Episode: Grinding, Clenching & TMJ—Why Your Jaw Might Be Telling You Something

🎙️ Bite-Sized Dental | Episode: Grinding, Clenching & TMJ—Why Your Jaw Might Be Telling You Something
Hosts: Dr Bing Lee & Glenn Hartas

Transcript

Glenn Hartas:
You’re listening to Way FM 105.3—your positive alternative.
Now, if you’re waking up with a sore jaw, tension headaches, or you catch yourself clenching when you’re stressed—you might be grinding your teeth and not even know it.
Here to help us understand what’s really going on is Dr Bing from Innova Dental. G’day again!

Dr Bing:
Hi Glenn—it’s always good to be back!

Glenn Hartas:
Alright, let’s get into it. First up—what is TMJ disorders, and why does everyone seem to be talking about it lately?

Dr Bing:
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint—it’s the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of issues like jaw pain, clicking, clenching, grinding, headaches, and even ear pain.

Glenn Hartas:
And grinding—that’s more common than people think, right?

Dr Bing:
It is actually very common! A lot of people grind or clench their teeth at night, especially during stressful times and they have no idea it’s happening. Over time, this can cause tooth wear, cracked teeth or fillings, jaw tension, and even damage to the joint itself.

Glenn Hartas:
So if someone’s waking up with headaches or soreness, they shouldn’t ignore it?

Dr Bing:
Definitely not. Your body’s sending a signal that something’s out of balance. At Innova Dental, we take a comprehensive look at your bite and how your teeth relate to each other, jaw movement, and wear patterns to figure out what’s really going on. Then we tailor a plan—whether it’s a custom night guard, muscle relaxant, or bite adjustments to bring relief.

Glenn Hartas:
I love that you always break things down in a way that’s easy to understand.

Dr Bing:
We keep it calm, clear, and comfortable. Our focus is always on relief, prevention, and protecting your long-term oral health.

Glenn Hartas:
So if someone’s been living with pain or tension, what’s the first step?

Dr Bing:
I recommend you book in for a comprehensive assessment. We’ll listen to your concerns and help you find a way forward.
You can book online at innovadental.com.au or give us a call.

Glenn Hartas:
That’s Dr Bing from Innova Dental. Thanks again!

Dr Bing:
Thanks Glenn!

Tune in live every Monday and Friday on Way FM 105.3 or head to https://www.wayfm.org.au/on-air/mornings/ for more details.