DentalPhysio with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan

26/08/2026

Could medical acupuncture help an overactive gag reflex?

The gag reflex is a protective brainstem reflex. It involves sensory input mainly through the glossopharyngeal nerve, CN IX, with the motor response largely through the vagus nerve, CN X.

In some people the response becomes exaggerated, particularly with dental treatment, anxiety or nausea.

Medical acupuncture may help by modulating sensory and autonomic activity. PC6 on the forearm has been used for nausea and anxiety-related symptoms. CV24, located between the lower lip and chin, has also been studied for excessive gagging.

It’s not a guaranteed fix, but it can be a useful adjunct alongside nasal breathing, relaxation and graded exposure.

26/08/2026

TMD affects both men and women, but research shows women experience it more often. In this episode, Simon Coghlan from Dental Physio on the Sunshine Coast explains why hormones, pain sensitivity, stress, clenching, sleep, and other factors may all contribute. He also explains why symptoms matter mor...

18/08/2026

Can jaw pain be cured in one session?

Sometimes people feel a lot better after just one appointment. Pain may settle, mouth opening may improve, or chewing may feel easier.

But “cured” is a strong word.

Jaw pain may develop for many reasons, such as an irritated jaw joints, muscle tension, clenching, grinding, limited movement, sensitivity of the nervous system, or habits such as chewing on one side.

If the problem is recent and mainly related to muscle tension, one session may be enough to give good relief.

If symptoms have been present for months, keep returning, or are linked with headaches, locking, clicking, tooth grinding or difficulty eating, it usually needs a more thorough approach.

A physiotherapy assessment can help identify what is driving the problem and what can realistically be changed.

The goal is not just to make the jaw feel better for a day. It is to help it move, load and function more comfortably in daily life.

A good first session should give you answers, reassurance where appropriate, and practical steps you can start using straight away to start feeling better.

12/08/2026

Do women really get TMD more often than men? Short answer: yes, studies show higher prevalence in women, but jaw pain isn’t just a “women’s problem.”

Learn why differences in hormones, anatomy and behavior may play a role, what signs to watch for, and when to seek help.

Read the full article: https://wix.to/3nfCiDQ

Women do appear to experience TMD more often than men. But that does not mean jaw pain is simply a “women’s problem”.

12/08/2026

Is Jaw Pain (related to TMD) more common in women?

Yes, women do appear to experience TMD more often than men, but that does not mean jaw pain is simply a “women’s problem”.

TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder. It refers to problems involving the jaw joint, chewing muscles, or the way the jaw moves.

Research consistently shows that women are more commonly affected, particularly during adult years. The reasons are not completely clear. Hormonal factors, pain sensitivity, stress, muscle tension, sleep, clenching habits and differences in how people seek care may all play a part.

But the important clinical point is this: symptoms matter more than s*x.

An occasional painless click in the jaw is common and may not need treatment. Persistent jaw pain, painful clicking, locking, difficulty opening, or pain with chewing, yawning or talking is different.

In clinical practice, we often see people who have put up with jaw symptoms for months because they assumed it was just stress, their bite, or something they had to live with.

A physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether the problem is mainly related to muscle tension, joint movement, pain sensitivity, habits, or a combination of factors.

The takeaway: women may be affected more often, but anyone can develop TMD, and persistent symptoms are worth understanding properly.

09/07/2026

Feeling jaw tension after a long day at the desk? Work stress can cause jaw clenching, headaches and neck stiffness and subtle desk habits might be to blame.

Read practical tips on reducing TMD symptoms and when to seek help:
https://wix.to/ttmNeAW

Work stress can show up as jaw tension, clenching, headaches and neck stiffness. Learn how desk habits affect TMD and when to seek help.

06/07/2026

Can physio fix a clicking jaw?

Sometimes, yes. But it depends on what is causing the click, and whether the click is actually a problem.

A jaw click often comes from the small disc inside the jaw joint moving slightly out of position and then returning as the mouth opens or closes. For some people this is painless, stable and not something that needs “fixing”.

Where physiotherapy can help is when the clicking is linked with pain, muscle tension, restricted opening, locking, headaches, clenching habits or difficulty eating.

A physiotherapy assessment can look at how the jaw moves, whether the muscles are overworking, how the neck and jaw are interacting, and whether certain habits are keeping the area irritated.

