How often do you start your day with a headache? If it occurs often, the potential cause might surprise you. Believe it or not, TMJ disorders can cause many symptoms, including migraines. How can you tell if TMJ dysfunction is the culprit? Here’s what you need to know to stop your pain.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located just in front of your ears. They connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow you to perform the movements necessary for speaking, chewing, yawning, and much more.
Unfortunately, the joints can function incorrectly for various reasons, like injuries, a bad bite, or teeth grinding. No matter the reason, TMJ problems can cause several issues that can affect your quality of life, including headaches.
How are Headaches Connected to TMJ?
You’ve probably heard that your oral and overall health are connected. Various dental problems can affect your wellness, including TMD. TMJ disorders result from inflammation or damage in the joints. Your facial muscles and ligaments can become inflamed and tender. This can cause pain in the forehead and skull.
Not all morning time headaches are caused by TMJ. However, if you experience other symptoms, jaw dysfunction might be the cause, like:
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
- Jaw locking in an open or closed position.
- Clicking, popping, or grating sensations.
- Pain or ringing in the ears.
- Neck or shoulder pain.
Treating TMJ Disorders
You don’t have to live with headaches or jaw dysfunction. Your dentist has the solutions you need, which may include:
- Bruxism Treatment: Teeth grinding and TMJ disorders go hand in hand because one can trigger the other. Treating bruxism with a nightguard will take pressure off your TMJs and protect your teeth from damage.
- Oral Appliance: A custom-fit oral appliance trains your jaw to rest in a more comfortable position.
- Orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners can improve the relationship between your upper and lower teeth to resolve TMJ problems.
Treating your jaw pain can also stop your headaches. You’ll wake up feeling your best while benefiting from better jaw functions. You won’t think twice before chomping down on a juicy hamburger.
About Dr. Hira Khan
Dr. Khan achieved her dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine with an award for excellence for Implant Prosthetics. She has regularly continued her education in many specialties, like TMJ treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign. Request an appointment through her website or call (972) 433-9722 to stop your jaw pain.