TMJ/TMD Treatment | TMJ Disorder Gold Coast

TMJ/TMD Treatment at Coastal Dental Care

Do you wake up with a sore jaw or frequent headaches? Do you hear clicking or popping sounds when you chew? If so, you might be dealing with a TMJ disorder, a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull.

When the TMJ isn’t functioning correctly, it can cause pain, stiffness and difficulty moving your jaw. At Coastal Dental Care, we offer tailored TMJ/TMD treatment to help relieve discomfort and restore normal function. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, our experienced dentists can help you find the right solution to improve your quality of life.

Because of this flexibility, the TMJ is one of the most frequently used joints in the body. But when something goes wrong, whether due to muscle tension, joint inflammation or an injury, it can lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), causing pain and restricted movement.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The TMJ plays a crucial role in your everyday life. It’s the joint that allows you to chew, speak and yawn. Located just in front of your ears, this small but complex joint moves both up and down like a hinge and side to side like a sliding joint.

What Causes TMD?

There’s no single cause of TMD, and often, it’s a mix of factors. Some of the most common triggers include:

Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism): This puts excessive pressure on the TMJ, often leading to pain and tightness.
Jaw misalignment: When teeth don’t line up properly, it can strain the jaw joint over time.
Stress and anxiety: Clenching your jaw without realising it, especially during stressful moments, can worsen symptoms.
Injury or trauma: A direct hit to the jaw or even whiplash from an accident can affect the TMJ.
Arthritis or inflammation: Just like other joints in the body, the TMJ can develop arthritis, making it painful and stiff.
Sleep disorders: Issues like sleep apnoea can lead to nighttime grinding and clenching, aggravating TMD.

Since TMD can stem from multiple causes, the first step in treatment is understanding what’s triggering your symptoms.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Jaw Pain and Stiffness: Jaw pain is one of the biggest red flags for TMD. Some people experience a dull, constant ache, while others feel a sharp pain when they chew, yawn or talk. Stiffness in the jaw can also make it difficult to open your mouth fully, leading to discomfort when eating or speaking.
Headaches: Many people with TMD experience headaches that feel like tension headaches or even migraines. The pain can start at the jaw and spread to the temples, forehead or back of the head.
Clicking, Popping or Locking Jaw: If your jaw clicks or pops every time you open your mouth, it could be a sign of a TMJ disorder. If clicking or popping is painful or if your jaw gets stuck, it’s best to have it checked by a dentist.

If these symptoms sound familiar, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. There are effective treatments available.

TMJ/TMD Treatment Options at Coastal Dental Care

At Coastal Dental Care, we offer personalised TMD/TMJ disorder treatment to help relieve pain and improve jaw function. Our approach focuses on relaxing the jaw muscles, reducing strain and preventing further damage.

Non-Invasive Therapies

For mild to moderate TMD cases, we often start with simple, non-invasive treatments, including:

Custom mouthguards (splints): A bite splint or nightguard can help prevent grinding and reduce pressure on the TMJ.
Jaw exercises and stretching: Specific exercises can strengthen and relax the jaw muscles.
Lifestyle adjustments: Avoiding hard foods, limiting excessive gum chewing and improving posture can all help reduce strain on the TMJ.

Pain Management Strategies

For those experiencing persistent discomfort, we may recommend:

Anti-inflammatory medications: These can help reduce swelling and pain in the jaw joint.
Heat and cold therapy: Applying a warm compress can relax tight muscles, while cold packs can help with inflammation.
Massage and physiotherapy: Gentle massage techniques can loosen up the muscles around the TMJ and improve mobility.

Advanced Treatment Options

In more severe cases, we may suggest additional therapies, such as:

Dental or orthodontic adjustments: If a misaligned bite is contributing to TMD, we may recommend braces or dental restorations.
Muscle relaxation injections: These help reduce tension in the jaw muscles, preventing involuntary clenching.
Specialist referrals: If needed, we can connect you with a physiotherapist or TMJ specialist for further care.

Every patient is different, so we take the time to develop a customised treatment plan that best suits your symptoms and lifestyle.

Get Relief from Jaw Pain at Coastal Dental Care

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches or other TMD symptoms, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to put up with it. Our team at Coastal Dental Care is here to help with practical, professional treatment tailored to your needs.

Book a consultation today at one of our locations across the Gold Coast, Redland Bay and Northern NSW and let’s find the right solution to get you feeling better.

TMD/TMJ Disorder Treatment at Coastal Dental Care