Wake up without
a sore jaw or a headache.

What TMJ and TMD actually mean

Your TMJ — temporomandibular joint — is the hinge in front of each ear that lets your jaw open and close. When that joint or the muscles around it are stressed, the result is called a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. It can show up as:

• Clicking or popping when you chew or yawn
• Soreness in the jaw, temples, or behind the eyes
• Frequent tension headaches, especially in the morning
• Teeth that feel worn down, chipped, or sensitive
• A jaw that occasionally locks or shifts when opening
• Ringing in the ears or unexplained ear pressure

How we figure out the cause

Dr. Sanie examines your bite, your jaw movement, and your muscles, and asks about your sleep, your stress, and any habits you may not even realize you have (clenching at the computer, chewing on a pen). Often a quick conversation and exam point clearly to clenching or grinding as the trigger.

Treatment options

• Custom nightguard. A precision-fit appliance you wear while sleeping. It absorbs the force of grinding and gives your muscles a chance to relax overnight. For most patients, this alone is life-changing.
• Bite adjustment. Sometimes one or two high spots on a tooth or filling are the trigger. A few minutes of careful adjustment can reduce muscle strain dramatically.
• Restoring worn teeth. If your teeth have been ground down for years, rebuilding them can restore proper bite height and take pressure off the joint.
• Habit and posture awareness. Simple coaching on keeping teeth apart during the day, jaw stretches, and warm compresses.

When you should call

If you’re waking up with a headache more than occasionally, or your jaw has been bothering you for a few weeks, please call 540-418-0825. There’s usually a straightforward path to relief — and the earlier we look, the less repair work your teeth will need down the road.