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
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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 Monday at 09:00.

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What Our Patients Say About Us

  • Lauren and Nick are both amazing. Both explain everything really well during appointments putting me at ease. Nick always reassures me and checks on me when doing scaling etc as i am a little nervous. The reception team are always really friendly and helpful. Spotted a great little touch in the waiting room today. Photo below

    Michelle Sayer - See Google Reviews

  • Can’t rate the staff and surgery enough, managed to register with them a couple of years ago after years of not visiting a dentist, initially Veronica was my dentist who made me feel comfortable and at ease, Fran is my hygienist who again is great and makes me feel at ease, my dentist now is Chris and he is very friendly and helpful and again fills me with confidence and making me relaxed. All the staff are excellent, friendly and I am grateful for their help and service. Thankyou Mark

    Mark - See Google Reviews

  • Thank you Fran my hygienist for all your helpful advice and time spent yesterday ensuring I am using the correct methods to preserve my wonderful new smile I have courtesy of my miracle worker aka Jo Sutcliffe for giving me the best smile I have ever had! Merry Christmas to you all at El Nashar 🎄🎄🎄

    Bridget fairbrother - See Google Reviews

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Last Updated: 02/2026

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