Relief from Dental Headaches & Jaw Pain
If you constantly experience headaches or migraines, but don’t know why, you may suffer from temporomandibular disorder. Also called TMJ or TMD, the condition can contribute to chronic earaches, jaw pain, shoulder and neck pain, an inability to completely open and close your mouth, and popping or clicking of your jaw joints.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJs, or temporomandibular joints, are located just behind the innermost teeth in your jaw. They hold the jaw, or mandible, to the skull’s temporal bones – thus the name. Properly aligned TMJ joints allow the mouth to move freely, without pain or problems. Misaligned joints, however, can lead to pain and habitual, involuntary teeth grinding, called bruxism. Stress, injury, tooth wear, tooth damage, jaw malformation, and tooth misalignment can contribute to TMJ disorder. Muscles and nerves around the jaw joints must work overtime to hold the jaw in proper position for normal function if the joints are not aligned correctly. Overstressed muscles and nerves can send pain signals to the brain, and in some cases, the muscles contract during sleep, causing bruxism. Continual clenching and grinding of teeth causes tooth wear and breakage, elevating the problem.
Treating TMJ Disorder & Bruxism
For mild to moderate TMJ disorder, and for bruxism, an oral appliance may help. An NTI appliance, (or another type of bite appliance based on individual needs), usually worn while sleeping, can often relieve the painful and degenerative symptoms of TMJ disorder. If your TMJ pain is not relieved with the NTI appliance, stress relief exercises, or simple habit changes (no gum chewing, for instance), then we may refer you to a specialist.
Alleviate chronic headaches & jaw pain
Headaches and chronic jaw pain can often be symptoms of TMJ disorder or other bite dysfunction. To learn how we can help you alleviate yours, schedule an appointment by calling Syosset Dental today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678. We proudly serve the residents of Syosset, Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk, and all surrounding New York City communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can jaw problems cause headaches?
Yes, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can lead to headaches. When the jaw muscles are strained or overworked, the pain can spread to the head, causing tension-like headaches. This is known as referred pain and is a common symptom of TMJ disorders.
What are the common symptoms of TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorders often cause jaw pain, facial discomfort, headaches, and clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth. Some people may also experience difficulty chewing or limited jaw movement. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe depending on the condition.
Can TMJ disorders go away on their own?
Some mild TMJ symptoms may improve with rest and self-care, such as avoiding hard foods and reducing jaw strain. However, ongoing or severe symptoms usually require professional evaluation and treatment. Early care can help prevent long-term complications.
What causes jaw pain and headaches at the same time?
Jaw pain and headaches can occur due to teeth grinding, jaw clenching, stress, injury, or misalignment of the bite. These factors put pressure on the TMJ and surrounding muscles. Over time, this strain can trigger both facial pain and recurring headaches.
How are TMJ disorders and bruxism treated?
Treatment for TMJ disorders and bruxism often begins with a custom night guard or NTI device to reduce jaw pressure and teeth grinding. If needed, stress management and habit changes may be recommended. In more complex cases, a referral to a specialist may be necessary for advanced care.
