Do you wake up with morning headaches? It could be a dental concern. While not all headaches are caused by an oral health issue, some are linked to bite problems. Dr. Efthimios Koveos provides treatment for TMJ headaches in Sarasota, FL.
How Are Dental Problems Linked to Headaches?
Did you know that your headaches could be caused by dental problems? Many people don’t realize that issues in the mouth, jaw, or teeth can lead to frequent or painful headaches. At Integrated Dental, we take a close look at all parts of your oral health to find out what might be causing your discomfort.
Tooth Grinding
One of the most common dental problems linked to headaches is teeth grinding, also called bruxism. If you grind or clench your teeth when you sleep, you put extra pressure on your jaw muscles and joints. Over time, this pressure can lead to tension headaches or pain that starts in the jaw and spreads to your head, neck, or even shoulders.
Bad Bite
Even something as simple as a bad bite, where your teeth don’t come together evenly, can lead to headaches. If your bite is off, your muscles may work harder than they should when you chew, talk, or rest your jaw. This extra effort can cause tightness and discomfort that spreads to your head.
TMJ Problems
Another possible cause is TMJ disorder, which affects the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint doesn’t work properly, it can cause jaw pain, popping or clicking sounds, and headaches. TMJ problems may also lead to muscle strain around your face and head.
Infections
Tooth infections or gum disease can also be linked to headaches. If you have an infected tooth or swollen gums, the pain and inflammation can spread, causing pressure that feels like a headache. In some cases, sinus infections caused by upper tooth problems can create pain in your forehead or around your eyes.
If you’re experiencing frequent headaches and don’t know why, it’s a good idea to visit the dentist. Dr. Koveos and the team at Integrated Dental will examine your teeth, bite, and jaw to check for dental issues that might be linked to your headaches. With the right treatment, we can help relieve your pain and improve your overall health.
Signs You Have a TMJ Headache
Not all headaches are the same. If problems with your jaw cause your headaches, you might be dealing with a TMJ headache. When your TMJ doesn’t work properly, it can lead to pain in your jaw and head.
TMJ headaches often feel like tension headaches and may start at your temples on the sides of your head, near your eyes and jaw. The pain can feel dull or throbbing and may spread to your neck and shoulders. Common symptoms of TMJ headaches include:
- Pain in Your Jaw or Around Your Ears: One of the most common signs of a TMJ headache is pain in your jaw. You may also feel soreness near your ears when you chew, talk, or yawn. Because your jaw is close to your ears, you can experience symptoms in both area.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: If your jaw makes clicking, popping, or grinding noises when you open or close your mouth, it could be a sign of a TMJ problem. These sounds often come with jaw pain or stiffness. You may also notice your jaw clicking when you eat hard or chewy foods.
- Tight or Sore Jaw Muscles: If your jaw feels tight, stiff, or tired after waking up, you may be clenching or grinding your teeth at night. This can strain your jaw muscles and lead to headaches.
- Pain When Chewing or Biting: Do you feel pain or discomfort when chewing food? You might even avoid certain foods because they make your jaw hurt. Pain when you eat can radiate to your head and cause headaches.
- Limited Jaw Movement: If your jaw feels like it gets “stuck” or won’t open and close fully, this could be another sign of TMJ problems. Limited movement can also lead to tension and pain in the head.
Treating TMJ Headaches
TMJ headaches can be painful and frustrating, but the good news is that there are effective treatments to help relieve the pain and improve your jaw function. At Integrated Dental, Dr. Koveos offers several treatment options to help manage TMJ symptoms and reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches. Some of the most common ways we treat TMJ headaches include night guards, bite equilibration, and home care.
Night Guard
A night guard is a custom-made oral appliance that you wear while you sleep. If you grind or clench your teeth at night (a condition called bruxism), it can put extra pressure on your jaw and lead to TMJ pain and headaches. A night guard creates a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, helping your jaw relax and preventing damage to your teeth. Many patients notice less jaw pain and fewer headaches after wearing a night guard regularly.
Bite Equilibration
An uneven bite can sometimes cause stress on your jaw muscles and joints. Bite equilibration is a treatment that gently reshapes your teeth so they come together more evenly when you bite down. This helps your jaw move in a natural, balanced way and reduces the strain on your TMJ. Dr. Koveos will carefully check your bite to see if you need treatments like bonding or crowns to create a balanced bite.
Home Care
You can do simple things at home to manage TMJ pain and reduce headaches. Applying a warm compress to your jaw can help relax the muscles. Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing gum or very chewy snacks can give your jaw a break. Try to avoid clenching your teeth during the day, keep your lips closed but your teeth slightly apart. Gentle jaw stretches and relaxation exercises may also help relieve tension.
If stress is a factor in your TMJ symptoms, practicing stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can make a big difference.
Schedule an Appointment
Get treatment for TMJ headaches in Sarasota, FL. Call our dentist office today at 941-270-9755. You can also request an appointment at Integrated Dental on our website.