Everyone has had a headache at some point in their life. Frequent or recurring headaches, however, are not normal. This could point towards a dental problem. In fact, common dental problems often result in recurring headaches. Annapolis, MD, dentist Dr. Scott Finlay has advanced training and experience to diagnose and treat patients who have headaches as a result of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).
Dr. Finlay utilizes the latest technology and techniques in managing TMD, such as computer-assisted occlusal analysis and CT/MRI scans.
TMJ and Headaches
Headaches are among the most misdiagnosed conditions in medicine. Most doctors and dentists find it difficult to connect headaches and TMJ disorders. A type of tension headache, TMJ headaches are often caused by teeth clenching or grinding, which is most likely a result of stress.
Who is affected?
Women and people between the ages of 20 and 40 are most likely to get headaches and facial pain as a result of TMD. Stress and a lack of sleep can increase the risk of TMJ headaches.
Symptoms of TMD
The signs of TMD are unique to the patient. This can make it hard for an untrained doctor to reach a diagnosis. TMJ symptoms also often mask themselves or are similar to those of other medical conditions. There are many common signs or symptoms, and TMJ headaches typically appear with other symptoms, which include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Sore jaw or jaw pain
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Poor range of motion in the jaw joints and/or locking jaw
- Popping noise in the jaw joint
- Pressure in the ear or earaches
TMJ Headaches Treatment in Annapolis
Dr. Finlay offers a wide range of solutions for patients seeking a cure for TMJ headaches. The key is identifying and managing what is causing them as best as possible. Before TMJ treatment, Dr. Finlay will properly diagnose your TMJ disorder.
Dr. Finlay will first take scans of the teeth, gums, and jaw to find areas of damage or wear. CT and MRI scans can show signs of tooth wear or a bad bite that contributes to headaches.
Dr. Finlay also uses occlusal analysis to find abnormalities in the bite that can worsen symptoms. During this analysis, he examines how your teeth come together when closed or talking. He can also measure bite pressure and whether your bite is even throughout the mouth.
After Dr. Finlay finds signs of TMD, he will recommend the best treatment for your symptoms.
TMJ treatment may involve physical therapy, medications, splints, and bite correction therapies. Keep in mind that TMJ problems can be progressive in nature. The sooner you seek a diagnosis, the more conservative the solution may be.
Splints and Nightguards for TMJ Headaches
Dental splints and night guards are a front line therapy for headaches. Dr. Finlay custom fabricates appliances that bring the teeth and jaw joints into proper alignment. Nightguards can treat teeth grinding or clenching and alleviate muscle tension. A patient will wear a dental splint at night, though some will benefit from wearing the device during the day.
Bite Correction Procedures
The teeth should line up so that they make even contact with one another, creating a low-stress bite. Bite correction procedures, also known as occlusal equilibration, bring the teeth and jaws into proper alignment through restorative dental treatments. Dr. Finlay uses a number of treatments:
- Bite adjustments (equilibration)
- Orthodontics
- Dental restorations (crowns or veneers)
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Headaches
In addition to treatment in our office, we recommend lifestyle changes to reduce headaches in Annapolis, MD:
Soft Foods
Eating soft foods can reduce headaches because they are easier to digest and put less strain on the jaw and teeth. Chewing hard or tough foods can increase tension in the jaw and neck muscles. In addition, soft foods with higher water content increase hydration to prevent headaches.
Practicing Good Posture
Many people hunch over to look at their phone or work on their laptop. When you slouch forward, it adds stress to the muscles and joints in the upper body. This can contribute to tension headaches.
Maintain good posture with the head aligned over the shoulders and the spine in a neutral position. Make sure anything you read or work on equal to your eye line. Good posture can also improve blood flow and circulation, reducing the risk of headaches.
Relaxation Techniques
Meditation, massage, and can help stretch your muscles and/or reduce stress. Stress is a large contributor to headaches. When you take time out of your day to meditate, you help calm your nervous system.
Relaxing before bed especially can reduce the change of nightly bruxism that leads to headaches. In bed, you can focus on releasing tension in each body part to feel relaxed and ready to sleep.
Exercises
Exercising the upper body helps reduce head, neck, back, and shoulder tension. Neck rolls or shoulder shrugs are common everyday exercises.
