitating condition that may effect your teeth, gums and jaw bone structure. Therefore, we will provide you with comprehensive information and treatment options or specialist referral if necessary.

Diagnosis of TMJ

Since TMJ disorders have a wide range of symptoms and causes it requires thorough examination, investigation and diagnosis. Dental X-rays such as an OPG (orthopantomogram) or a CT scan can also help with diagnosis of jaw pain. Other methods such as digital scans and photograph can help monitor and develop treatment options for your condition.

Treatment of TMJ

Treatment usually involves conservative methods such as physical therapy, ice and heat therapy, relaxation techniques, anti-inflammatory tablets, muscle relaxant medications often in conjunction with a custom-fitted bite splint.

If you clench or grind, it is usually considered very beneficial to wear a custom-fitted bite splint while you sleep. Protecting the teeth and restorations with a professionally made bite splint is often regarded as one of the most important preventive dental methods available. Potentially thousands of dollars in future dental treatment could be saved.

If your jaw pain, clenching, or grinding is accompanied by loud snoring or waking up fatigued, you may also benefit from our custom Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Treatment.

Bite splint

The ‘MiniFM’ bite splint is a small, thin mouthpiece that fits snugly over the upper teeth and is very comfortable to wear. It is made of high strength composite material and provides excellent protection of teeth during sleep, when the forces of grinding or clenching are at their greatest.

Furthermore, as there are many causes of TMJ disorder other treatment methods may also be considered. Examples of these are: correction of bite abnormalities with orthodontics (e.g. braces or Invisalign), bite adjustment procedures or any necessary restorative dental procedures.

With our holistic and conservative approach to treatment, your jaw pain or prevention of further tooth wear can be greatly improved.

For a consultation regarding jaw pain (TMJ) or teeth grinding please call Enhance Dental on (03)9533-8488 for a comprehensive approach, detailed information and appropriate treatment tailored to your individual needs.