Tired of Jaw Pain and Headaches? It Might Be More Than Stress.
Understanding TMJ Dysfunction — and How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help
Have you ever noticed a dull ache in your jaw by the end of the day? Do you wake up with headaches or tension behind your eyes? Maybe your jaw pops, clicks, or locks when you eat or yawn.
You’re not alone — and you’re not crazy. You might be dealing with TMJ dysfunction, and the root cause may be how your muscles are functioning every single day.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull — it’s what allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. But it’s also one of the most delicate and complex joints in the body.
When things go wrong with the muscles that support the TMJ — or when your tongue, lips, and jaw aren't working together properly — it can cause a cascade of symptoms:
Jaw soreness or tightness
Clicking or popping in the joint
Ear pain or pressure
Headaches (especially around the temples or eyes)
Neck and shoulder tension
Tooth clenching or grinding
Facial fatigue or discomfort when talking or chewing
Many people suffer for years before connecting the dots between these symptoms and muscle dysfunction.
It's Not Just Stress — It’s Often Muscle Imbalance
Yes, stress can contribute to TMJ problems — but often the real culprit is oral muscle compensation and poor resting habits.
Here’s what that might look like:
A low-resting tongue posture that puts strain on the jaw
Chronic mouth breathing, which alters head and neck alignment
Clenching or grinding (bruxism), often during sleep
A history of orthodontics that didn’t address muscle function
Lingering effects from a past tongue tie
And over time, those habits create chronic muscle fatigue, which leads to tightness, inflammation, and pain.
How Myofunctional Therapy Relieves TMJ Pain
Myofunctional therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that retrains the muscles of the face, tongue, and jaw to function correctly.
Carol works 1-on-1 with adult clients to identify the underlying muscular patterns contributing to TMJ dysfunction. As a registered dental hygienist, she understands the oral anatomy better than most — and uses that knowledge to build a plan that’s hands-on, personalized, and effective.
With consistent work, myofunctional therapy can:
✅ Reduce clenching and grinding
✅ Restore healthy jaw movement
✅ Improve tongue posture and resting habits
✅ Decrease tension-related headaches
✅ Promote nasal breathing to support jaw relaxation
✅ Help you chew, speak, and sleep more comfortably
How to Tell If You Might Benefit from Therapy
Ask yourself:
Do I clench or grind my teeth at night or during the day?
Do I feel tension in my jaw, face, or neck after working or driving?
Do I regularly experience tension headaches or migraines?
Does my jaw pop or feel “off” when I eat or yawn?
Have I tried bite guards or massage without lasting relief?
If you answered “yes” to two or more of those — therapy might help more than you think.
Carol’s Approach: Gentle, Empowering, Effective
Carol is known for her “Dental Doula” approach — a term clients lovingly use to describe her combination of expertise, guidance, and care.
You won’t get a generic worksheet of exercises. You’ll get:
A full muscle function evaluation
A personalized plan that fits into your real life
Ongoing coaching and encouragement
Collaboration with your dentist, orthodontist, or chiropractor if needed
Lasting change — not just symptom masking
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you’re tired of jaw pain running your life — and you want a science-backed, non-invasive approach that actually addresses the root cause — myofunctional therapy may be exactly what you need.
📅 Book your free 15-minute consultation with Carol today and start your journey to relief.