Clenching, Grinding, and Jaw Pain

Protect your smile from the effects of clenching and grinding.

Understanding TMJ Disorder

Relieving jaw pain, tension, and grinding through focused care. The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your jaw to your skull, playing a vital role in chewing, speaking, yawning, and other jaw movements. You have one TMJ on each side of your face, and when they function properly, you don’t notice them at all. But when these joints become misaligned or inflamed, it can lead to a condition known as TMJ disorder (or TMD).

TMD can develop gradually and often results in a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:



• Jaw soreness or stiffness
• Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
• Headaches, facial pain, or neck and shoulder tension
• Limited jaw movement or locking
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

At Lake Hills Family Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing TMJ-related issues. Whether your symptoms are recent or long-standing, we’ll work with you to create a plan focused on comfort, function, and long-term relief.

Conditions Linked to TMJ Disorders

Our TMJ therapy and care extend to a variety of related conditions, including:

• Orofacial Pain – Discomfort or soreness affecting the muscles, joints, or nerves of the face and mouth.
• TMJ/TMD – Chronic jaw pain, joint dysfunction, or inflammation related to temporomandibular disorders.
• Headaches – Often caused by muscle tension or jaw misalignment stemming from TMD.
• Facial Pain – Aching or sharp discomfort around the cheeks, jawline, or mouth due to joint strain or nerve issues.
• Nerve Pain – Tingling, burning, or shooting sensations in the face linked to TMD or compressed nerves.