The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a crucial joint responsible for facilitating jaw movement and control, enabling essential actions like biting, chewing, speaking, and more. Many individuals don’t give these everyday movements a second thought until they encounter jaw pain. However, it’s important to note that migraines could potentially be linked to TMJ disorder. Fortunately, neither migraines nor TMJ dysfunction should be chronic issues that you have to endure. Keep reading for further insights into the correlation between migraines and TMJ dysfunction.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) serves as the connection between your jaw and skull on both sides of your head. Consequently, when this joint encounters problems, various issues can arise.
The collective term for these concerns involving the TMJ and the controlling facial muscles is temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders). While the exact causes of TMJ disorders aren’t always clear, they are frequently associated with factors such as bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), stress, arthritis, and bite irregularities.
8 Signs of TMJ
Knowing what signs to look out for regarding TMJ can help you receive prompt treatment. There are several noticeable symptoms commonly associated with TMJ disorders, including:
- Popping or clicking noises when you move your jaw
- Jaw pain, tenderness, and stiffness
- Frequent headaches and earaches
- A sensation of fullness in the ears
- Neck and shoulder soreness
- Limited jaw movement
- Tinnitus (ear ringing)
- Bite problems
Are Migraines and TMJ Disorder Connected?
You may be curious about the connection between jaw soreness and the occurrence of severe symptoms like migraines. When you engage in habits such as teeth clenching, teeth grinding, or have a misaligned bite due to TMJ issues, the additional pressure can lead to muscle tension in the surrounding jaw muscles.
This tension has the potential to spread to neighboring tissues and throughout the entire head, resulting in pain experienced in various areas. In some cases, the intensity of this pressure can even act as a trigger for migraines.
Recent studies have revealed that individuals with chronic migraines are three times more likely to exhibit symptoms of TMJ disorder. Consequently, seeking appropriate treatment becomes imperative to address these issues effectively.
How Can I Treat TMJ Disorder?
The good news is that TMJ disorder can be effectively treated with the assistance of a sleep dentist. While pain medication may temporarily alleviate headaches or jaw pain, it does not tackle the root cause of the problem.
However, your dentist can conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and offer a suitable solution, such as oral appliance therapy. This treatment involves the use of custom-made night guards that gradually realign your jaw into a better, healthier position while you sleep.
Migraines can significantly disrupt your daily life and hinder your ability to relax. If TMJ disorder is suspected as the underlying cause, it is certainly worthwhile to pursue treatment. By doing so, you can receive the necessary treatment to address the issue.
About the Practice
Dr. Sara Saba is a dedicated dentist located in Silver Spring, renowned for providing her patients with an outstanding dental office experience. As the leader of the Exceptional Dentistry Pain and Sleep Solutions team, she offers a range of treatments to assist patients in overcoming TMJ disorder. By addressing this condition, individuals can experience restful sleep, cherish quality time with loved ones, and prevent migraines. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sara Saba and her team at Exceptional Dentistry Pain and Sleep Solutions or to gather further information on TMJ disorder, contact their office at (301) 871-6660 or visit their website.