Is TMD Responsible For Your Headaches?

We recently talked about teeth grinding, or bruxism, which could strain your jaw joints. However, there is a similar and often related issue known as TMJ disorder, or TMD. Unless treated, this common oral health issue could mean trouble opening and closing your mouth, and frequent headaches. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist wants to offer a potential solution.

Headaches and TMJ Disorder

When TMJ disorder, the temporomandibular joints have become stressed and the pressure has impacted how you open and close your mouth, and also caused serious discomfort. Symptoms of the disease may include headaches and migraines, pain in the jaw, face, and neck, and a popping or crackling sensation in the jaw.

Causes and Complications

The disorder could be caused by tooth loss, injury to the face or jaw, bite imbalance, dental misalignment, or even bruxism (chronic teeth grinding). Unless treated, the discomfort could grow worse and you could trouble opening and closing your mouth. While bruxism could cause TMJ disorder, the reverse is true too. If you grind your teeth, then this could damage your teeth and increase the risk of chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth, as well as cavities or infection. If you experience one or more of these warning signs, then let us know. We will examine your smile with advanced digital technology to better identify the wear and friction that could point the bruxism or strain. Our team will also make sure your bite is balanced as well.

Possible Treatment Options

Treatment options could vary. For example, for some we may need to correct misalignment with clear aligners or possibly braces to shift the teeth and improve bite balance. We could also ease jaw joint strain with the placement of one or more custom-made dental crowns, or though bonding and contouring in a single visit. However, the most common option is an oral appliance.

We create and custom-fit the device based on detailed impressions and images we take of your smile. Worn at night, the device will look and fit like a mouthguard. When in place, the device repositions the jaw to ease strain and help improve health and balance. If you also grind your teeth, this safeguards the smile against further damage by placing a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth. If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat issues like TMD or teeth grinding, then contact our team today to learn more.

Talk To Your Cleveland, TX Dentist’s Office About Treating TMD

Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX wants to help you avoid major oral health complications by treating your TMD. To find out more about improving joint balance and avoiding discomfort, then contact our office at (281) 592-1234 to schedule your appointment today.