Jaw exercises are essential if you have a TMJ disorder. You may find yourself clenching your jaw unconsciously when stressed. To relax your jaw, place the tip of your tongue in the middle of the roof of your mouth. Ensure your teeth stay apart.
You can also gently work your muscles by slowly opening and closing your mouth. Keep the tongue on the mouth’s roof while you do this exercise.
Medicine
Medication can help manage TMJ headaches. NSAIDs may reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. We may also prescribe muscle relaxants before sleep to reduce teeth clenching and grinding that lead to morning headaches.
Frequent Headache FAQs
Learn more about causes and treatments for frequent headaches in Annapolis, MD:
What triggers TMJ headaches?
TMJ headaches can be triggered by several factors that strain or irritate your jaw joints and muscles. Here are the most common triggers:
- Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
- Stress
- Poor Posture
- Misaligned Bite
- Injury or Trauma
- Arthritis
- Chewing Hard or Chewy Foods
- Hormone Changes
- Poor Sleep
- Dehydration
Identifying and managing these triggers can help reduce TMJ headaches and keep your jaw healthy!
How can I tell if my headache is caused by TMJ or something else?
TMJ-related headaches can occur around the temples, jaw, or ears. You might feel pain or stiffness when chewing, talking, or opening your mouth wide. Also, your jaw might click, pop, or lock when you move it.
Tension headaches cause a steady ache around your forehead or the back of your head and neck. Migraines are usually on one side of your head and come with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and sometimes an “aura” (like seeing spots or flashes). Sinus headaches cause pain in your forehead, cheeks, or nose and often happen with congestion or a cold.
How does a poor bite contribute to TMJ headaches?
If your teeth don’t fit together properly when you bite down, some teeth might hit harder than others. This uneven pressure can strain the muscles and joints in your jaw.
When your bite is off, your jaw muscles have to work harder to chew, talk, or even close your mouth. Over time, this can cause muscle tension and pain, which often leads to headaches.
How does poor sleep impact TMJ and headache symptoms?
When you don’t sleep well, your body doesn’t get the chance to relax fully. This can cause your jaw muscles to stay tense, especially if you grind or clench your teeth at night (a common TMJ issue). Tense muscles can lead to more jaw pain and headaches.
Poor sleep increases stress, which can make TMJ symptoms worse. Stress can cause you to clench your jaw more, which leads to more pain and headaches. That pain can make it harder to sleep.
Can stress alone cause TMJ headaches?
Yes. When you’re stressed, you might clench your jaw or grind your teeth without even realizing it, especially at night. This puts a lot of pressure on your jaw joints and muscles, leading to pain and headaches.
Stress causes your muscles to tighten up, including the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders. This tension can spread to your jaw, causing TMJ pain and headaches.
When you’re stressed, you might slouch or hold your head in a way that strains your neck and jaw. This can also contribute to TMJ headaches. Stress makes it harder for your body to relax, which can keep your jaw muscles tight and painful. Over time, this tension can lead to more frequent headaches.
Why do I have ear pain along with a TMJ headache?
The muscles and nerves around your jaw joint (TMJ) are connected to your ears. When the TMJ is inflamed or strained, the pain can spread to your ears, making it feel like you have an earache. The TMJ is also near the Eustachian tubes, which help regulate ear pressure. If the TMJ is swollen or irritated, it can affect these tubes, leading to ear pain or even trouble hearing.
What foods and drinks worsen TMJ headaches?
Certain foods and drinks can make TMJ headaches worse because they strain your jaw, increase inflammation, or trigger muscle tension. Here’s a list of what to avoid when you have a flare-up:
- Bagels
- Steak
- Chips
- Nuts
- Raw carrots
- Caramel
- Gum
- Coffee
- Energy Drinks
- Alcohol
Can hormone changes trigger TMJ headaches?
Hormones like estrogen can affect how your body handles pain and inflammation. When estrogen levels drop (like during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause), it can make you more sensitive to TMJ pain. Hormone changes can also increase stress, which might make you clench your jaw or grind your teeth more. This can strain your jaw joints and lead to headaches.
Get Rid of Frequent Headaches for Good
Don’t mask headache symptoms with pain medication. For lasting treatment, schedule a consultation with Scott Finlay, DDS and Associates, PA to see if your headaches are linked to a dental problem.
Call to treat headaches in our Annapolis, MD dentist’s office at 410.989.7132. You may also schedule an appointment online. Please let us know if you have questions about your TMJ headaches.