Would you be surprised to learn that your dental alignment can potentially impact your overall health? For instance, if your upper and lower teeth don’t come together correctly when you bite down, not only might you develop a sore jaw, but you might also start experiencing frequent or persistent headaches.
However, TMJ disorders aren’t the only cause of this kind of pain, and it’s only natural to wonder whether your discomfort is due to an underlying oral issue. Continue reading to learn more about what TMJ headaches feel like so you know when to contact your dentist for help!
What Is a TMJ Disorder?
Your jawbone connects to your skull via two sliding-disc joints that are located just in front of each of your earlobes. When they’re functioning properly, your TMJ (temporomandibular joints) provide your mouth with a complete range of motion. It allows you to open and close your arches, slide your mouth side to side, or push your chin forward and back.
However, if these joints are overworked due to a bite misalignment, bruxism (teeth grinding), or another reason, they can become painfully inflamed in a condition referred to as TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder.
How Do I Know if I Developed TMD?
Several signs can indicate an underlying TMJ concern, including clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth, difficulty chewing, or experiencing a stiff or locked jaw. You might also notice ringing in the ear, sore shoulders, and facial tenderness. The pain may be worse early in the morning, just after you’ve woken up, if it’s due to subconsciously clenching your teeth at night.
But these aren’t the only symptoms of TMD. This condition can unfortunately also cause headaches, which are often the first indicator patients notice that lets them know they might have a problem with their jaw joints. This ache can be constant and dull, and might occur on one or both sides of your face, radiating from the jaw to the ear, scalp, neck, and shoulders.
How Can I Reduce Headaches from TMJ?
If you believe that your dental condition is causing your headaches, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can examine your teeth, gums, and bite alignment, and take X-rays or other scans to determine the full extent of any harm done.
Then, they can devise a customized treatment plan to address your condition, such as providing a custom-fitted nightguard to cushion your upper and lower arches, thereby reducing the pressure from constant clenching. Your dentist might also improve your symptoms by straightening your smile with an orthodontic service, such as ClearCorrect Clear Aligners.
There’s no reason to continue living with daily headaches. Contact your dentist to schedule a TMJ consultation, and they’ll help identify and treat the underlying cause of your discomfort.
Meet the Author
Dr. Alec Starostik strives to provide patients with top-quality dental care in a comfortable setting that reduces anxiety while protecting their smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, and today, is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association. He offers a comprehensive menu of services, including TMJ treatments, to enhance your dental condition and improve your daily quality of life. You can request an appointment on the website or call (814) 826-3767.