Jaw Pain in Bannockburn VIC: Assessment for Clenching and Grinding

What Usually Causes Jaw Pain? A Guide for Bannockburn Patients

Jaw pain usually comes from the muscles that move your jaw, the jaw joint itself, or your teeth. Common causes include clenching or grinding, often at night, a bite that puts extra load on some teeth, and stress that keeps the jaw muscles tight. A tooth problem, such as an infected tooth or a sore wisdom tooth, can also feel like jaw pain.

Other things that can play a part include:

• chewing gum or tough food for a long time;
• habits such as biting your nails or a pen;
• a knock to the jaw, for example in sport;
• arthritis in the jaw joint.

Sometimes pain is felt in the jaw but starts somewhere else, such as the ear or sinuses. That's one reason a proper check is worthwhile.

Why Does Your Jaw Click, Pop or Lock? TMJ Problems Explained

Clicking or popping happens when the jaw joint doesn't move smoothly as you open and close your mouth. The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, sits just in front of each ear and joins your lower jaw to your skull. A click without pain is common and often needs no treatment. Pain, a jaw that gets stuck, or trouble opening wide are reasons to have it checked.

Problems with the joint and the muscles around it are often called TMD, short for temporomandibular disorders, though many people simply say "TMJ". Signs can include:

• pain in front of the ear or in the cheek muscles;
• pain when chewing, yawning or talking;
• a jaw that feels tired or stiff;
• a jaw that locks open or closed;
• earache or headaches with no ear problem found.

The Better Health Channel explains temporomandibular disorders and their treatment in more detail.

When Should You See a Dentist About Jaw Pain in Bannockburn?

See a dentist if jaw pain lasts more than a week or two, keeps coming back, or makes it hard to eat, talk or open your mouth. It's also worth booking if you notice signs of grinding, such as worn or chipped teeth, or if a tooth hurts as well as your jaw.

If your jaw aches, clicks or feels tight, it's a good idea to have it checked soon. Call and we'll find the earliest suitable time. Many dental problems are simpler to treat when they're found early.

At a check-up and clean with a look at your bite, a dentist looks at your teeth and gums and can spot signs of grinding you may not notice yourself. If grinding is the likely cause, the dentist may talk with you about a custom night guard for clenching at night.

How We Help With Jaw Pain in Bannockburn

At Golden Plains Dental Services, jaw pain is checked as part of our Dental clinic services: everyday care for teeth, gums and jaws here on High Street. A visit can involve these steps:

1. We ask where it hurts, when it started, what makes it worse, and whether you clench, grind or have had a knock to the jaw.
2. A dentist checks your teeth for wear, chips or decay, looks at your bite, and feels the jaw muscles and joint as you open and close.
3. We explain what we found, your options and the fee for each before any treatment starts.

If grinding is part of the cause, the dentist may suggest a custom night guard, also called an occlusal splint. It's made to fit your teeth and worn while you sleep to help protect them from grinding and clenching. A night guard doesn't stop grinding itself, it can take a few nights to get used to, and it may not ease every kind of jaw pain. If your jaw needs care beyond general dentistry, for example from your GP or a physiotherapist, we'll tell you and explain why.

Many of our patients come from Teesdale and Lethbridge as well as Bannockburn. We're open Saturday mornings, and the clinic is on the ground floor with no steps. Our team speaks English, Hindi, Gujarati and Urdu.

Clinically reviewed by Dr Tasneem Kayum, dentist and owner of Golden Plains Dental Services. Dr Tasneem has more than nine years of experience as a dentist, including four years caring for nursing-home residents.