The Dental Physio Podcast

Jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, tooth pressure, ear symptoms, and other forms of orofacial pain do not always come just from the jaw itself. In this episode, Simon Coghlan from Dental Physio on the Sunshine Coast explains how stress, poor sleep, clenching, and nervous system sensitisation can keep pain going, and why effective treatment often needs to address both the jaw and the wider system.  ...

Morning jaw pain, facial tightness, temple headaches, and a bite that feels off on waking can all point to overnight jaw loading. In this episode, Simon Coghlan from Dental Physio on the Sunshine Coast explains how sleep bruxism, poor sleep, airway issues, and existing TMJ overload can combine to drive morning symptoms and outlines a calm, conservative treatment approach.   About Your Hosts Simon...

Jaw clicking, popping, or the feeling that your jaw might lock can be unsettling, and for some people symptoms seem to flare at hormonally dynamic times. It may be painless, or it may come with headaches, facial tension, jaw tightness, or aching near the ear. In this episode, Simon Coghlan from Dental Physiotherapy on the Sunshine Coast explains why jaw clicking happens, how the disc inside the TM...

Eye pressure, eye twitching, temple headaches, or blurred vision that comes and goes can sometimes be linked to jaw and neck overload, even when an eye exam is normal. Jaw pain, clenching, headaches, and neck tension often sit in the background. In this episode, Simon Coghlan from Dental Physiotherapy on the Sunshine Coast explains how TMD can drive eye area symptoms through shared nerve pathways...

Loud snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, waking up tired, morning headaches, jaw pain, or feeling worn out during the day can all be signs of obstructive sleep apnoea. Sometimes, jaw pain, clenching, or trouble using CPAP or a mandibular splint are also present. In this episode, Simon Coghlan from Dental Physiotherapy on the Sunshine Coast talks about how obstructive sleep apnoea and jaw probl...

When ear tests are normal but your symptoms are not, the jaw is often the missing link. In this episode, Simon Coghlan explains how TMJ dysfunction (TMD) can create ear fullness, ringing, pain, dizziness and that lingering “off balance” feeling. You’ll hear why these symptoms are so often overlooked, how jaw and neck mechanics influence the ear, and what a proper TMJ assessment should include.   ...

TMJ joint replacement sits at the far end of the treatment path, but for the right person, it can be genuinely life-changing. In this episode, Simon Coghlan breaks down what TMJ prosthetics are, when they’re considered, and what the journey looks like from surgery to long-term recovery. You’ll learn the difference between custom and stock implants, the risks and benefits, the role of physiotherapy...

Jaw pain, stiffness, and clicking can affect far more than how we chew or speak. They can influence sleep, posture, and daily comfort. In this episode, physiotherapist Simon Coghlan explores how targeted physiotherapy can ease pain and restore normal jaw function. From manual therapy and dry needling to exercises, education, and laser therapy, he explains the hands-on and evidence-based approaches...

That constant ringing, buzzing, or whistling in the ears — tinnitus — can feel like a bit of a mystery with no clear cause. But for some people, the answer lies closer than expected: in the jaw. In this episode, expert physiotherapist Simon Coghlan explores the relationship between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). He explains how tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles can alter...

Botox has moved far beyond the world of cosmetics — and for some people with jaw pain, it’s recommended as a potential solution. But does it truly work? And how does it compare with physiotherapy and other conservative treatments? In this episode, Simon Coghlan — physiotherapist and pain specialist — discusses the evidence, mechanisms, and myths surrounding Botox for temporomandibular disorders (T...

Few conditions cause pain as sharp or sudden as trigeminal neuralgia — often described as an electric shock to the face. In this episode, Simon Coghlan explains what happens when the trigeminal nerve misfires, how to tell it apart from jaw-related pain, and why early diagnosis is vital. Learn about the latest imaging techniques, medications, and surgical options that can help restore comfort and c...

Bite disorders, or malocclusions, affect far more than appearance — they can change how we chew, speak, and even how our jaws feel day to day. In this episode, Simon Coghlan explains the different types of bite problems, from overbites and crossbites to open bites, and the health issues they can cause if left untreated. Learn how orthodontics, surgery, and physiotherapy can help restore comfort, f...

Stress doesn’t just live in the mind — it often shows up in the jaw. In this episode, Simon Coghlan explains how stress fuels habits like clenching and grinding, how this can lead to jaw pain and temporomandibular disorders, and why the cycle of stress and pain can feel so hard to break. Learn practical ways to recognise the signs, manage the impact, and protect both your jaw and overall wellbeing...

Chronic jaw and facial pain doesn’t always match what scans or tests reveal — and that can be confusing for patients and clinicians alike. In this episode, Simon Coghlan explains the concept of pain memory, how the nervous system can amplify and prolong pain, and why factors like stress and past experience play a role. Learn how physiotherapy, activity, and psychological support can help retrain t...

Jaw clicks, pops, and cracks are common — but what do they really mean? In this episode, Simon Coghlan explores the mechanics behind jaw noises, from harmless disc clicks to grinding linked with arthritis, and even the risks of jaw hypermobility. Learn when these sounds are nothing to worry about, and when they’re a sign it’s time to seek help.   About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll...

In this episode, Simon Coghlan explores osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint — a condition that can bring pain, stiffness, and changes to the way the jaw moves. He explains what happens inside the joint as it ages, how symptoms progress, and the options for diagnosis and treatment. From simple lifestyle adjustments to advanced care, he shares practical insights to help you recognise the s...

Simon Coghlan from Dental Physiotherapy explores Myofascial Pain Syndrome — a key but often missed driver of orofacial pain. Learn how to recognise the signs, understand the triggers, and take steps toward lasting relief. About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Specialists in temporomandibular disorders...

Jaw pain, headaches, earache, or even a burning tongue — Craniomandibular Dysfunction (CMD) can present in ways you might not expect. In this episode, Simon Coghlan explores the complex, often confusing condition of CMD. Learn how it differs from other TMJ disorders, why diagnosis is so tricky, and how symptoms like tinnitus, neck pain, and mood changes may all be connected. About Your Hosts Simon...

Why does your jaw click, pop, or lock? In this episode, Simon explores TMJ disc displacement — a key driver of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Learn how the articular disc moves (and misaligns), what causes anterior disc displacement with or without reduction, and how structures like the retrodiscal tissue and lateral pterygoid muscle play a role. We also explore symptoms, treatment options,...

Ever wondered what really goes on inside your jaw when you talk, chew, or yawn? In this episode, Simon Coghlan describes some of the intricate anatomy and biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint — the small but mighty hinge that powers so much of daily life. From the structure of the TMJ disc to the mechanics of jaw movement and the role of muscles like the lateral pterygoid, this episode lays...

Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll introduce The Dental Physio Podcast, sharing their expertise in jaw pain, headaches, TMD, bruxism, and orofacial pain. Discover their approach, what’s ahead in future episodes, and first steps to easing jaw-related symptoms. About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Speci...