Clenching, Grinding, and Jaw Pain
Understanding Clenching, Grinding, and Jaw Pain
Clenching and grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that can lead to jaw soreness, tooth damage, and long term joint problems. Bruxism often occurs during sleep or times of stress and puts pressure on the temporomandibular joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. When these joints become strained or inflamed, patients may experience clicking sounds, difficulty chewing, or ear and neck discomfort. At Southern Magnolia Dental, we carefully evaluate your bite, muscle tension, and joint movement to find the cause and prevent further pain or damage.
Relief for Headaches and Facial Pain
One of the most common but often overlooked effects of clenching and grinding is frequent headaches. Jaw tension can spread to the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes, especially upon waking, and may cause tenderness across the face, jawline, and neck. Our treatments focus on reducing muscular stress and restoring balance through custom fitted nightguards, bite therapy, and supportive lifestyle changes. For patients experiencing discomfort while eating, speaking, or yawning, we create solutions that ease strain and bring lasting relief.
Advanced Care for Jaw and Nerve Pain
In more advanced cases, jaw misalignment and bruxism can irritate surrounding nerves, creating sharp or radiating pain in the ears, temples, cheeks, or jaw. At Southern Magnolia Dental, we use detailed diagnostics to identify the cause and design a personalized treatment plan. This may include oral appliances, bite adjustments, or collaboration with specialists. Our goal is to relieve discomfort, restore proper function, and protect your long term oral and facial health.