Do you suffer from chronic headaches? Chronic headaches are frequently a side effect of TMJ disorders.
The connection points between the upper and lower jaw are the temporomandibular joints. Issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control jaw movements can arise, causing discomfort and pain.
Other uncomfortable symptoms can cause considerable harm to your teeth and hinder the use of your jaw and teeth together. Our dentists have experience treating complex dental concerns related to bite function. We offer personalized and comprehensive treatment plans that address the cause of TMJ-related symptoms such as headaches. Premier Dental Care offers in Lancaster and Palmdale.
Are My Headaches an Oral Health Concern?
Teeth grinding, or bruxism is the habit of grinding the upper and lower jaw. Many patients grind their teeth unknowingly in stressful situations or while they are asleep. Bruxism causes jaw and muscle and can cause excessive tooth wear, TMJ disorders, and headaches. The pressure caused by grinding the jaws together agitates the facial and head muscles creating painful headaches when patients wake.
TMJ disorders affect the alignment, function, and health of the jaw, muscles, and joints. Many patients may experience painful symptoms due to bruxism, an uneven bite, or trauma to the jaw joint. Patients with a malfunctioning jaw joint also often experience chronic headaches.
Treating Dental Headaches
A variety of treatment methods can be employed depending on the underlying cause of your headaches. We’ll determine if you have a TMJ disorder, are grinding your teeth, have a misaligned bite, or a combination of these factors. For starters, a change in lifestyle habits can help. We can teach you exercises to help release tension and relax your jaw and facial muscles.
Oral appliance therapy is used for issues with TMJ disorders. A night guard is worn at night to prevent you from grinding your teeth together. It also positions your jaw so that your bite is aligned correctly when you’re asleep. This should help you wake up without any facial pain.
Orthodontics can be used to correct your misaligned bite. Your jaw comes together in the proper way, which allows the pressure of your bite to be evenly distributed. Restorative solutions like dental crowns can help treat any teeth that have been broken or worn down because of the pressure of your misaligned bite.
Headaches FAQs
What foods are good to eat to make a headache go away?
Yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes are all known to help with headaches. Drinking water will also help hydrate your body, which can help make a headache go away. Brown rice and dried fruits are also known to be good for headaches.
Can TMJ cause daily headaches?
TMJ can increase an individual’s chance of having daily migraines by about 60%. It also increases the chance that your migraines will be frequent. Patients with TMJ are approximately two times more likely to have daily or multiple migraines per week.
Will TMJ headaches go away on their own?
TMJ headaches typically do not go away on their own. You can reduce them with treatment, but once a patient starts getting TMJ headaches they will not go away on their own.
Can a root canal cause a headache?
Headaches and dizziness can occur as a result of root canal treatment complications. Headaches are not uncommon the first few days after treatment, but these problems should only occur for an extended period if there is an issue with your root canal.
How long does a headache last after a tooth extraction?
Swelling from a dental extraction can cause headaches, or pain in the jaw, neck, or temples. These symptoms should diminish within a couple of days post-procedure.
Can tooth nerve damage cause headaches?
Nerve pain caused by tooth damage can trigger a severe headache also known as a migraine. Migraines due to nerve damage can cause isolated throbbing pain on one side of the head. Light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting are all also possible side effects.
Request a Dental Exam Today
Treat chronic headaches at the source. Call our Lancaster, CA dentist office at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online. Call our Palmdale, CA dentist office at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale dentist office online. Dr. Naguib and his team offer comprehensive care for patients suffering from TMJ headaches.