Do you suffer from chronic headaches? In addition to being a burden that makes your daily life difficulty, head pain could also be a warning sign of a problem. Should you see a dentist about headaches? TMJ disorder or bruxism could be behind your difficult migraines. Your dentist can provide treatment for these disorders and address your discomfort.
Common Questions About Headaches and Oral Health
Question: How does TMD cause headaches?
Answer: TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, occurs when the jaw joints undergo excessive stress, often the result of injury to the jaw, tooth loss, bruxism, or malocclusion. The strain can lead to headaches, as well as a popping or clicking sensation in the jaw, facial discomfort, and jaw pain.
Question: How is bruxism linked to head pain?
Answer: When you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, you may experience headaches, tooth sensitivity, toothaches, and jaw pain. Bruxism may be the result of stress, TMJ disorder, tooth loss, or injury to the face or jaw. Episodes typically occur at night, so a headache or pain in your teeth may be your only warning sign that you should see a dentist.
Question: What happens if these issues go untreated?
Answer: Without treatment, TMJ disorder can make fully opening and closing the mouth difficult. Bruxism can eventually wear down enamel or even crack/chip teeth, increasing the risk of eventual decay or infection. Of course other symptoms, such as headaches, will continue unabated.
Question: How will the doctor treat the issue?
Answer: Typically, the doctor will recommend an oral appliance. Worn at night, the device prevents further damage to teeth grinding by placing a barrier between the teeth. In addition, the device can reposition the jaw to ease strain on the joints, addressing TMJ disorder. If you have any questions about treating TMJ or bruxism-related head pain, then contact our office today.
