Jaw complaints
Jaw complaints can originate from the chewing muscles or the jaw joint. The most common complaints are:
Causes of jaw complaints
Jaw complaints are often caused or maintained by overloading of the chewing muscles and the jaw joint. Harmful oral habits play a major role, for example the habit of clenching the molars together or grinding the lower teeth against the upper teeth (teeth grinding or bruxism), which mainly happens at night. Stress can also have a big influence: complaints can increase during a prolonged stressful situation. Sometimes an accident, such as a fall on the jaw, can be the cause. Systemic diseases (diseases affecting the whole body), such as rheumatism, osteoarthritis (joint wear) or fibromyalgia (pain in connective tissue and muscles) can also underlie the complaints.
Diagnosing jaw complaints
To make a correct diagnosis, we carry out an extensive functional examination. We ask about the nature, pattern, onset and duration of your complaints. Your face, oral cavity and teeth are also inspected. The range and pattern of movement of your jaw are assessed and measured, and the presence of jaw joint sounds is determined. In case of pain, we also check whether you experience pain with certain jaw movements.
It is often necessary to take an additional X-ray, usually a so-called orthopantomogram: a panoramic X-ray that clearly shows both jaws and the jaw joints. We also use questionnaires to map, among other things, your general health and the extent to which your complaints bother you.
Treatment of jaw complaints
Treatment starts with an explanation and instructions on what you can do yourself to reduce the complaints. Jaw complaints can be treated with a night guard. This is prescribed for pain, limited mouth opening and harmful oral habits (for example jaw clenching and teeth grinding). Jaw physiotherapy (orofacial physiotherapy) is also often used; in that case we refer you to a specialised orofacial physiotherapist.
Sometimes we prescribe medication: for very recent (acute) pain, painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, or for limited mouth opening due to muscle cramp, muscle relaxants such as diazepam. Before prescribing medication, you must inform us about your general health and any medication you use. Medication is often prescribed in consultation with your GP. For chronic (pain) complaints, a psychologist can be involved in the treatment to look for other causes.
Instructions and advice for jaw complaints
Treatment of jaw complaints always starts with an explanation of the nature, cause and prognosis of the complaints, and instructions on what you can do yourself to reduce them. The instructions differ depending on the specific diagnosis and cause and are usually aimed at oral and chewing habits. The most common instructions are:
- Limit harmful oral habits, such as jaw clenching, nail biting or excessive chewing gum, and pay particular attention to this in tense and stressful situations.
- Avoid chewing tough and hard things.
- In case of one-sided pain from the jaw joint, chew on the painful side for a while. This seems contradictory, but it relieves the painful side.
How much does this treatment cost?
A look inside the practice
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Patient experiences
Our patients' experiences
Our team
“We are a driven group of talented care providers. We understand that a healthy, pain-free mouth and fresh smile have a huge impact on your quality of life and appearance.”
Frequently asked questions
Is jaw pain dangerous?
Jaw pain is not directly dangerous, but mainly very unpleasant. Your jaws are used all day long, so it can get in the way of daily life.
How can I relax my jaws?
You can relax your jaws in various ways. For example, you can massage your jaws, pay more attention to keeping your tongue relaxed against your lower teeth, stick out your tongue properly a few times a day, or make a chewing movement for a few minutes without food in your mouth.
What does tooth decay look like?
You can recognise an early cavity by dark discolouration and white spots. Small pits or black grooves can also be a sign.
Getting here
Loef Mondzorg
Our dental practice at Weena 91 is easy to reach, right in the centre of Rotterdam and within walking distance of Rotterdam Central Station. Thanks to this central location, the practice is easily accessible by public transport: several train, metro, tram and bus lines stop close to the Weena, including metro lines B, D and E. From Rotterdam Central Station you will be at the practice within a few minutes, making it ideal for residents of Rotterdam as well as patients from surrounding towns.
The practice is also easy to reach by car via the main roads into the city centre, with parking facilities nearby. This means Loef Mondzorg combines a central location with excellent accessibility, both by public transport and by car.
Rotterdam City Centre location
- Weena 91, 3013 CH Rotterdam
- 010 200 4815
- info@loefmondzorg.nl
- KVK 82679282
Opening hours Open now · today until 17:00
- Monday 08:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday 08:00 – 21:00
- Wednesday 08:00 – 17:00
- Thursday 08:00 – 17:00
- Friday 08:00 – 17:00
- Saturday 09:00 – 16:00
- Sunday Closed
Also open on Tuesday evenings until 21:00 — easy to combine your visit with work.
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Our team of dedicated care providers knows how important a healthy, pain-free mouth and a radiant smile are for your quality of life and self-confidence. Curious about our practice? Register and come and visit us. We are happy to guide you through the world of dental care and explain everything clearly with helpful instruction videos.