In the United States alone, over ten million people suffer from a jaw joint disorder. TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, can cause many dental and health issues. Can TMD cause headaches? You may be surprised to learn that a common jaw joint disorder can lead to chronic head pain. Fortunately, we have minimally-invasive and comfortable treatment options available.
Headaches and Other TMD Symptoms
When jaw joints undergo excessive strain and TMD occurs, a number of symptoms may develop. You may notice pain in your jaw or experience a popping or clicking sensation. In addition, you may suffer from chronic headaches, as well as earaches or pain in your neck or shoulders. If these symptoms sound familiar, then consider contacting our dentist. Dr. engelberg will diagnose and provide treatment recommendations for TMJ disorders.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Why do our jaw joints undergo excessive stress? The cause could be tied to poor restorations, misalignment, tooth loss, or possibly even bruxism (teeth grinding/jaw clenching). Over time, the disorder can make fully opening and closing your mouth difficult.
How Do I Treat the Disorder?
Treatment will depend on the cause of your TMD and the severity. In some cases, lifestyle changes can help address the issue. You may cut back on daily stress, stop chewing on hard/chewy foods/objects, perform muscle exercises several times a day, and apply a warm compress to the side of the face to ease tension in the jaw.
If you require more serious treatment, we may suggest an oral appliance. Worn at night, this device repositions the jaw to ease strain. We may also recommend orthodontics to address misalignment or placing a restoration to reduce stress on the joints, such as a dental crown.