TMJ Problems

TMJ (Jaw Joint) Problems

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the hinges connecting your jaw to your skull. When they’re strained or inflamed, you may notice jaw pain, clicking/popping, headaches, earache or fullness, limited opening/locking, or tooth wear from clenching/grinding.

Common triggers include stress-related clenching, uneven or heavy bites, arthritis, injury, and habit patterns (e.g., gum chewing, nail biting).

How we help

  • Careful examination of your jaw joints, bite and muscles

  • Personalised advice (habits, diet, stress/para-function management)

  • Gentle conservative care: heat/cold, stretches, physiotherapy guidance

  • Custom splints/night guards to rest the joints and protect teeth

  • Short-term medication where appropriate

  • Referral for imaging or specialist care if needed

Most TMJ problems are manageable without surgery and improve with the right plan. If jaw pain or clicking is bothering you, book a TMJ assessment—we’ll find what’s driving your symptoms and map out clear, comfortable steps to relief.

Bruxism and Headache: is there a connection?

 

Teeth Grinding, Clenching & Headaches/Migraines

What’s the link?
When you clench or grind your teeth—especially at night—your jaw muscles work overtime. Tired, tense muscles can trigger headaches (often the “band-like” pressure kind) and can set off migraines in people who are prone to them.

Common signs

  • Headache or face ache on waking
  • Achy, tired jaws or tender temples
  • Clicky/sore jaw joints
  • Worn or chipped teeth, neck/shoulder tension

Why it happens

  • Stress and poor sleep make clenching more likely.
  • Night grinding can repeatedly wake the brain just enough to disturb sleep, leaving muscles sore and the head more sensitive in the morning.

What you can do now

  • Relax the jaw: lips together, teeth apart, tongue resting on the roof of the mouth.
  • Heat, gentle stretches, and short jaw breaks during the day.
  • Cut back on gum, hard foods, late caffeine/alcohol.
  • Aim for regular, good-quality sleep.

How we help

  • Careful check of your jaw, bite and muscles
  • Custom night guard to protect teeth and calm the jaw
  • Advice on habits, stress/sleep, and simple exercises
  • If migraine features are present, we’ll work with your GP/neurology too

Bottom line:
Grinding doesn’t always cause migraines, but it can spark or worsen head pain. If morning headaches or jaw aches are a theme, book a TMJ/bruxism assessment—we’ll pinpoint the cause and plan relief.