Clenching, Grinding, and Jaw Pain Treatment in Topeka

The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, are the two jaw joints located on each side of your face. These joints work together to help you speak, chew, yawn, and move your jaw comfortably. When the TMJs become strained, inflamed, or misaligned, you may develop a temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD. This chronic condition can take years to develop and may significantly impact your comfort and quality of life.

Signs of TMD can include headaches, jaw pain, neck or shoulder discomfort, clicking or popping sounds, a locked jaw, teeth grinding, or even tinnitus. Addressing these symptoms early helps prevent worsening discomfort and long-term complications.

Many patients grind or clench their teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Occasional grinding may not cause harm, but chronic grinding can lead to tooth wear, fractures, jaw pain, and other oral health issues. Bruxism may occur due to stress or anxiety, but it often happens during sleep and may be related to an abnormal bite, missing teeth, crooked teeth, or sleep apnea.

Because grinding usually happens at night, many people are unaware of the habit until they experience symptoms such as morning headaches, jaw soreness, or tooth sensitivity. During your visit, our dental team can check for signs of bruxism, including jaw tenderness and wear patterns on your teeth.

If teeth grinding continues untreated, it can lead to fractures, loosened teeth, or the need for treatments such as crowns, root canals, implants, or dentures. Wearing a custom nightguard is an effective way to protect your teeth while you sleep and prevent further damage.

The TMJs sit near the ears and act as hinges that allow your jaw to move smoothly. When the joint becomes inflamed or injured, it may start to click, pop, or even lock in place. These symptoms can make chewing, speaking, and opening your mouth uncomfortable.

Common causes of TMD include injury, arthritis, inflammation, stress, or teeth grinding. Mild cases can sometimes be improved with lifestyle changes such as stopping gum chewing, reducing stress, eating softer foods, or wearing a nightguard.

More severe cases may require professional care, especially when associated with trauma or underlying inflammatory conditions. Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments have not been successful.

During your appointment at Romine Family Dental, we will evaluate your teeth, jaw, and bite to determine the cause of your TMJ symptoms. Diagnostic tools may include a complete oral exam, panoramic X-rays, digital scans, and high-resolution photos.

Depending on your needs, treatment may involve one of the following approaches:

Orthodontic Solutions

Braces or other orthodontic appliances can help reposition the jaw and correct bite alignment, reducing pressure on the TMJs.

Physiologic Bite Therapy

In some cases, we may use a specialized appliance for a short period to establish a balanced bite position. Once the ideal position is achieved, crowns may be used to restore your teeth to a healthier, more stable alignment.

Early treatment is the best way to prevent long term complications and protect both your oral health and overall comfort.