Clenching, Grinding, and Jaw Pain Help Near You
Jaw pain, teeth grinding, and facial tension are more than just minor discomforts, they may be signs of underlying issues related to your jaw joint, muscles, or bite alignment. At Smile Dentistry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like bruxism, TMJ disorders, and orofacial pain that can affect your ability to chew, speak, or even sleep comfortably. Whether you're experiencing headaches, jaw clicking, facial soreness, or nerve-related discomfort, our goal is to help you find relief through personalized, conservative treatment options. Our team uses advanced imaging and a detailed assessment process to pinpoint the cause and create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. If jaw or facial pain is disrupting your daily life, we’re here to help you regain comfort and function.
Orofacial Pain
Orofacial pain refers to any pain felt in the mouth, jaws, or face, and it can stem from a range of causes including muscle tension, joint dysfunction, nerve conditions, or dental problems. Patients with orofacial pain may experience discomfort when chewing, speaking, or yawning, and often notice a dull ache or sharp stinging that radiates throughout the face or jaw. Common causes include teeth grinding, clenching, jaw misalignment, trauma, or disorders such as TMD. At Smile Dentistry, we carefully evaluate your symptoms through a comprehensive exam and imaging tools to determine the underlying issue. Once diagnosed, we offer treatment options ranging from oral appliances and physical therapy to bite correction and pain management strategies. Early diagnosis is key to preventing chronic pain and improving quality of life.
Clicking Or Locked Jaw (TMJ)
Your temporomandibular joint, located directly next to each of your ears is responsible for connecting your jaw to your skull and allowing your mouth to speak, chew, and yawn. When your jaw is clicking or locking, you might be experiencing a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This occurs when your jaw joint is harmed or inflamed due to an injury, inflammatory disorder, or other issue. Ideally, the temporomandibular joint operates as a smooth hinge so your jaw can move in a natural, free motion. Inflammation or harm impairs the movement, forcing your jaw to click or lock, while also making it a challenge to open your mouth. Some cases of TMD can be helped by lifestyle choices, for example, no longer chewing gum. You can also assist your recovery by reducing stress, utilizing a night guard that will treat teeth grinding, eating softer foods, and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. In more severe cases of TMD, you might require treatment from a dental professional, especially if it was caused by an oral injury or inflammatory disease. Surgical treatments are rare and are only recommended if all other alternative treatments were ineffective.
Headaches
Chronic headaches can often be linked to problems in the mouth or jaw, particularly when caused by jaw tension, bite misalignment, or teeth grinding. Many patients do not realize that the muscles responsible for chewing are connected to the same muscles that contribute to tension headaches. At Smile Dentistry, we assess your symptoms to determine whether your headaches may be caused by clenching or grinding your teeth at night, which puts stress on your jaw muscles and can radiate pain to the temples, forehead, and neck. We may recommend a custom-fit night guard to protect your teeth and relax your jaw muscles during sleep. Addressing bite alignment or TMD may also significantly reduce headache frequency and intensity. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many patients see a marked improvement in both headache relief and overall quality of life.
Facial Pain
Facial pain can present as a dull ache, sharp twinge, or burning sensation and is often caused by dental problems, muscular tension, jaw dysfunction, or nerve conditions. The pain may appear around the cheeks, jawline, ears, or eyes, making it hard to determine the exact source without a professional evaluation. At Smile Dentistry, we take a multidisciplinary approach to facial pain, starting with a thorough oral and jaw exam, digital imaging, and a detailed review of your symptoms. Treatment options may include muscle relaxants, bite therapy, oral splints, or referrals for physical therapy. Identifying and treating the root cause is the most effective way to eliminate recurring facial pain. If your discomfort is linked to your bite or jaw function, correcting the alignment or reducing tension in the jaw may offer lasting relief.
Nerve Pain
Nerve pain in the face, often referred to as neuropathic pain, can result from irritation or injury to one or more facial nerves. It may feel like electric shocks, burning, or constant aching that can be triggered by speaking, brushing teeth, or even light touch. One common form of nerve pain is trigeminal neuralgia, which affects the major nerve that supplies sensation to the face. Dental trauma, infections, or untreated TMD may also contribute to nerve irritation. At Smile Dentistry, we perform a detailed diagnostic process to rule out dental causes and identify nerve-related conditions. Treatment may involve custom bite appliances, medications, or a referral for neurological care. Managing nerve pain requires a collaborative approach, and we work closely with you to create a plan that reduces your pain and improves your day-to-day function.
Treatment
When you come in for your appointment, we will assess your teeth and mouth for any visible signs of wear. If there is an issue, we will use a few different methods to understand why the issue is happening and develop a customized treatment plan for you. Some of the methods we use to determine if you have a bite issue include a complete oral exam, panoramic x-rays, model of your mouth using our 3D scanner, and high-definition photos.
Depending on your situation, there are generally 2 ways to correct a TMJ dysfunction. One solution is to use braces and possibly other orthodontic appliances to correct the position and development of your jaw. The 2nd option is to establish a physiologic bite position using an appliance for 2-3-weeks. Then using crowns to restore your teeth to their healthy position. It is always best to treat TMD as early as possible to prevent future oral health issues.
