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Saturday, April 11, 2026

When jaw pain, headaches or tiredness don’t go away — it could be more than just stress

Many people silently endure snoring, jaw discomfort, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), general headaches, or persistent tiredness, without realising these symptoms could all be connected — and often originate in the jaw or how we breathe during sleep.

For countless Australians, symptoms like these are dismissed as stress-related or ‘just part of life’. But left untreated, they can impact not only quality of sleep, but daily function, mood, and long-term health.

Dr Kavitha Vegunta, a Canberra-based dentist with over 15 years of clinical experience, helps patients uncover the often-missed link between oral structures, airway health, and chronic pain or fatigue through her work at Dental Sleep and TMJ Therapy Clinic.

“They’ve tried medication, physiotherapy, or dental work — but the real issue is often jaw joint dysfunction or sleep-related breathing disorders. Once identified, there are effective ways to treat it.”

The clinic offers a range of non-invasive, evidence-based treatments tailored to individual needs. One widely used solution is the Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) — a custom oral appliance worn during sleep that gently repositions the lower jaw to improve airflow and reduce snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.

Patients also seek help for:

  • Jaw clicking, locking, or stiffness
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Tinnitus linked to jaw issues
  • Persistent general headaches or facial tension
  • Fatigue and poor sleep quality

Dr Vegunta and her team work closely with GPs, sleep physicians, and allied health providers to offer coordinated care that addresses the root cause — not just the symptoms.

For many, understanding what’s behind their discomfort is the first step.

To learn more or book a consultation, visit dentalsleeptherapy.au or call 02 6106 9307.

Dental Sleep and TMJ Therapy Clinic: Where headaches ease, sleep improves, and silence returns — naturally.

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