TMJ disorder, or TMD, is a term that describes a wide variety of potential issues affecting the jaw joint, muscles in the face, neck, and surrounding nerves. It can cause some people a lot of pain in their jaw joints and the surrounding muscles, as well as headaches. At Howard County Smiles, we treat TMJ headaches in Columbia, MD, as part of advanced dental care. We can help reduce facial pain and discomfort by treating the root of the problem.
The Link Between TMJ Disorders and Headaches
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is found at the base of your jaw, connecting the upper and lower jaws. This joint works like a sliding hinge, allowing you to open and close your mouth and move your jaw forward and backward. There is a TMJ on both sides of your jaw.
Symptoms of TMJ disorders can vary from person to person, but a common issue many people experience is frequent headaches. These headaches are often tension headaches caused by clenching or grinding your teeth, especially at night.
When your teeth don’t line up correctly and your jaws aren’t aligned, it puts stress on the muscles in your face. This tension can lead to headaches, making it important to address any TMJ issues for relief.
Signs of TMJ Headaches
Tension in the jaw and mouth throughout the day contributes to chronic headaches and migraines. These “TMJ headaches” most commonly occur in the morning as a result of clenching and grinding of the teeth during sleep.
Other signs that could indicate TMD-related headaches are:
- Facial pain (often in the temporal region or sides of the face)
- Pain in the neck and/or shoulders
- Migraine, or migraine-like headaches
- Earache or feeling of fullness in the ears
Being aware of these signs can help you identify whether your headaches may be related to TMD. If you notice these symptoms, contact our office. We can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend effective treatment options to help relieve your discomfort.
TMJ Headache Therapy in Columbia, MD
TMJ disorders can be very complex and hard to diagnose. If you suspect that your headaches are caused by TMJ, teeth grinding, or other dental problems, the first step is an evaluation with the dentist. Our dentist will review your dental and medical history and examine the fit of your bite and alignment of the TMJ.
Depending on the severity of your headaches and condition, one or several treatments may be recommended. We will utilize advanced dental care technologies to diagnose and evaluate your TMJ or teeth grinding problems to see if you have a TMJ disorder.
The dentist will choose the most conservative TMJ treatment options first, which may involve lifestyle changes or the use of an oral appliance, such as a TMJ mouthguard. For more severe cases, or after exhausting conservative options, bite correction therapy. This treatment restores the alignment of teeth and TMJ. We may recommend this option for lasting comfort and a permanent solution.
TMJ Therapy: Patient Testimonial
“My headache reduction is at 98%.”
Our dentist has extensive training in diagnosing occlusal and TMJ disorders and has incorporated some of the latest technology into his Howard County dental office near you. Using Tekscan digital technology, we can more accurately determine an imbalance in the bite and create a customized treatment plan.
TMJ Headaches FAQs
Learn more about TMJ headaches in Columbia, MD, with answers to these common patient questions:
Can TMJ be the cause of all migraines?
TMJ increased patients’ chances of having migraines by almost 60%. If you experience migraines, their frequency and severity are also increased. Many patients with TMJ report having migraines daily or many times throughout the week. TMJ treatment can help reduce migraines related to TMJ.
Can TMJ cause brain problems?
TMJ puts stress on muscles in patients’ necks and shoulders, as well as their jaws. This causes more work for the brain to maintain equilibrium. When the brain is having to focus more on this, it has fewer capabilities for other areas, which can cause brain issues.
What does a TMJ headache feel like?
TMJ headaches are typically described as being a high sensation and an achy headache, often only on one side of the head. The headache is usually worse on the side where the patient has TMJ.
The pain can vary in intensity. This ranges from mild discomfort to a more severe, throbbing sensation. Some individuals might also notice that a feeling of tightness or pressure around the temples or jaw accompanies the headache.
What can worsen a TMJ headache?
Several factors can worsen headaches:
- Jaw Clenching: Many people clench their jaws, especially when stressed or concentrating. This tension can increase pressure in the jaw muscles. Over time, it leads to more headaches.
- Teeth Grinding: Also known as bruxism, grinding your teeth—often while you sleep—can strain the TMJ and worsen headaches. Tension and pressure in the TMJ can move to different parts of the face.
- Poor Posture: Sitting or standing with poor posture can significantly increase strain on your neck and jaw, leading to discomfort and even headaches. When you hunch over a computer or phone, your head tilts forward, which shifts your body’s alignment. This misalignment places additional pressure on the muscles in your neck and jaw.
- Certain Foods: Chewing hard or chewy foods can put stress on your jaw. Foods like gum, tough meats, or crunchy snacks may trigger or worsen a headache. We will recommend that you eat a soft diet during treatment.
- Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress can lead to muscle tension in your jaw and neck. Finding ways to relax, like deep breathing or yoga, can help reduce headaches. We often recommend these lifestyle changes in addition to in-office treatment.
Get a Dental Exam and TMJ Consultation
Successful treatment can be life-changing for those who suffer from TMD symptoms, restoring their dental health and daily quality of life. Treat headaches in Columbia, MD, today. Call us at (410) 415-9013 or request an appointment online.
Let us know if you have more questions about TMJ headaches; we will gladly help.