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If you’ve been dealing with frequent headaches, especially ones that seem to originate near your temples, in front of your ears, or in your jaw and the sides of your face, your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) might be to blame. TMJ disorders, usually referred to as TMD, affect these joints that are responsible for connecting your jaw to your skull and granting it a wide range of motion. What’s worse is, these TMJ-related headaches can feel quite different and are often more aggravating than sinus headaches or pain due to tension! Fortunately, with the help of TMJ treatment, as well as some at-home remedies, finding relief isn’t too difficult. Here’s what you need to know.
What Do Headaches Related to TMJ Pain Feel Like?
TMJ headaches usually stem from dysfunction or inflammation affecting one or both of the jaw joints or the surrounding muscles. You might experience dull, aching pain near the temples, pressure behind your eyes, or jaw soreness that worsens when you chew or speak. It’s possible for the headaches to feel worse in the mornings after you’ve woken up, if bruxism (teeth grinding) is the cause. You might also feel pain or experience difficulty when you open or close your mouth, which can be accompanied by popping or clicking noises.
How Can I Find Relief for My TMJ Headache?
Nobody likes having to suffer through a headache, regardless of its cause. While professional diagnosis is important, there are a few at-home strategies you can use to reduce your discomfort before visiting your dentist for TMJ treatment.
Over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol or ibuprofen, can be used to reduce swelling in the jaw joints and ease headache pressure. You can also lightly massage the area to help relieve tension, or use hot or cold therapy to find relief. Dietary adjustments can also be useful, so consider sticking to softer foods during flare-ups so that you don’t have to worry about pain when chewing.
Nothing Beats Professional Treatment
While home remedies can offer temporary comfort, long-term relief is dependent on addressing the underlying cause—and your dentist is one of the best people to help with this. After evaluating your jaw joints and bite pattern and speaking with you about your symptoms, they can develop a treatment plan that protects your teeth and promotes healthy jaw function.
Custom-made oral appliances, also simply called nightguards, are one go-to option since they’re comfortable to wear and easy to use, not to mention, proven to be quite effective at alleviating jaw tension. Equilibration is another treatment option, which involves making very minor alterations to the teeth so that they fit together better.
Remember, TMJ problems don’t typically resolve on your own—meaning that your related headaches can continue to linger or worsen without proper treatment. Speaking with your dentist and creating a game plan to assist your jaw joints will ensure pain-free function and a better quality of life!
About the Practice
With Dr. Monica M. Mattson leading the way, our team has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Owings Mills and the nearby communities for several years. We offer a wide range of services, including TMJ treatment in the form of custom-made oral appliances, equilibration, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with Dr. Mattson or our team to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (443) 394-2273.