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Fleetwood 604-597-1311 Newton 604-503-1722

Jaw Pain & Teeth Grinding (TMJ)

Jaw pain, clicking, morning headaches and worn teeth are often signs of clenching, grinding or TMJ strain. We find out what is overworking your jaw and treat the cause, not just the symptoms.

  • 1100+ 5-star Google reviews
  • Fleetwood and Newton clinics
Jaw Pain & Teeth Grinding (TMJ)
4.91100+ Google reviews
Direct billingCDCP provider
Same-day emergency careDirect insurance billingCDCP provider1100+ five-star reviewsAll-digital workflowSame-day CEREC crowns20+ years in SurreyLocally owned · Female-ledOpen SaturdaysSame-day emergency careDirect insurance billingCDCP provider1100+ five-star reviewsAll-digital workflowSame-day CEREC crowns20+ years in SurreyLocally owned · Female-ledOpen Saturdays
Green Apple Dental

Signs to look for

Your Jaw Should Not Hurt When You Chew, Talk or Wake Up

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jaw to your skull. When the muscles around them are strained by clenching, grinding or an uneven bite, you can feel it as jaw pain, headaches or tight facial muscles.

Many people grind their teeth at night without knowing it. Worn, chipped or sensitive teeth are often the first clue we see at an exam.

Common signs of TMJ strain

  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face or around the ear
  • Clicking, popping or grating when you open your mouth
  • A jaw that locks or is hard to open fully
  • Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
  • Teeth that are worn flat, chipped or sensitive
  • Tight or tired facial muscles when you wake up

Why it happens

What Overworks the Jaw

Several factors often combine, which is why we look at the whole picture.

01

Grinding & Clenching

Nighttime grinding and daytime clenching overload the jaw joints and muscles.

02

Stress & Tension

Stress often shows up as a tight jaw, clenched teeth and facial muscle tension.

03

Bite Imbalance

Teeth that do not meet evenly can strain the joints every time you chew.

04

Airway & Sleep

Grinding at night can be a sign of a restricted airway or disrupted sleep.

How we diagnose

Finding What Is Straining Your Jaw

An accurate diagnosis is the first step to lasting relief.

  1. 1

    We listen first

    You tell us where it hurts, when it started and what makes it better or worse.

  2. 2

    Jaw and bite exam

    We check the joints, the muscles and how your teeth meet when you bite.

  3. 3

    3D imaging if needed

    3D CBCT imaging shows the joints and bite in detail when the exam calls for it.

  4. 4

    A plan that fits

    We explain the cause and recommend treatment, often starting with a custom night guard.

Good to know

Jaw Pain & TMJ Questions

Still have a question? Our team is happy to help.

What causes TMJ disorders?

TMJ disorders can result from teeth grinding, jaw clenching, stress, bite misalignment, arthritis, trauma or muscle strain. Often several factors combine.

Will a night guard help my jaw pain?

Many patients feel relief with a custom night guard because it reduces pressure on the jaw joints and protects the teeth from grinding. It is usually the first step in treatment.

Is grinding damaging my teeth?

It can be. Grinding wears enamel, chips edges and can crack teeth or make them sensitive. Catching it early protects your teeth and any dental work.

When should I see a dentist about jaw pain?

Book an evaluation if jaw pain, clicking or headaches keep coming back, if your jaw locks, or if you notice worn or chipped teeth.

Is jaw pain connected to snoring or sleep apnea?

Sometimes. Grinding at night can be linked to a restricted airway. Learn more about sleep apnea and airway health .

Green Apple Dental

Wake Up Without Jaw Pain

Book a TMJ evaluation at our Fleetwood or Newton clinic. We will find what is straining your jaw and help you feel comfortable again.

New patients welcome

Request an Appointment

Give us a call or fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly.

  • Same-day emergenciesTooth pain, swelling or a broken tooth — call and we’ll fit you in.
  • Direct billing & CDCPWe bill your insurer directly at both clinics.
  • Open 6 days a weekEarly, evening and Saturday appointments.

We’ll call or email to confirm your time. For emergencies please call the clinic.

Patient reviews

What Our Patients Say

0+ five-star Google reviews · 4.9 average

“I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was very pleased with all my care. The staff are amazing”
Nancy Smith
“Been going here for twelve years. They are the best”
Jenn C.
“Took care of my six year old daughter so gently, she told me it’s the only place she wants to go”
Dianne Smith
“Honest, thorough and never pushy. Exactly what I want from a family dentist.”
Surrey Patient
“They fit me in the same day when I broke a tooth. Painless and fast.”
Fleetwood Family
“Direct billing made it easy and the whole team is lovely.”
Newton Patient
“I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was very pleased with all my care. The staff are amazing”
Nancy Smith
“Been going here for twelve years. They are the best”
Jenn C.
“Took care of my six year old daughter so gently, she told me it’s the only place she wants to go”
Dianne Smith
“Honest, thorough and never pushy. Exactly what I want from a family dentist.”
Surrey Patient
“They fit me in the same day when I broke a tooth. Painless and fast.”
Fleetwood Family
“Direct billing made it easy and the whole team is lovely.”
Newton Patient

Two locations

Two Modern Dental Clinics Serving Surrey

Conveniently located in Fleetwood and Newton, providing advanced dental care for Surrey families.

Need urgent dental care? Same-day emergency appointments at both clinics.

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