Relieving Tooth and Facial Pain : How Osteopathy and Acupuncture Target Muscle Tension, Joint Dysfunction & Poor Posture
Experiencing persistent tooth and facial pain can be both distressing and disruptive to your everyday life. While dental issues are often the first consideration, it’s not uncommon for people to visit their dentist, receive treatment, and still be left with lingering discomfort.
If you've already seen your dentist and only gotten so far with relief, have you considered manual therapy for your jaw, teeth, or facial pain?
At Midtown Wellness Covent Garden, we specialise in osteopathic and acupuncture care that goes beyond symptom management we aim to treat the root causes of pain and tension in the face, jaw, and neck.
The Anatomy Behind Facial Pain
The head and face are home to a dense and complex network of muscles, joints, and nerves. Pain in these areas often relates to dysfunctions in the following structures:
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): Located just in front of the ear, this joint connects the jawbone to the skull. It plays a vital role in chewing, speaking, and yawning. If the TMJ becomes misaligned or inflamed, it can lead to pain in the jaw, ears, temples, and even cause clicking or restricted movement.
Muscles of Mastication: These include the masseter, temporalis, medial and lateral pterygoids. Overuse, tension, or imbalance in these muscles—especially through clenching or grinding—can lead to referred pain in the face, jaw, and even into the teeth.
Cervical Spine and Posture: Misalignment in the neck and upper back can cause compensatory strain through the facial muscles and nerves, further contributing to discomfort or dysfunction in the jaw.
The head and face are home to a dense and complex network of muscles, joints, and nerves. Pain in these areas often relates to dysfunctions in the following structures:
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): Located just in front of the ear, this joint connects the jawbone to the skull. It plays a vital role in chewing, speaking, and yawning. If the TMJ becomes misaligned or inflamed, it can lead to pain in the jaw, ears, temples, and even cause clicking or restricted movement.
Muscles of Mastication: These include the masseter, temporalis, medial and lateral pterygoids. Overuse, tension, or imbalance in these muscles—especially through clenching or grinding—can lead to referred pain in the face, jaw, and even into the teeth.
Cervical Spine and Posture: Misalignment in the neck and upper back can cause compensatory strain through the facial muscles and nerves, further contributing to discomfort or dysfunction in the jaw.
Common Causes of Tmj and Facial Pain
Facial pain can stem from more than just dental issues. It may be musculoskeletal in origin, and common causes include:
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction – Dysfunction in the jaw joint can cause aching in the jaw, cheeks, ears, or even headaches.
Muscle Tension & Trigger Points – Overworked muscles in the face, head, or neck can radiate pain into the jaw or teeth.
Postural Strain – Forward head posture and upper body misalignment can create abnormal pressure and tension that affects the jaw and facial structures.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching) – Often caused by stress, this can overwork the jaw muscles, causing soreness and headaches.
How Osteopathy Can Help
Osteopathy is a hands-on approach to healthcare that focuses on the way your muscles, joints, and bones function together. At Midtown Wellness, our registered osteopaths offer gentle, targeted treatments to:
Reduce muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders
Improve joint mobility, particularly in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Restore proper postural alignment to reduce facial strain
Alleviate referred pain and improve circulation
Using techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue manipulation and medical acupuncture, we aim to help relieve discomfort and restore natural movement and balance.
How Medical Acupuncture and Dry Needling Can Support TMJ Pain Relief
Medical acupuncture (also known as dry-needling) is a highly effective treatment we often incorporate into osteopathic care, particularly for tooth and facial pain. When used alongside manual therapy, it can:
Deactivate trigger points in tight jaw and facial muscles (e.g. masseter, temporalis)
Promote muscle relaxation and reduce inflammation
Improve blood flow and nerve sensitivity around the TMJ
Help reduce referred pain that mimics toothache or earache
This integrative approach helps release deep-seated muscle tension and improves the effectiveness of your osteopathic treatment plan — especially in stubborn or recurring cases.
Let’s Get to the Root of Your Pain
Don’t let facial or jaw pain control your life. While dental care plays a vital role, osteopathy offers a complementary approach—particularly when pain may stem from muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or postural imbalances. Book a consultation with one of our experienced osteopaths and discover how osteopathy can help relieve pain and restore balance.
