Headaches are a common medical problem that people deal with daily. In addition to treating many dental concerns, we treat frequent headaches in Owens Cross Roads, AL. However, if you experience frequent headaches, you want to find the source of your pain and get treatment as soon as possible.
Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD, are bite problems that affect your jaw and the surrounding facial muscles. TMJ disorders often lead to teeth grinding, jaw pain, and headaches. Dr. Elizabeth Duling offers treatment for TMJ headaches to help patients lessen everyday pain and discomfort.
About TMJ Headaches in Owens Cross Roads, AL
TMJ headaches are difficult to diagnose because many patients may not realize they have a TMJ disorder. If you have a headache, you may not think about other problems contributing to your pain. In addition to headaches, you can experience jaw discomfort, tooth pain, and more.
While you may not notice these symptoms, there is a way to tell if you have a TMJ headache. TMJ headaches are a type of tension headache. These headaches typically start where the jaw hinges on each side of the face and then travel up to the temple. While your pain level can vary, it will typically remain in this area.
What Causes TMJ Headaches?
TMJ headaches are caused by issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. This joint allows you to move your jaw for talking, chewing, and yawning. When the TMJ is not functioning properly, it can lead to discomfort and headaches. These headaches can range from mild to severe and often feel similar to tension or migraine headaches.
Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
One of the most common causes of TMJ headaches is bruxism, which involves clenching or grinding your teeth, often during sleep. This constant pressure on the jaw joint can strain the muscles around it, leading to tension and pain that radiates to the head. Over time, the repetitive clenching and grinding can wear down the cartilage in the joint, leading to inflammation and headaches.
Misalignment of the Jaw
When your jaw is not properly aligned, it puts extra stress on the TMJ. This misalignment can occur for various reasons, such as an uneven bite, missing teeth, or even poorly fitting dental work. When the jaw does not fit together correctly, the muscles around the TMJ work harder to compensate, leading to tension in the face and head. This tension can trigger headaches similar to those caused by muscle strain.
Injury to the Jaw or TMJ
Trauma to the jaw or TMJ area can cause damage to the joint and result in headaches. Injuries from accidents, such as a blow to the face or whiplash, can affect the alignment and function of the TMJ. Even if the injury heals, the joint may not function as smoothly as before, leading to ongoing tension, pain, and headaches.
Stress and Muscle Tension
Stress plays a significant role in TMJ-related headaches. When stressed, you may unknowingly clench your jaw or tighten the muscles around your face and neck. This muscle tension can strain the TMJ, leading to pain that can trigger headaches. Many people with TMJ disorders notice that their headaches worsen during periods of high stress or anxiety.
Arthritis in the TMJ
Arthritis can affect the TMJ just like any other joint in the body. Osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear type, can break down the cartilage in the joint, leading to inflammation and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, can also affect the TMJ by causing inflammation in the joint lining. Both types of arthritis can cause stiffness and pain in the TMJ, which may lead to headaches.
Poor Posture
Surprisingly, poor posture can contribute to TMJ headaches. Slouching or having a forward head posture can create tension in your neck and jaw muscles. This tension can affect the alignment and movement of the TMJ, leading to pain that radiates to the head. Improving your posture can help relieve this strain and reduce the frequency of TMJ headaches.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Headaches
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of TMJ headaches is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some key signs and symptoms to watch for:
1. Jaw Pain or Discomfort
Jaw pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with TMJ headaches. This discomfort can range from a mild ache to sharp, intense pain, often focused around the joint just before your ears. You may feel pain when you chew, speak, or yawn as the joint moves. In some cases, the pain can radiate to other areas of the face, making it hard to pinpoint the exact source.
2. Headaches Near the Temples
TMJ headaches often cause pain that feels similar to tension headaches or migraines. This pain is typically located around the temples, on the sides of the head, or behind the eyes. The discomfort is often described as a constant pressure or aching sensation. Sometimes, the headache may start near the jaw and move upward toward the temples, making it easy to confuse with other headaches.
3. Clicking or Popping Sounds in the Jaw
If you hear clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth, this could be a sign of TMJ dysfunction. These sounds occur when the joint isn’t moving smoothly due to misalignment or damage. While the clicking itself may not cause pain, it can contribute to discomfort in the surrounding muscles and lead to tension headaches.
4. Stiffness or Limited Movement of the Jaw
Another common symptom of TMJ-related headaches is jaw stiffness or difficulty opening and closing your mouth. This stiffness can make it challenging to eat, speak, or yawn. When the joint is restricted, it can cause tension in the surrounding muscles, leading to headaches that feel similar to tension headaches or migraines. You may also experience a “locked” jaw, which feels stuck in an open or closed position.
5. Ear Pain or Ringing
TMJ dysfunction often affects the areas around the ear, leading to ear pain or a sensation of fullness in the ears. Some people also experience tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. This ear discomfort can be mistaken for an ear infection, but it is related to the misalignment or irritation of the TMJ. This pain can contribute to headaches by adding pressure around the head and neck.
6. Neck and Shoulder Pain
TMJ headaches can also cause pain and tension in the neck and shoulders. The muscles around the TMJ connect to the neck and upper body, and when the joint isn’t functioning properly, it can cause tightness and pain in these areas. This tension often radiates upward, contributing to the headache. If you frequently experience neck and shoulder pain along with headaches, TMJ dysfunction could be the underlying cause.
7. Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
Bruxism, or the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, can also be a sign of TMJ-related headaches. Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it, which puts extra stress on the TMJ. This repetitive motion can lead to muscle tension and joint irritation, causing headaches upon waking or throughout the day.
