Tower House, 11 Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2HD
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Award Winning Dental Practice
4.9 130+ Google Reviews 5 1000+ In-practice Reviews
140+ Google Reviews
5.0
1000+ Reviews in practice
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Jaw/ facial pain

What is Jaw pain?

Myofascial pain, also known as Temporo-Mandibular Jaw (TMJ) pain, is similar to dull toothache or wisdom tooth pain but is essentially muscular.

It is sometimes difficult to locate, and there may be pain in the jaw joint and all the surrounding structures. In acute cases, jaw opening may be limited.

How common is this type of pain?

One in four people at some time may have symptoms. Men and women are affected equally, although women tend to seek treatment more often.

What are its causes?

The most common cause is tooth clenching or grinding, often associated with stress and anxiety. Normally a person is not aware of clenching their teeth. It’s usually something they do when concentrating.

People who grind their teeth might do so during the day or at night. Night grinding while sleeping is more destructive and difficult to deal with.

What causes the pain?

Increased muscle activity in the jaw causes the muscles to get tired and go into spasm, a cramp-like condition.

Our Advice

You can tell if you’re clenching your teeth if your top and bottom teeth are touching. Teeth are normally apart, except when we’re chewing and swallowing. You can ease the pain by:

  • Eating evenly on both sides
  • Avoiding hard chewing – try soft foods in severe cases
  • Avoiding biting/chewing objects such as pens/pencils and biting your nails
  • Trying not to yawn with your mouth wide open
  • Holding a warm water bottle on the aching side

If you have lost a few back teeth, you might need them replaced to balance and support your bite properly. In severe or chronic cases your dentist can construct an appliance for you to wear on your teeth.

Now welcoming new patients

Please get in touch with our friendly team on 01626 212121

Why Choose Us?

Because we are a family run practice with patient care at the heart of everything we do.

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Opening Hours

We are currently closed. However, we reopen Friday at 09:00.

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What Our Patients Say About Us

  • PART 1 OF REVIEW I was referred to El Nashar in Newton Abbot after my then Dentist in Chudleigh failed to look after my needs. My top front teeth needed urgent repair and I was initially seen by Dr Joanna Sutcliffe. The advice and help I received from commencement has been really good and I am now awaiting a bespoke moulded top teeth fitting to enable me to move forward with teeth !! Initially, I had to see a Hygienist, Sian Baldwin 3 times, and because of her advice I changed my brushing regime to be more thorough. I will return with an update once my treatment is completed. So far everyone is really friendly and give a great service PART 2 OF REVIEW Following my initial review, I am happy to report that I now have an installed set of El Nashar "Gnashers" as my top front teeth !! A bespoke installation thanks to the wonderful handiwork and measurements of Dr Joanna and her brilliant assistant Mary. Right from the start, my experience has been 5 Star. All staff are polite, helpful, and ready to assist. My hygienist, Sian Baldwin, taught me how to properly look after my teeth and I am most grateful for that. I now clean my teeth differently and more thoroughly than I have ever done. With my new El Nashar "Gnashers" from Dr Joanna's design, I am good to go !!! Thank you El Nashar for my ongoing 5 Star Treatment,

    TOPGNU01 - See Google Reviews

  • Great experience as always with Erica and Chloe for my hygienist appointment. Really pleasant staff throughout and great advice. There is a genuine interest in helping patients with their dental hygiene. Best choice I ever made going private here me and the family really rate it.

    Callum m-j - See Google Reviews

  • We had the most incredible experience with Erica today. she truly deserves every one of these 5 stars and more! From the moment we arrived, she was so warm, calm, and genuinely kind with my son Jaxon. She has such a natural way with children and immediately put him at ease, which made the whole appointment feel effortless. Erica was so patient, gentle, and reassuring throughout, taking the time to explain everything in a way that made Jaxon feel comfortable and confident. It’s rare to come across someone who is not only so professional, but also so genuinely caring. I honestly couldn’t recommend her more highly. she completely transformed what could have been a nerve-wracking experience into such a positive one. We’re so grateful — thank you, Erica

    Elizabeth Murphy - See Google Reviews

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Last Updated: 06/2026

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