Are you often struggling with migraines? With this condition, you’re likely to experience symptoms like nausea, light/sound sensitivity, and distracting pain that can ruin your daily life. While common, most researchers still aren’t sure what causes these intense headaches. That said, recent studies show that migraines might be connected to temporomandibular dysfunction (TMJ or TMD disorder). Here’s how these two conditions are linked and how your dentist can help resolve both issues!
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joints are the ones that connect your jaw to the skull. Should you have problems with the muscles and joints in these areas, you may be experiencing TMJ disorder (or TMD). Though the cause of this condition is still not entirely clear, the most common associations involve teeth grinding and clenching, arthritis, stress, or malocclusion. The additional tension on your jaw joint can result in the following:
- Pain and stiffness in the face or jaw
- Frequent earaches or headaches
- Soreness in the shoulders and neck
- Clicking or popping when moving the jaw
The Connection Between TMJ Disorder & Migraines
If you have a bite misalignment and you chew or grind/clench your teeth, that extra pressure can create stress in the jaw muscles. This tension can then spread to the other tissues around the area and throughout your head, resulting in pain in different locations. With sufficient pressure, this can cause a migraine. Recent researchers have found that those experiencing chronic migraines—meaning more than 15 of them a month—were three times as likely to claim serious indications of TMJ disorder.
How Can Your Dentist Help?
Although over-the-counter pain relievers can temporarily alleviate discomfort or soreness in the jaw or head, they won’t directly address the root of the problem. The good news is that your dentist may be able to help resolve the issue. Once they’ve inspected your oral health and jaw, they might recommend oral appliance therapy. This treatment involves wearing a custom-designed mouthguard overnight that effectively holds your jaw in place for realignment, allowing the muscles to heal and destress. Additionally, the oral appliance helps protect your teeth from grinding, which also prevents headaches that can arise from this. Your dentist may also offer BOTOX® injections that can successfully relax the jaw joints.
If constant migraines are keeping you from enjoying a comfortable and stress-free life, don’t wait to get treatment. Speak with your dentist, and they’ll assess your mouth and jaw to determine if a personalized oral appliance is the best option to address your headaches and TMJ dysfunction.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft earned her dental doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She’s also a member of several organizations like the American Dental Association and the Metro Denver Dental Society, and she regularly seeks continuing education to refine her skills. She provides a long list of comprehensive treatments, including TMJ therapy and BOTOX®. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call 720-458-6561.