Jaw Ache, Clicking & Grinding: Bite Assessment in Grays

It can be one factor. An assessment of your teeth, jaw joints and muscles helps work out whether your bite is involved. Jaw pain can also come from muscle tension, clenching, the jaw joints or other causes. Your dentist will explain what they find and whether anything further is worth considering.

Your dentist can check for wear and discuss options such as a custom night guard to protect your teeth. Many people do not know they grind until a partner hears it or a dentist notices wear. Signs can include flattened teeth, chipped edges and tired jaw muscles in the morning. A night guard does not stop grinding, but it can help protect teeth.

Clicking is common and not always a problem. If it is painful or your jaw locks, book an assessment. Clicking without pain often needs no treatment, but it is worth mentioning at your check-up. If your jaw locks open or closed, or opening becomes difficult or painful, contact us and we will advise you on the next steps.

Heavy clenching or grinding, or the way your teeth meet, can put extra force on fillings and crowns. Your dentist will check. Repeated breakages can also mean a tooth is cracked or a filling is under strain. Your dentist may suggest a different type of restoration, such as an onlay or crown, or a night guard to protect your teeth.

We assess whether your teeth and bite may be contributing. Headaches have many causes, so see your GP for new, severe or unusual headaches. Headaches linked to clenching or grinding are often felt around the temples or on waking. Your dentist can look for signs of wear and muscle tension and explain whether a bite assessment may help.

A UK society focused on how teeth and jaws work together. Dr Basrai has trained with the society. The training covers how the teeth, jaw joints and muscles work together. Dr Basrai uses this when he assesses bites, worn teeth, broken fillings and jaw aches, and explains what he finds in plain language.

TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is a general term for problems affecting the jaw joints and chewing muscles. It can include jaw pain, clicking and restricted opening. A dentist can look at your bite and jaw as part of an assessment. Symptoms can come and go.

A bite assessment looks at how your upper and lower teeth meet and how your jaw moves. It can help explain worn teeth, broken fillings or muscle aches, and guide what to discuss next. It usually includes a conversation about your symptoms and a careful examination.

A custom night guard can protect teeth from grinding forces. Whether it is suitable depends on your assessment. Your dentist will explain the options. A custom night guard is made from impressions or a scan of your teeth so it fits closely. Shop-bought guards may not fit as well. Your dentist will explain how to wear and look after a guard and will check it at review visits.

Grinding and clenching are often linked to stress, sleep and lifestyle. A dentist can look for signs of wear and talk about ways to protect your teeth. If stress is a factor, managing it may also help. Your GP can advise on stress or sleep problems if these are affecting you.

Signs can include worn or flattened teeth, chipped edges, tired jaw muscles in the morning, headaches on waking and a partner hearing grinding at night. Some people also notice sensitive teeth or sore jaw muscles after a stressful day. If you recognise any of these signs, it may be worth booking an assessment.

A dentist can check teeth, bite and jaw muscles. Some jaw or head pain has other causes, so see your GP if symptoms are severe or unusual. We will tell you if we think another opinion is needed. For new, severe or unusual headaches, see your GP.

An uneven bite or heavy grinding can contribute to tooth wear and broken fillings. We look for patterns of wear at your assessment. Wear can make teeth shorter and more sensitive over time. Spotting it early helps you protect your teeth, for example with a night guard, and plan any repairs sensibly.

X-rays may be useful to check teeth and fillings. Your dentist will explain if any are needed. An examination of your jaw muscles and joints and how your teeth meet is usually the main part of the assessment. If any X-rays are suggested, the reason is explained first.

Some bite issues can be improved with aligners, depending on your assessment. Your dentist will explain whether this is worth considering. Aligners move teeth rather than treating jaw muscles, so they are not suitable for every bite problem. Your dentist will explain the pros and cons and other options at your assessment.

Allow a longer appointment than a routine check-up so there is time to talk and examine. We will confirm timing when you book. You can bring notes about your symptoms, such as when they started and what makes them better or worse. This helps your dentist understand what is going on and plan the assessment.

We are on Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays RM16 6SE, with on-site parking outside, about 0.8 miles from Chafford Hundred station and 1.5 miles from M25 Junction 30. Message us on WhatsApp if you would like directions or have any questions before your visit.

We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and Saturday by appointment. Saturday slots are limited, so it helps to ask early. Message us on WhatsApp on 07300 421405 or call 01375 481000, and we will look for a time that suits you. Weekday appointments are available from 8am.

Yes. Patients come to us from Brentwood, Upminster and across Havering and Thurrock. We are about 1.5 miles from M25 Junction 30 with on-site parking outside. Message us on WhatsApp on 07300 421405 or call 01375 481000 to book an assessment, and tell us about your symptoms when you get in touch.

Bring a list of any medicines, notes about when symptoms happen and any previous night guards or splints. Notes on when your jaw aches, how long the pain lasts and anything that seems to help or trigger it can be useful. If you have had previous treatment for jaw problems, letters or records can help your dentist understand your history.

A removable guard made from a scan or impression of your teeth, worn at night to protect them from grinding. It's designed around your bite.

Shop-bought guards are one-size or boil-and-bite. A custom guard is made to fit your teeth and is checked against your bite by your dentist.

Yes. Toothache can sometimes be felt in the jaw, ear or face. An examination helps find where the pain is coming from.

Yes. Every new crown or filling is checked and adjusted so it fits your bite.

It can. Grinding can wear enamel and expose the more sensitive layer underneath. Your dentist can check for wear.

Many people find soft foods, avoiding chewing gum and noticing daytime clenching helpful. If pain is severe or getting worse, contact us or your GP.

If a GP, physiotherapist or another professional is better placed to help, we'll tell you.

The jaw joint sits just in front of the ear, so jaw problems can be felt there. Ear pain has other causes too, so see your GP if it continues.

Yes. We're about a mile from Grays and 3 miles from Tilbury, with on-site parking.