8. Sensitivity to Light or Sound
Similar to migraines, TMJ headaches can sometimes cause sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sound (phonophobia). This sensitivity can make it difficult to focus on your daily activities. If these symptoms accompany your headaches, it’s important to consider whether TMJ dysfunction may be a contributing factor.
Treating TMJ Headaches in Owens Cross Roads, AL
Once we determine that you have headaches because of TMD, we will help find the best treatment for you. Our dental office will thoroughly examine and take dental X-rays of the teeth, gums, and jaw. Then, we may recommend one or more of these treatments:
Oral Appliances
Bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding, are common symptoms of TMJ disorders. A TMJ mouthguard, also known as a night guard, can cover the upper or lower teeth to prevent tooth wear and facial pain. Oral appliances use hard plastic, typically acrylic, to discourage teeth clenching and grinding.
We can take dental impressions of your smile to create this removable oral appliance. Our office sends these impressions to a lab that crafts the appliance. After several weeks, you will return to our office to receive your night guard.
Wearing this appliance during sleep will prevent unconscious teeth grinding and clenching. They work by separating the teeth so the teeth cannot make contact, which will help relax the jaw. Less tension in the jaw will result in less frequent or no headaches.
Restorative Dentistry
When Dr. Duling diagnoses TMD, she measures your bite. She takes note of your range of motion, bite pressure, and how your teeth come together. Dr. Duling may see that your teeth are out of alignment or that gaps in your smile impact your bite. Misaligned and crooked teeth can worsen headaches and other TMD symptoms.
Restorative dentistry treatments help your teeth connect properly and align your bite. With a proper bite, you will no longer place stress on your jaw joints, and your TMJ headaches should disappear. Dr. Duling may recommend dental bonding, dental crowns, bridges, or other treatments to align your bite.
Orthodontics
Dr. Duling offers several forms of clear aligners that can realign your bite. We offer ClearCorrect™ and Invisalign®. These aligners are clear and more comfortable compared to metal braces. During these treatments, you will wear clear aligners for several months. You will switch each pair of aligners for a new pair every couple of weeks to gently move your teeth into proper alignment.
We also offer Six Month Smiles. Six Month Smiles is similar to braces but offers several differences. This orthodontic treatment uses clear and light brackets and wires that match the natural color of your teeth. This will make these braces very discreet while they shift your teeth into their proper position.
Six Month Smiles will properly align your bite, making your top and bottom teeth connect correctly. Following treatment, you should feel less strain on your jaw joints and muscles and experience fewer TMJ headaches. Crooked teeth can contribute to TMJ pain and headaches because they place pressure on different areas of the smile.
How Can I Treat TMJ Headaches at Home?
In addition to dental treatment, we recommend incorporating at-home care to minimize headaches. Follow these tips when you feel tension headaches at home:
- Use Heat Packs: A hot compress increases blood circulation and reduces muscle and joint inflammation. Relaxing your facial muscles with a heating pad can also reduce tension headaches. You can apply heat for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
- Avoid Hard and Crunchy Foods: Biting and chewing hard foods can increase pain in your head and temple. Eating softer foods will help relax your jaw and reduce your chance of developing a tension headache.
- Correct Your Jaw Position: Sometimes, your jaw position can contribute to headaches. Relaxing your jaw can minimize tension in your face and lessen headaches. To relax your jaw, place the top of your tongue on the roof of the mouth behind your upper teeth. Then, slightly open your mouth. Your teeth should not be touching.
Dental Headache FAQs
A few different dental things can cause you to have regular headaches. Read the answers to these questions to learn more.
Can my headache be from my teeth?
There are multiple ways you can receive a headache from your teeth. One of the most common is TMJ disorders. Since you typically grind and clench your teeth at night, there’s tension and pain throughout the head and face. You may also have an infection that radiates pain throughout the face, causing headaches. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis.
How can I tell my teeth are causing my headache?
You usually experience symptoms in the mouth and jaw if your teeth are the cause. Commonly, you’ll have pain when you bite down or consume hot or cold food and beverages. If it’s TMJ causing your headaches, you may have problems moving your job in certain ways. Your jaw may also pop and click when you use it.
How do I relieve pain from a dental headache?
You can use normal over-the-counter pain relievers to treat a headache caused by your smile. Some experts say that ibuprofen is especially adept at treating toothaches. As an anti-inflammatory, ibuprofen is ideal when you experience swelling. Follow the directions on the bottle to avoid complications.
How do I relieve the pressure and tension in my head?
These things commonly accompany dental headaches. Gently massage your temples to help relax the muscles in your face so that they aren’t as tense. Cold compresses can help ease your pain, while a heating pad relaxes the muscles so that they aren’t as tight.
Why do I get a headache after dental work?
This is a common issue after dental work. Sometimes, it’s caused by the stress of needing a dental procedure. If you get anesthesia during your appointment, a headache is one of the most common side effects. You may also need to keep your mouth open for an extended period, leading to muscle stress and strain.
Can a rotten tooth cause headaches?
Yes, tooth decay and periodontal disease can spread infection to other areas of your body. The head is one of the most common places to feel pain aside from the tooth. As the infection gets deeper, you start feeling the pain in other areas of your body.
Treat Tension Headaches Today
If you experience headaches often, especially in the morning, schedule an appointment with Dr. Duling. She will analyze your bite to determine if you have TMD. Our dental practice offers many services to treat TMJ headaches in Owens Cross Roads, AL. Call our dental office for care at 256.202.4186. You can also schedule your next appointment online with our online form.