Morning migraines and headaches can have many possible causes, from medications to depression. Accompanied by other symptoms like jaw pain, and pain in the temples, some patients with headaches may have TMD. Temporomandibular joint disorders are bite disorders marked by stress or pain in the joints that connect the jaw bone to the skull. Over time, patients with TMD can experience tension and discomfort in their face, neck, shoulders, and back. We provide TMJ treatment in Bethesda, MD, to help patients alleviate headaches and pain in the joints and muscles.
Why Do TMJ Disorders Cause Headaches?
Patients with TMD experience dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints or the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. These joints are important in biting and chewing. An injury or stress on these joints impacts the jaw and the whole face. Many patients with TMJ disorders experience orofacial pain. They can often find themselves clenching or grinding their teeth unconsciously because of the dysfunction of their temporomandibular joints.
This continuous pressure on the teeth impacts pressure on the joints, the jaw, and the temples. Additionally, patients can experience an unbalanced bite due to injury to the TMJ. This is why TMD is often marked by symptoms like jaw pain, tooth wear, teeth clenching, and grinding. With non-stop nightly bruxism, patients can experience headaches when they wake up. Receiving professional care can help reduce headaches and lessen pain in the facial muscles and joints.
Addressing Headaches with TMJ Treatment in Bethesda, MD
Physical therapy is one of the best options for patients with TMD. During physical therapy, patients learn exercises and stretches for their facial, neck, shoulders, and back muscles. With a physical therapist, patients can relieve tension and improve their posture, which can also contribute to TMJ symptoms.
Pain medications and muscle relaxants can also help combat headaches and jaw pain associated with TMD. Taking these medications before sleep can relax the jaw and prevent problems like teeth clenching and grinding, that wears down teeth and contributes to morning headaches.
Our dental office also offers oral appliances or nightguards for patients who experience bruxism, morning headaches, and orofacial pain. We work with local dental labs to customize these appliances so they precisely cover the upper or lower teeth. Wearing a nightguard during sleep prevents the teeth from grinding together, contributing to headaches.
Are you noticing morning headaches and tooth or jaw pain when you wake up? You may have a TMJ disorder. Contact Bethesda Family Smiles for treatment today at 301.500.2205. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Srotalina Khanna online. If you have any questions about your current symptoms, please let us know and we will be happy to help you.