(02) 4722 6300
Book Now
Jaw Pain (TMD)

Jaw pain (TMD) treatment in Penrith.

Jaw pain (TMD, or temporomandibular disorder) at Bella Dental Penrith is most often caused by muscle tension from clenching or grinding, joint inflammation, or a displaced disc inside the joint. Treatment is conservative: a custom occlusal splint, self-care, short-term medication for pain, and physiotherapy for the jaw and neck. Most cases improve within 4 to 6 weeks. We will diagnose the cause, treat the symptoms, and refer to a specialist for the small number of cases that do not respond to conservative care.
(02) 4722 6300
Send us a message

What is jaw pain / TMD?

TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder. It is a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (the TMJ — the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the skull) and the muscles that control jaw movement.
A common source of confusion:
  • TMJ = the joint itself
  • TMD = the disorder of the joint and surrounding muscles
  • TMD = jaw pain in everyday language
Most people with TMD have muscle-related pain, not joint damage. Most cases are temporary and respond to conservative care.
Book Their First Visit

What are the symptoms of TMD?

The most common symptoms:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness, often worse in the morning or after chewing
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth
  • The jaw locking open or closed
  • Headaches, especially around the temples
  • Earache, or a feeling of fullness in the ear (with no infection)
  • Pain that radiates to the face, neck, or shoulders
  • Difficulty opening the mouth fully (normal is at least 35 to 40 mm)
  • A change in how your teeth fit together
  • Tired or tight jaw muscles, especially on waking
If you have 2 or more of these, book a check-up and we will examine the joint and the surrounding muscles.

What causes jaw pain?

The 5 most common causes:
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). The single biggest contributor, especially sleep bruxism. Loads the joint and the muscles.
  • Stress and muscle tension. Clenching the jaw during the day, even without realising it.
  • Jaw injury. From a knock, fall, or whiplash.
  • Arthritis. Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the joint itself.
  • Disc displacement. The cartilage disc inside the joint can move out of position, causing clicking, locking, or pain.

Often more than one factor is involved.

How is jaw pain diagnosed?

At your appointment we will:
  • Take a full history (when the pain started, what triggers it, when it is worst)
  • Measure how far you can open your mouth (range of motion)
  • Check the path your jaw takes when opening and closing
  • Listen for joint sounds (click, pop, crepitus)
  • Palpate the joint and the muscles around it for tenderness
  • Check the bite
  • Take a panoramic x-ray to look at the joint bones

For complex cases, we refer for a CBCT scan (3D imaging) or an MRI (to see the joint disc and soft tissue).

How is jaw pain treated at Bella Dental Penrith?

Treatment is conservative and stepwise. Most patients do not need surgery or invasive procedures.

  • Occlusal splint therapy. A hard acrylic splint custom-fitted to your upper or lower teeth, worn mostly at night. It takes the load off the joint and the muscles, and stops the wear caused by grinding. According to a 2022 Cochrane review, stabilisation splints reduce jaw pain and improve mouth opening for most patients with muscle-related TMD.
  • Self-care and home treatment. Soft diet, ice or heat, gentle jaw stretches, and posture correction. See below.
  • Medication review. Short courses of anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen) and muscle relaxants help in the acute phase. We do not prescribe long-term.
  • Physiotherapy referral. We work with local Penrith physiotherapists who treat jaw and neck issues.
  • Stress and habit guidance. Practical steps to break clenching habits during the day.
  • Bite adjustment (occlusal equilibration). Selective reshaping of a few high spots on the teeth, in select cases, to balance the bite.
  • Botulinum toxin injections. For chronic muscle-related TMD that has not responded to splint therapy, we can refer to a practitioner who offers this.
  • Specialist referral. For severe joint damage, locking that does not resolve, or cases that do not respond to conservative care, we refer to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

What can I do at home for jaw pain?

For acute flare-ups:

Soft diet for 2 weeks. Cut food into small pieces, avoid hard or chewy foods (steak, crusty bread, chewing gum, ice).

Ice or heat. Ice on the joint for 10 minutes reduces inflammation. Heat on the side of the face relaxes tight muscles. Alternate if unsure.

Gentle jaw stretches. Slow, controlled opening and closing, 5 to 10 reps, three times a day. Do not force past pain.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen) as directed for up to 5 days. Check with your GP, if you take other medications.

Mind the day-time clench. Tongue on the roof of the mouth, lips together, teeth apart — the rest position. Set phone reminders, if needed.

Call us, if pain lasts more than 2 weeks, the jaw locks, or you cannot open more than two finger-widths.

How long does jaw pain treatment take?

Most patients see N hB within 4 to 6 weeks of starting splint therapy and self-care. Mild cases resolve in weeks. Moderate cases take 3 to 6 months. Chronic TMD can take 6 to 12 months of consistent management, and a small number of patients need ongoing care.

The single biggest factor is what happens between appointments: wearing the splint as prescribed, doing the exercises, and managing day-time clenching habits.

Book a jaw pain assessment at Bella Dental Penrith

We are at Shop T12, Southlands Shopping Centre, 2 Birmingham Road, South Penrith NSW 2750. Phone (02) 4722 6300 to book, or send us a message through the contact form on this site. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, with extended hours to 6 pm on Wednesdays.
Phone (02) 4722 6300
  • Your Trusted Dentist in Penrith

Award Winner Dental Clinic in Penrith. Local Supporters. Certified Providers.

We are proud supporters of our local Penrith and surrounding suburbs. Our Penrith dentists are certified and qualified, backed by years of industry experience. Visit us today and discover why our multi-award winning service is just one of the reasons our clients love their smiles.

Book Now
  • Our Services

Explore other treatments at Bella Dental.

Emergency Dentistry Dental Fillings Children's Dentistry Sedation Dentistry EMS Airflow Teeth Whitening Porcelain Veneers Crowns & Bridges Dental Implants Bioclear Orthodontics Clear Aligners
  • FAQ

Questions We Get Often

Answers to Your Most Common Questions About Dental Care and Our Services

Still have a question?

Our team is ready to assist you with anything you need.

Make A Call
Is jaw pain serious?
Most cases are temporary and respond to conservative care. A small number of patients have chronic symptoms that need ongoing management. Untreated, severe TMD can damage the joint and the teeth.
Rarely. Less than 5% of TMD cases need surgery. We refer for surgery only when conservative treatment has failed and there is clear structural damage.
A night guard (occlusal splint) is a tool, not a cure. It protects the teeth and reduces muscle load while you wear it. Most patients still need to address the underlying causes (stress, posture, daytime clenching).
Yes. Stress is one of the most common contributors. It causes clenching, both awake and asleep, and it tightens the jaw and neck muscles. Stress management is part of standard TMD care.
Start with us. Most jaw pain is dental in origin (TMD, grinding, bite issues). We will refer to a GP, an ENT, or a specialist, if the cause is not dental.
TMD treatment is generally not covered by Medicare. Most private health funds cover part of the cost under “major dental” or “orthodontic” extras, depending on the treatment. We can give you the item numbers before any work starts.