Many people don’t make the connection between headaches and dental problems. But the jaw, teeth, and joints are all connected. When you clench your teeth, your neck muscles inadvertently contract. Most who suffer from headaches associated with dental problems grind or clench their teeth at night, which causes headaches to occur in the morning.
Many things can cause headaches, but one reason that many people don’t realize is that the source could be a dental problem. If you are experiencing pain centered in the nerves and muscles running through the face and neck, your frequent headaches are caused by dental problems.
TMJ related headaches are typically accompanied by other symptoms which may include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (you may notice your teeth are worn or chipped)
- Sore jaw or jaw pain
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Limited mobility in the jaw, locking jaw
- Popping noise in the jaw joint
- Pressure in the ear or earaches
Clenching your teeth or your jaws can shoot regular pain up to your head. Other symptoms that may occur are worn or chipped teeth from grinding them, pain or soreness in your jaw or your neck, locking or popping in your jaw, jaw immobility, ear pressure, or earaches.
It is also possible to have a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder causing your headaches. Teeth not fitting together properly cause TMJ. Expert dentists at Infinity offer various treatments. for TMJ headaches, you may be fitted with a splint or a night guard to be worn at night to keep your teeth from grinding and thus reduce pressure.
Dr. Prendergast also performs bite correction procedures like Invisalign. If you are experiencing headaches, schedule a consultation and we will determine the best procedure for you.
Treatment for TMJ Headaches
An underlying cause of constant headaches is often a temporomandibular disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ. As the result of dysfunction in the bite and muscle tension in the jaw, Dr. Prendergast offers a diagnosis and a range of treatments for TMJ.
Some patients experience relief by simply changing their everyday habits, reducing the stress in their life, or avoiding certain foods that aggravate the jaw joints. Others may need restorative dental care to address malocclusion, bite problems, and damage caused by teeth grinding, a common symptom of TMJ.
Splint or Night Guards for TMJ Headaches
Dental splints, mouth guards, and night guards are custom-made devices used to align the jaw and allow teeth to make proper contact without grinding or stress. A night guard reduces pressure which can cause headaches and can help prevent damage to the teeth and gums.
Bite Correction Procedure
In addition to a splint or night guard, some patients benefit from bite correction procedures. If your teeth are crooked or misaligned, the teeth could be coming into contact unevenly and causing pain. Dr. Prendergast may recommend Invisalign or other procedures for straightening teeth or adjusting the biting surfaces.
Frequent Headaches FAQs
Can poor dental hygiene cause headaches?
Dental hygiene has a direct effect on your overall health. If you practice a lacking oral care routine you may feel other areas of your body react. Many patients suffer from headaches due to this. The headaches are typically reported as extreme tension in one’s head. This is caused by strain and pressure in a patient’s jaw muscles.
Can a tooth infection cause severe headaches?
A tooth infection commonly comes along with a headache. If a tooth infection is not caught and treated early it is very likely to cause extreme headaches and neck pain.
What relieves a toothache headache?
If you are suffering from a toothache headache the first thing to do is to rinse with salt water. Holding a cold compress up to the area is a good way to soothe pain and reduce the throbbing feeling. Garlic has also been found to help soothe pain from a toothache headache.
Can TMJ headaches cause pain in other parts of the face or neck?
Yes, TMJ headaches can lead to pain beyond the jaw. Tension in the jaw will strain the jaw joints can lead to referred pain, affecting areas like the face, neck, and sometimes the shoulders. It’s important to manage TMJ issues to find relief from these widespread symptoms.
Can TMJ headaches affect my sleep?
TMJ headaches will likley disrupt your sleep if you suffer from them. The pain and discomfort from jaw problems may make it hard to find a comfortable position or stay asleep. Managing your TMJ symptoms can help improve your quality of sleep and help you get a good night’s sleep.
How can I prevent TMJ headaches from happening?
It likely that your jaw and face muscles are too strained throughout the day and night. We suggest that you focus on relaxing your jaw and facial muscles as much as you can during the day. Try to not clench your jaw or grind your teeth my being mindful, espeically during times of high stress. Also, try practicing good posture and reduce your overall stress because these things also contribute to TMJ issues. Certain jaw exercises and a balanced diet can also help.
Do TMJ headaches go away with treatment?
It is likley that your TMJ headaches will get better with the right treatment. We will can help by fitting you with a custom nightguard and helping you address your underlying issues that lead to stress. A custom mouthguard that you wear at night will help with night time teeth grinding that contributes to your headaches. We may also recommend jaw exercises, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or other interventions. The more consistent you are with your treatment and care, the more likely you are to reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
Schedule a Dental Exam & TMJ Evaluation
It is often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of headaches. If you are experiencing frequent headaches and have had no relief from doctors or believe your pain is dental related, call Infinity Dental of Fox Lake or schedule a consultation online today.