Do you have regular pain in your head? Well, believe it or not, your headaches could be linked to issues with the balance of your bite or strain on your jaw joints. Common disorders like TMJ disorder and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) could cause discomfort and even damage your smile! Fortunately, your Syosset, NY, dentist can offer relief with oral appliance therapy.
The Link Between Headaches and Bite Balance
When we have poor balance in our bite, this could strain the temporomandibular joints. These joints connect our jaw and skull, and we need them for our jaws to function properly, allowing us to eat and speak without discomfort. But the strain and stress could mean trouble fully opening and closing the mouth, and a host of uncomfortable symptoms. Headaches and migraines are common developments, whether you’re suffering from TMJ disorder, bruxism, or both!
TMJ Disorder and Bruxism
TMJ disorder is caused by the jaw joint strain we mentioned above. Unless treated, it could lead to an associated disorder known as bruxism. With bruxism, we grind and clench our teeth nightly, which wears them down and even damages them. Your teeth could appear short, and tooth decay and infection become more likely. In addition, if you develop bruxism and don’t seek treatment, the pressure from the disorder could lead to TMJ issues as well. Along with headaches, warning signs include popping or cracking in your jaw, facial pain, aches in the jaw, neck, and shoulders, and if you grind your teeth, tooth sensitivity and toothaches. If you experience one or more of these potential warning signs, you need to see us right away.
Diagnosis and Treatment
We will start with an exam so we can diagnose the cause of your discomfort. With advanced digital imaging and digital x-rays, we will be able to diagnose the presence of these disorders with precision and accuracy, and choose the most appropriate treatment option. Restoring balance could rely on replacing missing teeth, placing a restoration, or employing orthodontics to correct misalignment. However, we often address the concerns with an oral appliance. Custom-made for your smile to ensure a proper fit, these devices fit like a mouthguard and repositions the jaw to ease strain. They also put a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent further damage. If you have any questions about treating the causes of your headaches and keeping your smile strong, then contact our team today to learn more!
Do You Have Questions About Treating Jaw Joint Strain?
We know that migraines could often point to issues with the balance of your bite, which is why the team at Syosset Dental in Syosset, NY provides treatment for issues like TMD and teeth grinding. Contact our office at (516) 433-2211 to schedule your appointment today.
