Do you wake up each morning with a tension headache? Does your jaw pop or get stiff? You may be suffering from TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ disorders can often be the culprit behind disruptive migraines or recurring headaches. While it may not seem like your first line of defense, treating your bite may be the answer to alleviating your pain and improving your quality of life.
The TMJ is your jaw joint. When there is an imbalance in the jaw or a teeth-grinding habit, this joint becomes stressed and causes discomfort. The following symptoms indicate TMJ problems:
- Headaches, migraines or tension headaches
- Jaw pain
- Jaw clicking, popping and locking
- Difficulty chewing
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Ear pain
Treating Your TMD
The first step is to evaluate your bite (or occlusion). This includes looking for signs of worn teeth that may indicate nighttime teeth grinding as well as examining the way your teeth fit together. A misalignment that is causing extra tension on the TMJ may be corrected with orthodontics. However, if teeth grinding is the culprit to your painful jaw symptoms or headaches, then a custom nighttime mouth guard may be recommended. In some cases, proper occlusion can be achieved by repairing a tooth with a crown or dental bonding.
If you are suffering from unexplained headaches and haven’t found relief with traditional treatments, consider scheduling a consultation at Basin Dentistry to be evaluated for TMJ disorder. We use state-of-the-art technology and the latest imaging to make sure you get the most accurate diagnosis possible, including advanced 3-D Cone Beam imaging as well as cephalometric and panoramic x-rays. This allows us to effectively treat the underlying cause of your jaw pain so that you can enjoy the healthy, comfortable smile you deserve.
Posted on behalf of Basin Dentistry