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Port Dover Family Dentistry
TMJ Therapy in Long Point
Clicking, aching or a jaw that locks can make eating and talking hard. Long Point patients can have jaw joints and muscles assessed at our Port Dover office.
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Browse every dental service for Long PointJaw comfort
Jaw pain has many causes, so treatment starts with careful assessment.
The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull just in front of the ears. Problems with these joints or the surrounding muscles, often called TMD, can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping, limited opening, locking, headaches and ear discomfort. Causes include clenching, grinding, injury, arthritis, stress and bite issues. Many cases improve with conservative care, but the right approach depends on the source.
Long Point patients with jaw discomfort can arrange an assessment at our Port Dover office. The dentist will examine the joints and muscles and discuss options, which may include coordination with other health professionals.
Symptoms
Symptoms can come and go.
Joint and muscle signs
Pain in front of the ear, aching jaw muscles, clicking or grinding sounds, difficulty opening wide, jaw locking open or closed and fatigue when chewing are common signs. Some people notice symptoms mainly in the morning, which may suggest night clenching, while others notice them after long meals or conversations.
Related symptoms
Headaches, ear fullness, neck and shoulder tension and tooth sensitivity can accompany TMD. These symptoms overlap with other conditions, so a careful assessment is important. Keep a diary of when symptoms occur and what makes them better or worse to help guide the exam.
Assessment
Diagnosis guides the right treatment.
Examining joints and muscles
The dentist checks how your jaw opens and moves, listens for joint sounds, feels the chewing muscles for tenderness and examines your bite and teeth for wear. Expect questions about injuries, grinding, stress and how symptoms affect daily life. This helps distinguish muscle-related pain from joint problems.
Imaging and referral
X-rays or other imaging may be suggested if joint changes are suspected. Some cases benefit from input from a physician, physiotherapist or specialist. The dentist will explain if referral is recommended and how care could be coordinated.
Treatment
Most people start with simple, reversible steps.
Conservative care
Soft foods, avoiding gum and wide yawning, applying heat or cold, gentle jaw exercises and stress management often help. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication may be suggested if appropriate for your health. Becoming aware of daytime clenching and keeping teeth apart when relaxed can reduce strain.
Appliances and further treatment
A custom splint or night guard may help reduce clenching forces and relieve muscle tension. If symptoms persist, physiotherapy, other medications or specialist care may be considered. Irreversible changes to the bite are generally not recommended as a first step.
Self-care
Small habits can make a noticeable difference.
Daily habits
Rest the jaw by choosing softer foods during flare-ups, cutting food into small pieces and avoiding chewing gum or tough meats. Practise relaxing the jaw with lips together and teeth apart. Good posture and stress-relief techniques may also help reduce muscle tension.
When to follow up
Report worsening pain, new locking or changes in bite. Bring any splint to checkups for adjustment. Symptoms often improve over weeks to months, but persistent or severe cases may need further evaluation. Keep follow-up visits consistent, even with a seasonal schedule.
Planning your appointment
Booking a jaw assessment from Long Point
Call our Port Dover office and describe your jaw symptoms, how long they have lasted and what triggers them. The team can schedule an assessment with time for a thorough exam.
Bring a symptom diary and any existing night guard or splint, along with details of previous treatments you have tried.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
TMJ questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Is jaw clicking a problem?
Clicking without pain or limited movement is common and may not need treatment. If clicking comes with pain, locking or difficulty opening, an assessment is recommended.
Can a night guard help TMJ pain?
For some people, a custom splint reduces clenching forces and eases muscle tension. It is often part of a broader plan including self-care and, sometimes, physiotherapy.
Will TMJ problems go away on their own?
Many cases improve with time and conservative care. Some become chronic or recur. Early assessment and self-care strategies often help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.
Is TMD caused by my bite?
Bite problems can contribute but are rarely the only cause. Clenching, stress, injury and joint changes also play roles. The dentist will look at multiple factors before recommending treatment.
Should I see a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapy can help some people with jaw muscle and joint problems. The dentist may suggest it as part of a coordinated plan if symptoms persist or affect neck and posture.
Grinding and appliance care
Additional Services →Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with a tight jaw or worn, sensitive teeth? Long Point patients can have grinding and clenching assessed in Port Dover and discuss protective options.
Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is shaped to your bite to cushion grinding during sleep. Long Point patients can arrange fitting and follow-up at our Port Dover office.