Combat jaw pain, persistent headaches, teeth grinding and even neck and shoulder pain
Many people are surprised to learn how many different kinds of aches, pains and discomforts can be caused by jaw problems and an uneven bite. Undiagnosed or unsuccessfully treated problems with the jaw muscles cause a great deal of misery. If you’ve been suffering in this way, Cliftonville Dental can help you to get to the source of the problem and eliminate it.
An uneven bite is the root cause of many headaches and jaw pain
Extensive studies have shown that problems including ongoing headaches, jaw discomfort and neck & shoulder pain can all be triggered by an uneven bite and other problems with the jaw muscles.
It’s easy to see how this could be: just place your hands on the side of your face and clench your teeth together – you can feel the jaw muscles all the way up to your temples. Muscles this extensive are bound to have an effect on the whole of the head and neck region.
The problem of an imperfect or uneven bite is extremely common, but doesn’t always produce severe symptoms. Often this is because of an ability to gradually adjust to the problem. But some people are prone to symptoms which can dramatically affect their quality of life.
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?
- TMJ (Temporo-mandibular joint) problems – You’ll notice a clicking or grinding in your jaw joints, often accompanied by pain and a ringing in your ear. You may also find it difficult to open your mouth wide.
- Muscle spasm – If your jaw is poorly positioned, the muscles that move it have to work a lot harder and can get tired. This leads to muscle spasm. The main symptoms include continual headaches (especially first thing in the morning after grinding your teeth at night), pain in the neck and shoulders or pain behind the eyes.
- Teeth and Gums – Teeth become heavily worn, chipped or flattened due to excessive tooth grinding. You may frequently find you are losing fillings or breaking crowns. In time, this can lead to loose teeth and receding gums.
If you have a problem which you suspect may be caused by a jaw problem or difficult bite, please don’t suffer in silence! We can arrange a consultation to assess your bite, discuss your problems and talk over possible treatments.
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How we treat jaw pain and teeth grinding
The good news is that bite-related pain can often be managed once the cause is found. At our Northampton practice, treatment usually starts with a careful assessment of how your teeth meet, the wear on them, and the way your jaw moves.
Depending on what we find, we may recommend:
- A custom bite splint or night guard. A made-to-measure guard, worn mostly at night, stops your teeth grinding against each other and eases the strain on your jaw muscles. For many people this alone settles the headaches and jaw ache.
- Protecting worn or damaged teeth. If grinding has chipped, flattened or weakened your teeth, we can rebuild and protect them so the damage does not get worse.
- Adjusting the bite. Where an uneven bite is the trigger, small adjustments help your teeth meet evenly and take pressure off the joint.
- Advice and onward referral. We talk through habits, stress and jaw exercises that help, and refer you on if your symptoms need specialist input. For jaw clenching, muscle-relaxing treatment is another option we can discuss.
We explain what is causing your symptoms in plain language and agree a plan that suits you, with no pressure.
Lasting relief from jaw pain and headaches in Northampton
Living with daily headaches, a clicking jaw or teeth you grind through the night wears you down, and many people put up with it for years without realising a dentist can help. If your headaches tend to strike first thing in the morning, your jaw aches or clicks, or your partner hears you grinding at night, your bite could be the cause.
A bite assessment at Cliftonville Dental is a simple first step. Our team in Northampton will look at how your teeth meet, check for signs of grinding, and explain your options, whether that is a night guard, repair work or a referral. Not every headache is caused by your teeth, so if yours are severe, frequent or come with other symptoms, see your GP as well, but a worn bite is a common cause that is easy to check.
Book a bite assessment in Northampton
Find out whether your headaches or jaw pain are linked to your bite. Book an assessment at Cliftonville Dental and we will examine your jaw, check for teeth grinding, and talk you through the treatments that could bring relief.
📞 Phone: 01604 604545 💻 Book online: Book an appointment
📍 Find us: 65 The Avenue, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BT
Frequently Asked Questions: Jaw pain, teeth grinding and headaches
Can a dentist help with jaw pain and headaches?
Often, yes. When jaw pain, facial pain or recurring headaches are linked to an uneven bite or teeth grinding, a dentist can assess the cause and treat it, usually with a custom bite guard or by addressing the bite. If your symptoms are not bite-related, we will tell you and point you in the right direction.
What are TMJ and TMD?
The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is the term for problems with that joint and the muscles around it. Signs include a clicking or grinding jaw, pain, earache and difficulty opening your mouth wide.
How do you treat teeth grinding?
Most teeth grinding, or bruxism, is treated with a custom-made night guard that protects your teeth and relaxes the jaw while you sleep. We also repair any worn or chipped teeth and talk through triggers such as stress. At our Northampton practice we tailor the approach to how much grinding is going on.
Can teeth grinding cause headaches?
Yes. Grinding and clenching make the jaw muscles work overtime, and because those muscles run up to your temples, the result is often a dull headache, especially first thing in the morning. Easing the grinding usually eases the headaches.
What is a night guard and does it work?
A night guard, or bite splint, is a thin, custom-fitted appliance you wear over your teeth at night. It stops the upper and lower teeth grinding together and takes strain off the jaw. For most people it is a simple, effective way to protect the teeth and reduce pain.
How do I know if my headache is caused by my teeth?
Clues include headaches that are worse in the morning, a jaw that clicks or aches, worn or sensitive teeth, and tension around the temples. The only way to be sure is a bite assessment, which is quick and painless. Headaches have many causes, so a check rules the dental ones in or out.
Is treatment for jaw problems painful?
No. Most treatment is gentle and non-invasive. A bite assessment involves looking at your teeth and jaw, and a night guard simply needs an impression. We start with the simplest options and only consider anything more involved if it is truly needed.
How much does treatment for teeth grinding or jaw pain cost?
It depends on what you need, from a bite assessment to a custom night guard or repair work. You can see our current prices on the fees page, or call us and we will explain the cost before you go ahead.
Should I see a dentist or a doctor for jaw pain and headaches?
Start with whichever fits your symptoms. A dentist is the right person for a clicking jaw, teeth grinding or a headache that feels linked to your bite. If your headaches are severe, sudden or come with other symptoms, see your GP, as not all headaches are dental.
You may also be interested in: night guards / sports guards, emergency dentist.