Treatment may include education, jaw movement exercises, muscle relaxation strategies, manual therapy, dry needling, advice around chewing and yawning, and ways to reduce unnecessary jaw loading.

The aim is not always to make every click disappear. The more important goals are usually less pain, better movement, improved confidence and a jaw that copes better with normal daily activities.

A painless click that has been there for years may simply need monitoring. A new click with pain, locking or reduced opening is more worth assessing.

Have you noticed whether your jaw click is just noisy, or does it come with pain or restriction?

26/06/2026

Can clenching cause your jaw to start clicking?

It may contribute, but it is rarely possible to blame clenching alone.

Jaw clicking commonly occurs when the small cartilage disc inside the jaw joint moves slightly out of position and then returns as the mouth opens. Clenching increases the load on the joint and surrounding muscles, so it may irritate the area or make an existing click more noticeable.

A painless click without locking or restricted movement is common and does not necessarily need treatment.

For now, try to notice daytime clenching. At rest, your lips can be together, but your teeth should usually be slightly apart. Avoid repeatedly opening your mouth to “test” or produce the click.

Assessment may be appropriate if the clicking is accompanied by pain, locking, reduced opening, difficulty eating, or a noticeable change in how the jaw moves.

The important question is not simply, “Does it click?” but, “Is it affecting comfort or function?”

22/06/2026

Is it okay to chew chewing gum when you have jaw pain?

Chewing gum is a common aggravating factor in people with jaw pain.

It may not be the only cause, but it can add a significant amount of repeated loading to the jaw muscles and joints. This is especially relevant if someone already clenches, grinds their teeth, has a sensitive jaw joint, or has experienced jaw pain before.

In clinical practice, we often find that gum is one of several factors contributing to symptoms. The jaw may tolerate short periods of chewing during meals, but chewing gum can continue for much longer and may lead to aching, fatigue, tightness or headaches.

For that reason, we generally suggest avoiding gum if you currently have jaw pain. It may also be sensible to limit it if you have had previous episodes, particularly if you notice symptoms after chewing.

Avoiding gum will not solve every jaw problem, but it is a simple way to reduce unnecessary strain while other contributing factors are assessed.

If jaw pain is persistent, your mouth opening is becoming restricted, or eating is uncomfortable, it may be worth having the area properly assessed.

18/06/2026

My Jaw Clicks. Is That Normal?

You open your mouth and hear a click.

It may happen when you yawn, take a large bite or chew something firm. The obvious question is: should you be worried?

Usually, no.

Jaw clicking is common and often occurs without pain or any loss of function. A click by itself does not necessarily mean that the jaw joint is damaged or requires treatment. Signs of jaw a.k.a the temporomandibular joint changes are common, while only a much smaller proportion of people develop symptoms requiring care.

Why does the jaw click?

Inside each temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a small cartilage disc. This helps the jaw move smoothly as it opens, closes and slides forwards.

A click commonly occurs when the disc moves slightly out of its usual position and then returns during jaw movement. This is known as disc displacement with reduction.

The sound can be surprisingly loud because the joint sits directly in front of the ear. Loud does not necessarily mean serious.

When should you have it assessed?

A painless click that has been stable for years and does not affect eating or movement will often require nothing more than monitoring.

Assessment is advisable when the clicking is accompanied by:

pain in the jaw, face or around the ear
restricted or uneven mouth opening
catching or locking
difficulty biting, chewing or yawning
a sudden change in the click
a click that disappears as the jaw becomes more restricted

Painful clicking, stiffness, locking and reduced movement are recognised features of temporomandibular disorders.

What should you do?

Avoid repeatedly clicking the jaw to test it. This can irritate the joint and reinforce the habit.

For a few days, reduce excessive gum chewing, very firm foods and unnecessarily wide mouth opening. Pay attention to daytime jaw clenching, particularly during stressful or highly focused activities.

Persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a dentist, oral and maxillofacial specialist, or physiotherapist with advanced experience in TMD and orofacial pain. A thorough clinical examination is usually the first step. A scan is not automatically required.

The message is simple:

A clicking jaw is not necessarily a problem. A clicking jaw that is painful, restricted or interfering with normal function deserves further assessment.