Do you often experience persistent headaches, but haven’t figured out why? Many people with a jaw joint issue known as TMJ disorder, or TMD, experience chronic headaches and other uncomfortable symptoms. In today’s blog, we’re looking at the causes of TMD, as well as other oral health issues linked to head pain.
TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder occurs when your jaw joints become strained, often due to tooth loss, misalignment, bite imbalance, bruxism, or injury to the face or jaw. Eventually, the issue can make opening and closing the mouth difficult. Patients with TMD often report persistent headaches, as well as popping or crackling in the jaws or pain in the face or jaw. Fortunately, we can treat the issue with an oral appliance, which repositions the jaw to ease strain on the joints.
Bruxism
Head pain can also occur due to bruxism. With this disorder, patients regularly grind their teeth or clench their jaws. Eventually, the pressure can wear down, crack, or break a tooth, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and infection. Again, an oral appliance can be used to prevent further damage and help reduce teeth grinding episodes. We can also use restorations or orthodontics to help as well. Should damage occur, we can return your tooth to optimal function and appearance with a custom-made crown or possibly dental bonding.
Bite Imbalance
If you suffer from bite imbalance, which impacts the way your teeth meet when you close your mouth, you can develop headaches, as well as other uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, we can use bite equilibration to correct the imbalance and restore your smile’s comfort. Treatment can include oral appliances, restorations, or orthodontics and help you avoid further aches. If you have any questions about addressing these oral health issues, or if you have frequent headaches that you can’t seem to shake, then contact our team today. Let us help you enjoy a heathy, and comfortable, smile again.
Do You Have Questions About TMD?
Dr. Lawson and our team can help treat TMJ-related aches. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling our sleep dentistry office in Urbandale, IA, at 515-278-4366.
