Jaw Pain, Grinding & Clenching · Sandy Springs, GA
Jaw Pain, Grinding & Clenching Treatment in Atlanta & Sandy Springs, GA
Tight, sore, or clicking jaw? Frequent headaches? I can help you find relief and bring comfort back to your daily life.
Schedule AppointmentFind Relief from Jaw Pain and Headaches
Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Does your jaw feel tight, sore, or click every time you open your mouth? If you clench or grind your teeth, you may have jaw pain, grinding, and clenching — and I can help.
I’m Dr. Hugh Flax, and I’ve been treating jaw pain, grinding, clenching, and bite issues since the early 1990s. I trained at the Dawson Academy, the Pankey Institute, and the Kois Center with world leaders in bite management and neuromuscular dentistry. My goal is simple: to help you find relief from pain, restore balance in your bite, and bring comfort back to your daily life.
At Flax Dental, I take the time to understand what’s really causing your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
What Causes Jaw Pain, Grinding & Clenching?
Jaw pain, grinding, and clenching disorder (or TMD) affects the joints and muscles that control your jaw. It can cause:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth
- Chronic headaches or earaches
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Tension in your face, neck, or shoulders
These problems may stem from teeth grinding, arthritis, misaligned bites, jaw injuries, or even stress. Left untreated, TMD can make simple things — like eating or talking — uncomfortable and frustrating.
My Approach to Bite & Jaw Pain, Grinding, Clenching
Because every patient is different, I look beyond the symptoms to uncover the root cause. Using advanced diagnostics, I evaluate how your bite, jaw, and muscles work together. Then I create a treatment plan tailored to you, which may include:
Custom Nightguards
If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom-made nightguard can protect your teeth and reduce stress on your jaw joint while you sleep.
Orthodontics
When misaligned teeth or bite problems contribute to jaw pain, grinding, and clenching, orthodontic treatment — braces or clear aligners like Invisalign — can help realign your bite and ease jaw strain.
Bite Relaxation Therapy
I use gentle jaw exercises, relaxation techniques, and sometimes oral splints to reduce muscle tension and restore proper balance to your bite.
Full-Mouth Reconstruction
For more complex cases, I may recommend a comprehensive restoration plan that rebuilds worn, cracked, or misaligned teeth to bring harmony back to your smile and bite.
Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference
Sometimes small changes can bring big relief:
- Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
- Eating softer foods while your jaw heals
- Maintaining good posture and keeping screens at eye level
- Reducing caffeine and stress, which can trigger clenching
I’ll guide you through what to do at home so you can support your treatment and speed up recovery.
Jaw Pain, Grinding & Clenching FAQs
What causes bite stress?
Stress, grinding or clenching (bruxism), arthritis, jaw injuries, missing teeth, or even poor posture can overload the jaw joint.
How can I relax my bite?
I often recommend posture awareness, better sleep, relaxation techniques, jaw exercises, and sometimes oral appliances to ease tension.
What’s the best way to fix my bite alignment?
It depends on your case. Options may include reshaping teeth, repairing damaged teeth, orthodontics, or a full-mouth reconstruction to restore balance.
Get a Comfortable Bite Again
Living with jaw pain, worn teeth, or daily headaches doesn’t have to be your normal. With advanced training and decades of experience, I can help you find lasting relief.