TMJ Therapy
Does your jaw click or pop when you chew? Do you wake up with headaches, or feel like your jaw is “stuck” or sore by the end of the day? If so, you’re not imagining things—and you might be dealing with a TMJ disorder in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME.
At Gentle Dental, we help patients every day manage TMJ pain and reclaim a more comfortable, functional smile. Let’s break down what TMJ is, where the symptoms come from, and most importantly, how we can help you feel better.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint—the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull, located just in front of your ears. It’s what lets you speak, chew, yawn, and move your jaw up and down or side to side.
When something’s off with that joint—or the muscles around it—it’s called a TMJ disorder, or TMD.
Common TMJ Symptoms
TMJ disorders can show up in ways you might not expect. Here's what to watch out for:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening your mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Locking of the jaw (open or closed)
- Headaches or migraines
- Pain in the ears, neck, or shoulders
- Facial fatigue or tightness
- A change in your bite or the way your teeth fit together
Some patients have all the symptoms. Others may just have one or two. If your jaw doesn’t feel “right,” it’s worth getting checked out.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders don’t have a single cause—they’re often the result of multiple factors working together. Common sources of TMJ pain include:
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) – often while sleeping
Stress – which can tighten jaw muscles and worsen clenching
Jaw injury or trauma – like from a fall or accident
Arthritis – wear and tear on the joint itself
Bite misalignment – when your teeth or jaw don’t line up properly
Habits – such as chewing gum constantly or biting your nails
Even posture can play a role. Slouching or holding your phone between your shoulder and ear can strain the muscles connected to your jaw.
TMJ Treatment Options
The good news? TMJ pain is highly treatable, and surgery is rarely needed. At Gentle Dental, we take a personalized, step-by-step approach to relieve your symptoms and improve function.
Here’s what treatment may include:
- Custom Night Guard (Occlusal Guard)
A night guard protects your teeth from grinding and takes pressure off the jaw joint while you sleep. It also helps your muscles relax, reducing pain and inflammation over time. - Jaw Exercises And Physical Therapy
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can improve mobility and reduce tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles. - Stress Management
Because stress is a major trigger for clenching and grinding, we may recommend lifestyle changes, breathing techniques, or even referrals for stress counseling. - Bite Adjustment Or Orthodontics
If your bite is contributing to the issue, we may suggest reshaping the surfaces of some teeth, Invisalign, or another corrective option to improve alignment. - Medication (If Needed)
In more severe cases, short-term anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain.
What You Can Do At Home
If you’re not ready to jump into treatment just yet, here are a few things you can do today to ease TMJ discomfort:
- Avoid chewing gum or very chewy foods
- Don’t rest your chin on your hand
- Apply warm compresses to the jaw area
- Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed
- Practice good posture throughout the day
- Avoid wide yawns or extreme jaw movements
These small shifts can take some of the strain off your jaw while you explore treatment options.
When To See A Dentist About TMJ
If jaw pain, clicking, or stiffness is interfering with your daily life—or just not going away—it’s time to schedule a consultation. TMJ doesn’t always resolve on its own, and untreated issues can lead to chronic discomfort, damaged teeth, or limited jaw movement.
We’ll evaluate your symptoms, examine your bite, and put together a personalized plan to get you back to chewing, speaking, and smiling comfortably.
Get Relief That Lasts
At Gentle Dental, we know TMJ pain can feel frustrating and unpredictable. But the right treatment can make a big difference—fast. You don’t have to live with chronic jaw tension or soreness. We’re here to help you find the cause, treat it effectively, and protect your long-term oral health.
Think you may have TMJ? Contact us today to schedule an evaluation. Let’s bring balance back to your bite—no clicks, no clenching, no compromise.
