Jaw Pain, TMJ & Teeth Grinding Adelaide
Jaw pain, TMJ concerns, clenching or teeth grinding? Arrange a dental assessment with Dr Marie Tadic on Hutt Street, Adelaide CBD. She will discuss your symptoms, assess your teeth and jaw movement, and explain appropriate next steps.
Choose an available time online. For urgent pain or swelling, call first.
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Discuss pain & movement
Consider teeth & jaw joints
Explore suitable options
Jaw pain and teeth grinding assessment in Adelaide.
Jaw pain and grinding can overlap, but they are not the same problem. Your appointment looks at the pattern of your symptoms, your teeth and jaw movement before deciding whether dental care, another clinician’s input or a combination is appropriate.
Concerns to discuss
- Pain around the jaw joint or chewing muscles
- Painful clicking, stiffness or restricted movement
- Clenching, grinding or changes in tooth wear
- Jaw discomfort that affects eating or keeps recurring
Booking a jaw or grinding assessment
For a non-urgent concern, choose Cosmetic or other in online booking, or call the practice for help choosing a time. Bring any existing splint and details of previous care to discuss with Dr Tadic. Ask about the assessment fee before your visit.
If you are in significant pain or unsure how soon to be seen, phone (08) 7200 3788 rather than waiting for an online appointment.
What do TMJ and TMD mean?
TMJ is the temporomandibular joint: the jaw joint. TMD describes a group of conditions affecting the jaw joints or chewing muscles. A clicking sound on its own does not necessarily need treatment; pain, locking or restricted movement is a reason to seek assessment.
Clenching and grinding can happen without you noticing
Bruxism means clenching or grinding outside normal chewing. It may occur during the day or while you sleep. Morning soreness, worn or chipped teeth and damaged fillings are concerns to bring to your dentist. Dr Tadic can assess the teeth and discuss symptoms, sleep habits, medicines and previous care.
Bring the pattern of your symptoms
Make a note of when the problem started, whether it is worse on waking or later in the day, and what brings it on. Mention any locking, previous injury or treatment. Imaging or assessment by another clinician may be appropriate, but is not automatically needed for everyone.
Start with appropriate, reversible care
Many jaw problems improve with time and conservative care. Depending on the findings, options may include habit changes, physiotherapy or a dental appliance. Persistent or unclear symptoms may need input from your GP or another clinician. Permanent changes to the teeth or bite are not a routine starting point for TMD.
What a night guard can and cannot do
A custom mouthguard, also called an occlusal splint, may help protect teeth from grinding damage. That is a different aim from stopping grinding or resolving jaw pain. A guard does not guarantee either outcome. Discuss its purpose, fit and follow-up, and report new or increasing pain while using it.
Your questions,
answered.
Read the answers below, then bring any questions about your own teeth to your visit.
Where can I have jaw pain or teeth grinding assessed in Adelaide CBD?
Dr Marie Tadic offers dental and jaw assessment at Brighter Smiles Centre, Unit 28 / 240 Hutt Street, Adelaide. Book a non-urgent appointment online or call (08) 7200 3788. Ask about the assessment fee when arranging your visit.
Does a clicking jaw always need treatment?
Painless clicking often needs no treatment. Pain, locking or restricted movement deserves assessment.
Can I grind my teeth without knowing?
Yes. Grinding can happen during sleep, while clenching may occur during the day. A dental examination can check for tooth wear or damage and help decide whether further assessment is needed.
Will I need a splint or nightguard?
Not everyone needs one. A splint may be considered to protect teeth from grinding, but evidence that it relieves TMD pain is limited. Dr Tadic can discuss its purpose and follow-up. Report new or increased pain if you are using an appliance.
Are my headaches definitely coming from my jaw?
No. Headaches have different causes. They can occur alongside jaw problems without sharing the same cause; medical assessment may be needed.
Should my teeth or bite be changed to treat jaw pain?
Permanent bite or tooth changes are not a routine starting point. Discuss evidence, risks and alternatives, and consider a further opinion.
General patient information. Your assessment determines your care. Updated .