Waking up with a tired jaw? Pain in your temples? Teeth that look shorter? These signs may be related to the way your chewing works. They are worth talking about.
notice the jaw
Many people only find out because someone heard it at night, or because their dentist noticed the wear.
Wear is the sign that shows. Understanding what creates that force is what I look for at the evaluation.
The TMJ is the joint just in front of your ear. It works every time you talk, chew, or yawn.
When one side works harder than the other, the joint can feel it.
The muscles that close your mouth reach up to your temples. Their tension may be related to frequent headaches, especially when you wake up.
It is one of the most common habits, and hardly anyone notices it. Over time, the side that works more and the side that works less adapt in different ways.
Chewing on both sides, the effort is shared. Always on the same side, one muscle works harder, the jaw settles into it, and the balance gradually shifts.
Illustrative, simplified animation.
Short explanations I recorded about these signs.
Videos in Portuguese
How you chew and on which side, how your teeth fit together, how the joint moves, muscle tension, and breathing. From there, I explain what I found and we talk about next steps, without rushing and without promises.
I see adults with pain and bruxism, as well as athletes. The first visit lasts 90 minutes or more; see what it involves.