A lot of my patients come to me after they’ve tried everything else. Chiropractors. Physiotherapists. Painkillers. Sometimes even an MRI or two. And nobody’s been able to tell them why they keep getting headaches, why their neck won’t stop aching, or why their ears feel blocked for no reason.
Here’s what I tell them. Where your teeth fit together is where your jaw joint has to sit. And where your jaw joint sits affects the muscles right through your head, neck, shoulders and even your back.
So if your bite is a little off, even in a way you’d never notice just by looking in the mirror, your jaw joint can end up sitting slightly out of place. And when that happens, the muscles on one side of your head have to work harder than the other. That uneven tension is what shows up as headaches, neck stiffness, jaw clicking, ringing in the ears, or even pain behind your eyes.
This is called TMJ dysfunction (short for temporomandibular joint dysfunction), and most people who have it don’t even know their jaw is the cause.
Why does this happen?
A few common reasons we see:
- Teeth that have worn down over time, which can change how far back the jaw sits
- A bite that’s slightly crooked or uneven on one side
- Having teeth removed (for braces or otherwise) and everything shifting back
- Years of clenching or grinding, often at night without realising it
Because the jaw joint sits so close to your ear canal and connects to muscles running down through your neck and shoulders, even a small shift can cause a surprising range of symptoms in places that don’t seem related to your teeth at all.
How we work out what’s going on
This is where neuromuscular dentistry comes in. Instead of guessing, we use a few tools to find out where your jaw and muscles actually want to sit, rather than where your bite is currently forcing them to sit.
We take an EMG (a muscle reading test) to see which muscles are overworking. We also track your jaw’s movement and use a gentle low-frequency stimulation to let your muscles relax and show us their natural resting position. Comparing that to your current bite often tells us a lot.
From there, we can build an orthotic that helps guide your jaw toward a more balanced position, which can ease the strain on the muscles causing your symptoms.
Why this matters
A lot of the treatments out there for TMJ symptoms focus on managing the pain rather than finding what’s causing it. We’d rather get to the root of it. If your jaw is the reason your muscles are under constant strain, treating the muscles alone may only help temporarily.
If you’ve been dealing with unexplained headaches, neck pain, jaw clicking or ear issues, it could be worth having a proper chat with us about whether your bite is playing a part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?
Symptoms can include headaches (often starting at the base of the skull or in the temples), neck pain, shoulder tension, jaw clicking or popping, clenching and grinding, ear congestion or ringing, dizziness, and pain behind the eyes. Not everyone gets all of these. Some people only notice one or two.
Why does my jaw click when I open my mouth?
There’s a small cushion of cartilage that sits inside the jaw joint to keep movement smooth. If the jaw has shifted slightly out of position over time, that cartilage can end up out of place too, which is often what causes the clicking or popping sound.
Can TMJ dysfunction cause ear problems?
It can. If the jaw sits further back than it should, it can put pressure near the ear canal, which may contribute to blocked ears, ringing, or even a sense of dizziness for some people.
I’ve already tried physio and chiropractic care. Could it still be my jaw?
It’s worth considering. A lot of our patients have already tried other approaches before coming to see us. If the underlying cause is the position of the jaw, treatments that focus elsewhere may only offer temporary relief.
How do you actually diagnose TMJ dysfunction?
We use a combination of muscle scans (EMG), jaw tracking, and a low-frequency stimulation that allows your muscles to fully relax so we can see where they naturally want to sit. This gives us a clearer picture than just looking at your bite alone.
Is treatment painful or invasive?
The diagnostic process itself is non-invasive. Treatment usually starts with a custom-made orthotic you wear, which is designed to help guide your jaw toward a more balanced position.
How do I know if I should come in for a consult?
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing headaches, neck pain, jaw clicking, or ear issues that haven’t been explained by anything else, it’s worth coming in for a chat. We can take a look and let you know what we find.
Ready to find out if your jaw is the cause? Contact Smile Design Studio in Mosman Park, Perth on (08) 9468 3322 or visit smiledesignstudio.com.au to book a consultation. Our team is here to help you explore your dental care options.
If any of this sounds familiar, come in for a proper chat. We’ll take a look at what’s going on and let you know what we find.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute dental advice. Individual results vary. Please consult a qualified dental professional for advice specific to your oral health needs. All treatments mentioned are subject to a clinical assessment. Smile Design Studio complies with AHPRA advertising guidelines.
