Common Complaints

Orofacial complaints refer to issues in the head, face, and/or neck. These complaints can arise from various causes, many of which are related to (disorders of) the jaw. Common complaints include:

  • Jaw Pain: Pain in the jaw may originate from a tooth or molar but can also result from temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).
  • Toothache: Toothache can be caused by issues such as cavities or infections but may also stem from other causes, such as overloading a tooth due to clenching and/or grinding.
  • Ear Pain: A pressing or stabbing ear pain can be caused by jaw problems.
  • Headache: Tension headaches and migraines are often strongly related to issues with the jaw joint and chewing muscles.
  • Muscle/Facial Pain: Persistent muscle tension in the chewing muscles can lead to pain during talking or eating. This may also result in a limited ability to open the mouth.
  • Jaw Clicking: A clicking sound in the jaw joint may indicate displacement of the disc (the cushioning pad) within the joint. If there is no pain, treatment is often unnecessary.

Bruxism, also known as jaw clenching or teeth grinding, is considered one of the potential causes of the above-mentioned problems. Clenching involves tightly pressing the teeth together, while grinding refers to sliding the teeth against each other. Both can occur at night or during the day and often happen unconsciously. In addition to the aforementioned complaints, bruxism can also lead to tooth wear.

Causes of Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding

Clenching and grinding are often caused by multiple factors. Key causes may include:

  • Stress
  • Use of certain medications, alcohol, or drugs
  • Sleep problems (e.g., mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnea)

Treatment Options

Treatment of the aforementioned complaints can be approached from various perspectives, and the type of treatment depends on the nature of the complaints. A common treatment for preventing jaw clenching and teeth grinding is the creation of a mouth guard. This mouth guard helps relax the chewing muscles and protects the teeth. Such a mouth guard can be custom-made for you in our practice.

Additionally, an orofacial physiotherapist (jaw physiotherapist) can provide relief. Through exercises targeting the jaw, symptoms can be reduced.

If the above treatment options are insufficient or ineffective, botulinum toxin A (“Botox”) may be used to treat jaw clenching and teeth grinding. More information about this treatment is available here.