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Port Dover Family Dentistry
TMJ Therapy in Selkirk
Jaw pain, clicking or limited opening may involve the jaw joints or muscles. Selkirk patients can have TMJ symptoms assessed at our Port Dover dental office.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsEasing jaw discomfort
Jaw pain has many possible causes, and the plan should match.
The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow you to open, close and move your jaw side to side. Problems with these joints or the surrounding muscles, often called TMJ or TMD, can cause pain, clicking, locking, headaches and difficulty chewing. Symptoms range from mild and temporary to persistent.
Selkirk patients with jaw discomfort can have it assessed at our Port Dover office. The dentist will examine the joints, muscles and bite, ask about habits such as clenching, and discuss conservative steps that may help. Where symptoms are complex, the dentist may recommend coordinating with other health professionals.
Recognizing symptoms
TMJ problems can show up in different ways.
Jaw and facial symptoms
Pain in the jaw joint or chewing muscles, clicking or popping when opening, a jaw that locks or catches, limited mouth opening, tenderness near the ears and pain when chewing are common signs. Some people notice their bite feels different. Symptoms may be worse in the morning if clenching happens at night, or later in the day after heavy chewing.
Related symptoms
Headaches, particularly around the temples, earaches without an ear infection, neck and shoulder tension and ringing in the ears may also be associated. Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, a careful assessment is important. Keep track of when symptoms occur and what makes them better or worse to share with the dentist.
Assessment
Understanding causes guides treatment.
Examining the jaw
The dentist examines how your jaw opens and closes, listens for joint sounds, checks for muscle tenderness and evaluates your bite. X-rays or other imaging may be suggested in some cases. Your teeth are checked for signs of grinding or clenching. The dentist will explain the findings and what they suggest about the source of your discomfort.
Contributing factors
Clenching and grinding, stress, injury to the jaw, arthritis, posture and certain habits like gum chewing or nail biting can contribute to TMJ problems. Sometimes no single cause is identified. Discuss your history openly, including any past jaw injuries, as this helps the dentist recommend an approach that addresses likely contributing factors.
Treatment options
Conservative approaches are often tried first.
Self-care and conservative steps
Eating softer foods, avoiding gum and wide yawning, applying heat or cold, gentle jaw stretches and stress management can help many people. Over-the-counter pain relief taken as directed may ease discomfort. Becoming aware of daytime clenching and keeping teeth slightly apart with the jaw relaxed can reduce muscle strain over time.
Appliances and referrals
A custom oral appliance, sometimes called a splint or night guard, may be recommended to reduce strain from nighttime clenching or grinding. If symptoms are complex or persistent, the dentist may suggest physiotherapy, a physician’s assessment or referral to a specialist. Irreversible treatments are generally not recommended as a first step.
Long-term management
Many people improve with time and care.
Tracking progress
Follow the recommended self-care steps consistently and attend follow-up appointments so the dentist can assess progress. If you have an appliance, wear it as directed and bring it to visits for adjustment. Many TMJ symptoms improve with conservative care, though some people have flare-ups during stressful periods or after dental work.
When symptoms change
Contact the office if your jaw locks open or closed, pain becomes severe, or you notice new symptoms such as a sudden change in bite. These may need prompt attention. Let the team know about other treatments you are receiving, such as physiotherapy, so care can be coordinated effectively over time.
Planning your appointment
Getting jaw pain checked from Selkirk.
Book an assessment at our Port Dover office and describe your jaw symptoms, how long you have had them and what makes them better or worse.
Bring any night guard you currently use, and mention past jaw injuries, headaches or treatments you have tried for jaw pain.
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.
What causes TMJ pain?
TMJ pain can result from clenching, grinding, stress, jaw injury, arthritis or other factors. Sometimes there is no single clear cause. The dentist will examine your jaw and ask about your history to identify likely contributing factors and suggest an approach.
Will a night guard fix my TMJ problem?
A custom appliance may help reduce strain from clenching or grinding and ease symptoms for some people. It is usually part of a broader approach that includes self-care. The dentist will explain whether an appliance is likely to help you.
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, it is worth having assessed. The dentist can examine your jaw and explain whether any care is recommended.
Can stress cause jaw pain?
Stress may lead to clenching or muscle tension, which can contribute to jaw pain. Stress management, relaxation techniques and awareness of clenching may help. The dentist can suggest strategies and discuss whether other professionals could also support you.
When should I seek urgent care for my jaw?
Contact the office promptly if your jaw locks open or closed, pain becomes severe or your bite suddenly changes. Seek emergency medical care for jaw pain accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath or other signs of a medical emergency.
Related jaw and grinding care
Additional Services →Bruxism Treatment →
Jaw tightness on waking, flattened teeth or a partner hearing you grind at night? Selkirk patients can have bruxism assessed at our Port Dover practice.
Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is made from your own impressions to help protect teeth from grinding. Selkirk patients can be fitted at our Port Dover office.