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.

See what our patients say

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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

  • After my first visit today I can only say how pleased I am to have chosen El Nashar for my dental care. The staff who greeted me in reception were very welcoming and helpful and Chris was very thorough with my initial examination and explained everything in great detail to me. I really feel that I’m going to be very well looked after here and I’m looking forward to my next visit now to see the hygienist. Update…..I’ve now seen Terri my hygienist and she was amazing! Made me feel very relaxed and welcome. She explained my oral health results to me in great detail, answered any questions I had and informed me of how I can improve my oral hygiene myself with cleaning methods etc. I can’t rate my experience with Terri highly enough and I’m confident that I’m in the most competent and able hands with her for the coming years! Many thanks again to Terri and all the lovely staff at the practice.

    Andy Hayman - See Google Reviews

  • First visit to Chris Roberts was a very thorough check-up and clear treatment plan detailed. Second visit today to Terri Weir, Hygenist. Again, a very thorough examination, explanation and advice. Very pleased indeed with the 'service with a smile' from all I have met at El-Nashar. Second visit to Chris Roberts for a replacement filling was very good. Procedure carried out without any discomfort and result a great improvement.

    Chris Watts - See Google Reviews

  • I am a new patient to the dental practice. Made to feel welcome, staff all friendly and guided me through all the processes. Felt very comfortable with all aspects. The dental practice looked very clean and modern. Definitely pleased I chose this dental practice as my ongoing dental treatment. I followed up with a visit to the hygienist, Terri. Took me through full procedure. No pain encountered. Explained benefits of brushing and provided dental appliances to assist. Mary took x rays. Again all perfect here. Now I've got my homework to do before my next visit in dental hygiene. Can't fault the dental practice.

    Ian Taylor - See Google Reviews

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Last Updated: 11/2025

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