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Seeing a Dentist for Headaches |
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Headaches can seriously affect your day-to-day life when the pain is persistent and recurring. There are many different types of headaches and just as many different causes. |
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| Author: Sara Goldstein |
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TMJ and Headaches
You have two TMJs, one on each side of your head. The TMJ is a hinged joint connecting your lower jawbone to your skull. The joint makes it possible for you to eat, speak, yawn, open and close your mouth and slide your jaw from side to side.
Various conditions can lead to TMJ/TMD symptoms, including:
• Grinding and clenching your teeth
• Bite misalignment
• Jaw injury
• Rheumatoid arthritis
These conditions and behaviors exert pressure and stress on the TMJ, as well as surrounding muscles and ligaments. A fatigued and stressed TMJ can lead to migraine-like headaches.
Dental Treatments for Headaches
If your headaches are caused by TMJ/TMD, there are several dental approaches to preventing headaches. These treatments include:
• Splints and mouth guards
• Orthodontics
• Dental restorations
If your headaches are caused by TMJ and muscle fatigue brought on by teeth grinding, a nighttime mouth guard may be recommended. When you get a mouth guard from a dentist, the device will be customized to your teeth. Mouth guards are plastic trays you wear over your teeth while you sleep. The mouth guard prevents the teeth from grinding against one another.
Mouth guards are not always successful in preventing teeth clenching. Clenching is holding your upper and lower jaw together, and some people clench while sleeping. In some cases, mouth guards may make clenching worse. Ask your dentist about the best way to prevent clenching.
A misaligned bite can also cause TMJ pain. When the teeth and jaws do not come together correctly, unbalanced pressure may be exerted on the TMJ. Braces and other orthodontic treatment may be the best treatment for you if you have bite misalignment.
In you do not require braces, dental restorations like fillings and tooth crowns may achieve a balanced bite. Worn down and unbalanced teeth can often be corrected with these restorations.
Of course, there are many possible causes of headaches. Many environmental triggers, like food and smells, can trigger headaches. When you contact a dentist about your headaches, you should choose a dentist who has experience with TMJ/TMD diagnosis. An experienced TMJ dentist will have more familiarity with how headaches and other symptoms can be caused by TMJ and dental issues.
For more information about TMJ and headache treatment in Norfolk and the surrounding Virginia areas, please visit the website of experienced Virginia neuromuscular dentist Dr. Michael P. Folck, D.D.S.
About Author
Virginia based LVI-preferred dentist Dr. Michael Folck offers comprehensive dental treatment using the latest technologies and techniques.
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