Jaw pain and dysfunction

Lilydale Orthodontists are specialists in straight teeth and beautiful smiles. Changes in teeth and jaw position, night-time grinding, posture and stress can cause pain and problem in the jaw. Exercise Thought Physiotherapy in Lilydale are experts in resolving pain and injury and so have partnered with Lilydale Orthodontists to help you regain healthy function of your jaw and mouth.

Jaw pain and immobility often centres on the muscles and structures of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). You may recognise TMJ dysfunction in:

  • Pain in the ear, face, jaw or neck while chewing

  • Clicking, popping, locking or grating sensations

  • Tension headache

  • Tinnitus

A clinical hands-on assessment is the best method for diagnosing whether your symptoms and physical examination indicate TMJ dysfunction. A thorough assessment will assess the:

  • Alignment and movement of your TMJ;

  • Length and tension of muscles;

  • Jaw and neck posture; and

  • Bones and articular disc of your jaw.

Physiotherapy exercises and techniques are clinically proven to reduce TMJ pain and improve jaw function.

Most cases of TMJ pain can be relieved with natural interventions including:

  • Relaxation techniques;

  • Postural corrections;

  • Physiotherapeutic massage;

  • Passive and active assist mobility exercises;

  • A soft food diet;

  • Strengthening exercises; and

  • Education on self-management strategies

You may also wish to consider minimising:

  • Hard foods;

  • Clenching, grinding or tensing behaviours; and

  • Excessive chewing e.g. chewing gum, biting nails.

You may wish to get started yourself with these simple techniques:

  1. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. This helps to naturally relax your jaw muscles, reduces clenching & improves awareness of tension.

  2. Keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth, practice gently opening your jaw and moving your jaw side-to-side. Do this for 1-2min every hour.

  3. Massage the muscle portion of your cheeks using circular motions for 15-45sec every few hours.

For a personalised assessment and treatment of your TMJ you can consult the physiotherapists at Exercise Thought by calling 9737 6665 or booking online at exercisethought.com.