Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a common condition that affects the temporomandibular joints, which connect your lower jaw to your skull.
While the most common symptoms are jaw pain and difficulty chewing, many people with TMJ also experience headaches.
At the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, Dr. Ramin Mahallati and our team specialize in TMJ treatment. Here, we explain TMJ in easy-to-understand terms, explore the link between TMJ and headaches, and highlight potential treatment options.
Temporomandibular joint disorder, sometimes called TMJ or TMD, is a common condition that affects between 10 and 12 million Americans. TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joints, which play a crucial role in activities like biting and chewing.
Many people experience occasional jaw pain, but if your symptoms last more than a few days or occur every time you eat or speak, you may have TMJ.
Although TMJ commonly affects people who grind their teeth or clench their jaws, anyone can develop it, regardless of age or background. What many people don’t realize is that TMJ symptoms often extend beyond the mouth, which can significantly affect quality of life.
If you regularly grind your teeth or clench your jaw due to stress, habit, or jaw structure, the tension in your jaw muscles can radiate into your head, temples, and neck.
You might not notice a problem at first. However, over time, this consistent pressure can trigger headaches and place excess strain on your face and neck muscles. If you have an abnormal bite or a misaligned jaw, tension can become even greater.
TMJ-related headaches often present similar symptoms to migraines and tension-type headaches, but there are signs to watch for. For example, TMJ headaches often worsen during specific activities, such as chewing, talking, or clenching your jaw.
In addition to frequent headaches, TMJ disorders can cause other symptoms, such as:
Some people also experience ear-related TMJ symptoms. For example, you might notice your ears ringing or a feeling of fullness, similar to what you might notice when flying in an airplane or driving at high altitudes.
The good news is that TMJ-related headaches often respond well to conservative treatments and healthy lifestyle changes. After reviewing your health records, discussing your symptoms, and completing an exam, we might suggest:
If conservative therapies don’t reduce the frequency of headaches, we may recommend dental or surgical treatments, such as a bite adjustment, to improve jaw function and reduce irritation. However, this is rarely needed.
If you regularly experience headaches alongside jaw pain and difficulty chewing, contact the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahallati at our office in Beverly Hills.
We can determine if you have TMJ and make personalized treatment recommendations to reduce headache frequency and help you feel better.
