Do you find yourself dealing with headaches relatively frequently? It can be a frustrating experience, especially when it’s recurring, but this is a common symptom when it comes to an issue with your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). These connect your lower jaw to your skull, but they can sometimes be the cause of the discomfort you feel. Here’s what you need to know about TMJ headaches and how your dentist can help find you relief.
Why Does TMJ Disorder Cause Headaches?
TMJ disorder (TMD) occurs when your jaw joints are injured or overworked. It can happen if you grind or clench your teeth, but there are many reasons why you can develop this condition. Regardless of the culprit that’s true for you, the muscles around your mouth may be put under pressure, leading to them becoming sore and causing pain in your head.
How Can I Tell If I Have a TMJ Headache?
Oftentimes, TMJ headaches can be mistaken for tension or migraine ones. You may feel discomfort on the sides of your forehead, jaw, cheeks, and behind your eyes. However, as similar as they might be, certain symptoms unique to TMJ disorder may accompany it, such as:
- Pain or difficulty chewing
- Earaches
- Trouble opening or closing your mouth
- Popping or clicking when you move your jaw
What Can I Do About My TMJ Headaches?
If you suspect your headaches or TMJ-related symptoms, or you have any of the other signs of this condition, then you should have it looked at by your dentist. They will be able to perform oral examinations and take X-rays to understand if there’s a problem with your jaw joints. Depending on what they find, they can help you get a diagnosis, then give you treatment for it.
One handy thing you can get from your provider is an occlusal splint. It’s a custom mouthguard that moves your lower jaw slightly forward, so that the joints can rest just a bit. After several months of wearing it, you might even notice that your TMJ disorder symptoms lessen.
Equilibration/occlusal adjustments are another option that you can consider. In this service, your dentist will see how the resting position of your TMJs affects the way your teeth come together. This can put pressure on certain structures, creating pain. By finding the spots most affected by this, they can gently reshape a certain tooth or two and help them meet smoothly.
In the end, TMJ headaches can be frustrating to deal with, but it’s important to understand how they feel. Keep in mind the other signs that may accompany them; that way, you can feel confident getting the professional care you deserve to get relief.
About the Practice
At Dentistry in Buckhead, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Peter Pate and Dr. Henry Almquist. We are happy to help the Atlanta community with their smiles, but also their TMJ disorder. By helping you get a diagnosis, we can then work with you to find a treatment that works for your unique case. If you suspect your headaches are related to your jaw joints, schedule an appointment or call our office at (404) 266-9424.