Headaches? TMJ Might Be the Culprit
November 6, 2017
Do you notice that you have frequent, unexplained headaches? If so, it is possible that temporomandibular joint problems could be to blame. TMJ is fairly common and is estimated to affect over five percent of the population. It is typically caused by an injury to the jaw joint, teeth grinding, misalignment of the teeth or excessive stress. It doesn’t usually resolve itself and typically requires treatment or behavioral changes. If left untreated, your symptoms can become more severe and can affect your daily life.
Common Symptoms of TMJ
One of the most common symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) is frequent headaches. These may be especially severe in the morning if you tend to grind or clench your teeth while sleeping. Additional symptoms to watch out for include:
- Pain and tenderness around your jaw joint
- Pain around one or both ears
- Difficulty chewing
- Frequent earaches
- Stiff muscles in the jaw or neck and shoulder area
- Unexplained, aching facial pain
- Clicking or grinding noises that accompany jaw movement
- Locking of the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw joint typically occurs with severe cases of TMD. It can cause the mouth to become “stuck” in a closed or open position. To keep this from happening, you should visit Dr. Duran for diagnosis and treatment before your symptoms become severe.
Treatment Options
Often, those who suffer from TMJ problems also grind their teeth at night. To prevent both issues, a custom mouth guard or other oral appliance may be worn at night to prevent tooth grinding and ease tension on the jaw joint. In other cases, behavioral therapies may be recommended in combination with orthotics or pain medicine to manage TMD symptoms.
Treat Your Jaw Pain Today
Wondering if your headaches and jaw pain are related to TMD? To receive a diagnosis and treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramon Duran, an experienced dentist. Appointments can be arranged by contacting Duran and Martinez Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry in San Juan, PR today!