TMD is short for temporomandibular disorder, the name for problems with your jaw joint and the muscles that move it. It shows up as an aching or stiff jaw, clicking, headaches, face ache or trouble opening wide. We take the time to work out what is driving it, then help settle it down.
Tell us when suits and we will call you back to arrange it. No obligation.
Treatment Overview
What Is TMD Treatment?
TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder. It is the umbrella term for problems with the jaw system as a whole, which means both the jaw joint and the muscles you use to chew, clench and talk. So while it overlaps with TMJ, it is a bit broader.
Here is the simplest way to think about it. TMJ is the joint itself, the hinge in front of your ear. TMD is the name for things going wrong in that area, and that includes the muscles, not only the joint. Most people use the two words to mean the same thing, and that is fine. If you want to read about the joint on its own, see our TMJ Treatment page.
Because TMD takes in the muscles as well, the symptoms can be wider than a simple click. People come to us with a jaw that aches or feels tight, headaches around the temples, a dull face or ear ache with no infection behind it, or a jaw that feels stiff first thing in the morning. Very often it is linked to grinding and clenching, which loads the muscles and the joint night after night.
Our approach is careful and honest. A lot of what helps is easing that muscle strain and protecting your teeth, for example with a custom night guard, along with simple advice for day to day. We keep our claims realistic. If we think the cause sits outside dentistry, we will say so and point you to your GP or the right specialist.
This page is for you if:
Your jaw aches, feels tight or gets tired
You get headaches around your temples
You have face ache or earache with no clear cause
Your jaw is stiff or sore first thing in the morning
Your jaw clicks and aches at the same time
You have been told you grind or clench your teeth
What TMD covers:
The jaw joint itself (the TMJ)
The chewing muscles in your cheeks and temples
How your top and bottom teeth meet, your bite
Grinding and clenching habits
Tension and stress carried in the jaw
Teeth worn down by years of grinding
Book your appointment
New patient examination £92
We start with an examination to work out what is going on. Including any X-rays you need.
What your symptoms are, when they started, and how much they affect your day. If you are nervous, tell us. It changes how we do things.
02
We examine joint and muscles
We check how your jaw moves, feel for tender spots in the muscles and over the joint, and look at how your teeth meet. Digital X-rays if we need them, with far less radiation than film.
03
We show you what we found
On screen where we can, in plain English, so you understand what is going on rather than take our word for it.
04
A written plan and a price
The options open to you, what each costs, and what happens if you leave it. Nothing is booked until you have had a think.
Longer appointments, so we can talk through your concerns and give you a break if you need one.
Almost pain-free injections
The Wand numbs you without the big needle or the sting. Most patients are surprised how easy it is.
Digital X-rays
We diagnose faster, more accurately and with far less radiation than older film.
A hand to hold
Bring a partner in, or hold a nurse's hand. If you ever need us, we respond the same day.
About Waterside Dental
Your private dental practicein Hythe.
Waterside Dental is a private practice in Hythe, owned and led by principal dentist Dr Nikos Louskos since 2017. It has recently been refurbished to feel more like home than a clinic, and is run by a small, hand-picked team — so you'll always see a familiar face.
Care here is unhurried and patient-led. Appointments are longer so concerns can be talked through properly, treatment is explained in plain language, and nothing is rushed — with breaks during longer procedures whenever you need them.
We welcome private patients from Hythe and across Southampton — whether you're registering as a new patient or visiting for a single course of treatment while staying with your current dentist.
"I firmly believe that dentistry doesn't have to be unpleasant or scary, and that often it can be life-changing."
DR NIKOS LOUSKOS
Our Principal Dentist
Meet Dr NikosLouskos.
DDS · MSc Endodontics · GDC No. 102626
Principal dentist and practice owner, with a special interest in endodontics.
Dr Nikos Louskos qualified in Athens in 2005 and moved to the UK in 2006. He worked as an associate at Waterside before taking ownership of the practice in 2017.
In 2016 he completed a Master's in Endodontic Practice at Queen Mary University of London. He accepts referrals for complex root canal cases, which he treats under a microscope, and enjoys all aspects of general dentistry.
Nobody wants surprises after a dental visit. You'll get an itemised treatment plan with exact costs before anything begins, plus monthly payment options to spread the cost.
Finance is provided by Tabeo and is interest-bearing from 9.9% APR. Practice-plan discounts apply to selected treatments — full terms are listed on the Fees and Plans pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions patientsask us.
A few of the things patients ask us most often. If your question isn't here, just get in touch — we're happy to talk it through.
Temporomandibular disorder. It is the name for problems with your jaw joint and the muscles that move it, which show up as aching, clicking, stiffness, headaches or trouble opening wide.
They are closely related and people often mix them up. TMJ is the joint itself, the hinge in front of your ear. TMD is the wider term for things going wrong in that area, including the muscles, not just the joint. See our TMJ Treatment page for the joint on its own.
Common ones are an aching or tight jaw, clicking or popping, headaches around the temples, face or ear ache with no infection, a stiff jaw in the morning, and finding it hard to open wide or chew comfortably.
Often more than one thing at once. Grinding and clenching, tension carried in the jaw muscles, stress, and how your teeth meet can all add up. This is why we look at your bite and your habits, not just one symptom.
A dentist is a sensible first stop, because TMD is so often linked to grinding, clenching and the bite. There is a lot we can do to ease it. If we think the cause sits outside dentistry, we will tell you honestly and point you to your GP or the right specialist.
It depends on what we find. A common first step is a custom-made night guard to take the strain off the muscles and joint and protect your teeth, along with simple self-care advice. Grinding is often part of the picture, so you may also want to read our Teeth Grinding and Night Guards pages. We keep our claims realistic and explain what is likely to help before you commit.
Yes. Tell us when you book. We allow longer appointments so nothing is rushed, we use The Wand for almost pain-free injections if any are needed, and you can bring someone in with you or hold a nurse's hand.
Whether you'd like to book or just have a question about treatment, send us a message and a member of the team will get back to you — the same day wherever we can.
