It can be hard to pinpoint the cause of frequent headaches, but few people think of their jaw as a possible culprit. Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is what connects your jaw to your skull. It’s what allows your jaw to move up and down and side to side.
This complex joint allows you to talk, chew, and more, but when it becomes irritated or isn’t working properly, you can experience a long list of symptoms, including headaches. Headaches are a common symptom of TMJ disorder or TMD.
Call 979-279-8839 for an appointment for treatment at Johnson Dentistry in Bryan, TX.
TMJ pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with your daily routine. People with TMD often experience headaches because of the tightness, inflammation, and irritation in their TMJ.
The muscles of your temporomandibular joint (the ones in your jaw and cheeks) can become irritated, leading to pain that begins in your cheeks and travels to the sides and top of your head, resulting in a TMJ headache.
If you suspect TMJ could be to blame for your pain, we encourage you to visit our Bryan, Texas dental office. During a one-on-one consultation, Dr. Johnson will work with you to figure out what’s causing your TMJ pain and the treatment that is right for you.
Your TMJ treatment depends on what’s causing your pain, as well as its severity. At Johnson Dentistry we offer several treatments for TMJ.
Many people with mild cases of TMJ find relief with DIY at-home treatments. We will happily show you various jaw and facial relaxation exercises and suggest lifestyle changes that can help relieve your pain and prevent further irritation.
Some people with TMJ can benefit from dental restorations like a dental crown or bridge that realigns your bite to reduce the stress on your jaw.
We frequently make custom night guards to help our patients stop grinding their teeth, but they can also help relieve pain and discomfort, including headaches, from TMJ disorder. A custom-fit mouthguard or night guard gently moves your lower jaw slightly forward to reposition your temporomandibular joints. This can help reduce the pressure on your TMJ.
For severe TMJ symptoms, surgery might be the best option. In this case, we can refer you to a reputable outside specialist.
Take the first step toward headache relief by calling Johnson Dentistry at 979-279-8839 today to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you return to your routine pain-free.
Call Johnson Dentistry at 979-279-8839 or request an appointment online in Bryan, TX.
