“When I wake up, I have a headache and a really sore jaw (I’m a bit stressed). I’ve heard of TMJ. Could I have this and what should I do?”
Question from Janelle of Everton Park in Brisbane
Dr Darryl Marsh discusses 5 simple steps to help relieve your really sore jaw.
If you think you may be suffering from TMJ problems – properly called TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder – here are some simple lifestyle changes to manage it and find help.
1. Stick to soft food
Try not to chew food that’s really hard or takes a long time to eat, like peanut brittle. Restrict the pressure you put on your mouth and avoid opening excessively wide, doing anything that takes a lot of force or will strain your jaw muscles.
2. Get relief for a really sore jaw with a heat pack
Put a wheat bag on your cheek to relax the muscles – heat can really help. You may need to treat both sides of your face, as often there’s no relationship between where you feel the pain and where the problem originates. You could be feeling pain on the right side, however the problem could actually be in your left jaw joint.
3. Tell your dentist about it
The fact is that, as a dentist, we can only detect a TMJ issue after the damage is done, because we can only see wear on the teeth. We can’t see the muscle pain or jaw joint problems. So when you’re at your next dental appointment, mention that you have a really sore jaw, even if you think it may not be important. Symptoms like jaw clicking or locking can be intermittent – your jaw may not click or lock when you’re here with us, but we need to know these things.
4. Have the issue assessed thoroughly
Your first stop is your dentist, who can help diagnose TMD. You may need to see a specialist physiotherapist or sleep physician depending on what’s going on and how severe it is, because usually by the time people have pain or symptoms like a really sore jaw, it’s quite a way down the track and the road back can be longer.
5. Combine dental with physio
To address TMD properly requires a partnership between dental and physiotherapy. Usually, it’s not until a physiotherapist has been able to do some work to free up the jaw joints and help mobilise the muscles again that we can do any restorative dental work that may be required.
Remember, if you have pain or tightness in your jaw, or any other symptoms of TMD like teeth grinding, please tell your dentist when you’re next in.
Call Today’s Dentistry on 07 3263 2677 or book an appointment online.
almost luxurious experience.
I highly recommend this dentist, especially if you suffer with anxiety or a fear of dentistry."
Your first visit at Today’s Dentistry is all about creating a Dental Roadmap so you know exactly what condition your teeth and gums are in, and what your options are for treatment.
Your first appointment includes:
4.9 (159 reviews)
4.9 (145 reviews)
4.9 (40 reviews)
Mon - Thu 8.30am - 8pm
Fri 8.30am - 2pm
Since 1988 We Have Been Treating Our Brisbane Northside Patients According To Our Philosophy Of Being Open, Honest And Plain Speaking. Meet Us And See Our Approach For Yourself By Watching One Of Our Videos!
Suburbs Near Us: Ascot Dentist | Brisbane Dentist | Chermside Dentist | Clayfield Dentist | Hamilton Dentist | Kedron Dentist | Newstead Dentist | Nundah Dentist | Teneriffe Dentist | Wavell Heights Dentist
B. Oral Health (Therapy & Hygiene)
“Working with patients of all ages continues to ignite my passion within dentistry and I strive to provide a gentle, supportive and positive environment for every patient I work with. ”
B. App Sci (Oral Health)
“I enjoy seeing the delight that our patients show when they realise how easy dental care can be! Our team at Today’s Dentistry work together to make every patient feel completely comfortable.”
Dr Sharon's commitment to excellence has shown itself right from the start of her dental career, when she graduated from the University of Queensland with Class I Honours. Her commitment to her craft is reflected in the numerous professional development courses she participates in, with a desire to get the best possible outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Sharon is passionate about empowering patients through education about their dental conditions, supporting them through overcoming dental anxiety, and helping them achieve their dental goals.
Away from the clinic, Dr. Sharon is an avid baker, a keen photographer, and a fitness enthusiast aiming to conquer the Bridge to Brisbane run in 2023.
I always loved going to my own dental visits, and one day I honestly just though ‘why don’t I give dental assisting a go’. I applied for a job and got a call back straight away, and have been in the industry ever since!
I studied my Cert 3 in Dental Assisting online alongside working full time in my first dental job. I chose to do it online so I had more time to work as I am more of a hands on learner.
I LOVE smile makeovers. I love seeing the joy, and happiness it brings patients and the amount of confidence they gain by having their dream smile.
I love feeling like I am making some sort of impact on people’s lives. Whether it is helping them with their smile makeover, holding their hand during a procedure or just being an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.
The team, they are all so wonderful and both Darryl and David are so great to work for. But also what our core value is – which is patient care. I think we are a really great team at making sure our patients come first and their experience with us is a positive one each and every time.
Brisbane born and bred, Sarah’s passion for dentistry began during her orthodontic treatment in her teens. After graduating from highschool, Sarah began working as a dental nurse and decided her true calling was as a dental hygienist. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2006 and has worked in both the private and public sector since then.
Sarah’s focus is on prevention and education. Her goal is to empower her patients so that they can achieve and maintain the best possible oral health for life.
In her free time Sarah can be found spending time with her two sons, hiking, attending a pilates class or exploring Brisbane and the surrounds looking for new restaurants to eat at or adventures to have.
I have been a proud part of the Today's Dentistry team for 20 years now.
My journey to get here though was anything but straight forward and I can probably thank my own childhood family dental visits in Newcastle NSW for my interest in this area of care. It too was a very special practice that took the time with their patients young and old and truly cared about them.
Having my own great experiences as a patient I was thrilled for them to accept me for my Year 10 work experience as a dental assistant and fell comfortably into the role. Due to life as it was back then and lack of public transport my career took me in a whole different direction and I had many years at the Aluminium Smelter in Kurri Kurri.
Once my children were at school I applied for a position as a receptionist at the local Dental Practice only to be told it was actually for an assistant and was I still interested? Silly question! Hands on training the old school way which put me in great position for further learning when our family moved to WA for a couple of years and then finally finding my way to QLD and Darrly and David.
Dentistry to me is a package of many very important parts, the precision and artistry of the actual treatment, the person behind the treatment and understanding of not only their dental needs but emotional drivers and the communication and care to put this all together. Although I now find myself not chairside but doing the behind the scenes administration I still get to talk with our patients and be confident that they are in good hands with my wonderful team.
B. App Sci (Oral Health)
“I love the professionalism and challenge at Today’s Dentistry. It is great to work at a practice that believes in quality patient care”
Founder and Principal Dentist
“I value the many loyal patient relationships that I have built over the last 25 years and enjoy witnessing the procedures I have done stand the test of time.”
B. App Sci (Oral Health)
“I have worked in Dentistry in one form or another since I was 16 years old. I love this profession and making a difference in others lives.”
B.DSc (Hons) B.Sc (Hons)
“Although I love the scientific side of dentistry, I also get a great deal of satisfaction from helping our patients and surprising them with what modern dentistry is capable of.”