TMJ and Bruxism in Midland
Understanding jaw pain and tension
Your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is responsible for the many movements your jaw makes every day — talking, chewing, yawning, and even smiling.
Located just in front of your ears, the TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull and is one of the most frequently used joints in the body.
When this joint becomes strained, misaligned, or inflamed, it can lead to discomfort or pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles — a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
TMJ issues can vary from mild discomfort to ongoing pain. Common signs include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening the mouth
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
- Facial or ear pain
- Headaches or neck and shoulder tension
- Locking of the jaw
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a dental assessment can help determine whether your TMJ or bite alignment may be contributing to the problem.
What causes TMJ disorder?
There are several possible causes of TMJ problems, including:
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaw
- Habitual teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Jaw injury or trauma
- Arthritis affecting the jaw joint
- Stress-related muscle tension
Because these factors can overlap, a thorough examination is important to identify the underlying cause and plan the most suitable treatment.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism refers to involuntary teeth grinding or clenching, often occurring during sleep. It can cause tooth wear, jaw muscle fatigue, headaches, and even fractured teeth over time. Many people are unaware they grind their teeth until they notice symptoms such as sensitivity, jaw tightness, or a partner hearing grinding noises at night.
How is TMJ or bruxism diagnosed?
At Helena Street Dental in Midland, our team will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your jaw joint, bite alignment, and muscle function. This may include:
- A detailed discussion of your symptoms
- Palpation of jaw and facial muscles
- Bite analysis and range of motion testing
- Dental x-rays or scans to evaluate the joint and surrounding structures
- A review of your medical and dental history
This helps us determine whether the TMJ joint, bruxism, or another factor is contributing to your discomfort.
How are TMJ and bruxism managed?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Options may include:
- Custom occlusal splints (night guards) to protect teeth from grinding during sleep
- Jaw exercises or physical therapy to relax overactive muscles
- Adjusting bite alignment to relieve uneven pressure
- Lifestyle changes such as stress management, posture correction, and avoiding excessive gum chewing
- Referral to a medical specialist if arthritis or another joint condition is suspected
The goal is to relieve pain, restore proper jaw function, and prevent further damage to teeth or joints.
Book your TMJ or bruxism assessment
If you’re experiencing jaw discomfort, headaches, or signs of teeth grinding, our team can help identify the cause and discuss your treatment options.
📞 Call us on (08) 9250 3100 or
📍 Visit us at 2/42 Victoria Street, Midland WA 6056.
You can also book online anytime.
At Helena Street Dental in Midland, we take a gentle, thorough approach to diagnosing and managing TMJ and bruxism concerns — helping restore comfort and function to your jaw.
How can I book an appointment?
We’d love to see you at Helena Street Dental in Midland.
You can also book online at any time.
If it’s been a while since your last check-up, now’s a great time to get back on track.
Let’s keep your smile healthy, bright, and strong for years to come.
