Do You Have Jaw Pain Without Realising It?
- Brilliant Writer
- Sep 6
- 4 min read
✦ Port Macquarie Welcomes New JAWS+ Clinic for Jaw Health.
Headaches, jaw tension, teeth grinding, many of us accept these discomforts as part of everyday life. Yet health experts warn these symptoms may signal underlying jaw problems that often go undiagnosed.
In Port Macquarie, a new clinic has opened to bring awareness and solutions to this overlooked issue. JAWS+ (Jaw Alignment + Wellness Solutions) is the first dedicated service of its kind on the Mid North Coast. The clinic is a collaboration between Mid North Coast Dental Centres and Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, combining dental and medical expertise to help patients understand and manage jaw concerns.
A Hidden Health Problem
Jaw issues such as bruxism (teeth grinding), jaw clenching, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction are far more common than most people realise.
According to the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health (ARCPOH), studies show bruxism affects between 8% and 31% of adults worldwide, though comprehensive Australian data is still limited (ARCPOH Practice Sheet – Bruxism, 2020). Meanwhile, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports that TMJ disorders are among the leading contributors to non-dental orofacial pain, particularly in adults aged 20–40.
Because the symptoms which are mostly persistent headaches, neck stiffness, facial pain, or ear discomfort are often attributed to stress or posture, jaw problems frequently go unnoticed.
“As a GP I often see patients who have struggled for years with unexplained headaches or facial pain. JAWS+ finally gives us a dedicated service where patients can be assessed holistically by both medical and dental professionals, something that has been missing in our region until now,” said Dr Kristy Kostalas, Medical Director of Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic.
How JAWS+ Works
What makes JAWS+ unique is its integrated model of care. Patients are jointly assessed by a dentist and a medical practitioner, giving a comprehensive view of both the dental and muscular aspects of jaw pain.
From this assessment, patients receive a tailored care plan which may include lifestyle changes, dental interventions, or medical management if required.
“With JAWS+, patients do not need to travel to metropolitan centres for multidisciplinary support. We can now provide this level of care right here in Port Macquarie,” explained Dr Akram Youssef, owner of Mid North Coast Dental Centres.
Services at JAWS+ include:
Joint medical and dental assessments
Personalised care plans for jaw pain, clenching, or teeth grinding
Symptom management strategies for headaches, facial tension, or sleep disturbance
Ongoing reviews and long-term support
Dr Claudia Long, a medical practitioner at the clinic, said: “Often, people do not even realise their jaw could be linked to their headaches or teeth grinding. At JAWS+ we aim to give patients clear explanations, reassurance, and practical options for managing these concerns.”
Local Access for Local Patients
The JAWS+ clinic currently operates on Wednesdays at Mid North Coast Dental Centres in Port Macquarie, with plans to expand services as community demand grows.
📍 Address: Suite 7, 38 Clifton Dr, Port Macquarie, NSW
🌐 Website: www.midnorthcoastdental.com.au/jawsplus
📞 Phone: (02) 6581 4025
Why It Matters
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), untreated TMJ disorders and bruxism can contribute to chronic pain, poor sleep, and long-term tooth damage. For residents on the Mid North Coast, JAWS+ means access to collaborative, specialised care without leaving the region.
For many, this clinic may be the missing piece in understanding long-term health concerns that were previously dismissed as “just stress”. ❋
⚠️ Disclaimer: Prescription-only medicines may be discussed during consultation if clinically appropriate. Any treatment is only available following an in-person assessment with a qualified health professional, and suitability varies between individuals.
About Mid North Coast Dental Centres
Mid North Coast Dental Centres operates two clinics in Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie, providing comprehensive general, cosmetic, emergency and restorative dental services. With a focus on digital dentistry, community connection, and 7-day availability, the clinics are committed to delivering modern care with a local heart.
38 Clifton Dr., Port Macquarie, NSW 2444. Phone: (02) 6581 4025
t/ (02) 6581 4025
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