Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Do you often wake up with a headache?
Chronic headaches are often a sign of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). Common causes of TMJ include teeth clenching and grinding, arthritis, a misaligned jaw, stress, or injury to the teeth or jaw. The temporomandibular joints are connected to the jawbone, but injury can easily create painful pressure.
TMJ can damage teeth and make it difficult to use the jaw and teeth properly. Dr. Ratti Handa offers treatment for chronic headaches and other TMJ symptoms in Acton, MA. She works with patients one-on-one to find a solution to this dental concern that aligns well with their specific budget, goals, and oral health needs.
Symptoms of TMJ in Acton
Along with headaches, patients may suffer from these common TMJ symptoms without knowing that they have a disorder:
- Earaches
- Jaw pain
- Stiffness in jaw muscles
- Jaw locking
- Pain in the temple area
- Facial pain
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? Call Dr. Handa’s office at 978.212.3783. Our professional dental team provides patients with comfortable and comprehensive care in a warm and friendly environment.
Treating TMJ in Acton
Before treatment, Dr. Handa will review your oral health, budget, and goals to determine if oral appliance therapy is the right solution for you. Oral appliance therapy utilizes a mouth guard-like appliance to keep teeth from touching. The appliance also takes the pressure off of the jaw for the patient’s comfort.
Patients with very mild TMJ symptoms may find at-home options useful in helping alleviate TMJ pain. Some of these solutions include:
- Jaw exercises
- Using a heat pack
- Relaxing your facial muscles
- Sleeping on your side
- Using an ice pack in a clean cloth
- Eating soft foods to help your jaw rest
However, if the pain does not go away, contact our office immediately for treatment. We can relieve more moderate cases of TMJ with oral appliance therapy.
TMJ Headache FAQs
Can headaches be caused by dental problems?
Yes, dental problems can cause headaches. Having crooked or missing teeth may cause muscular tension headaches because you have overworked jaw muscles when speaking and chewing. This can cause TMJ, which is another dental issue we associate with headaches. Toothaches can also cause headaches.
What relieves a toothache headache?
The best way to relieve a headache caused by a toothache is to take ibuprofen, or aspirin. They relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You can also apply oral gels to the tooth and gums to numb the area and temporarily reduce pain.
Can a toothache cause a one sided headache?
It is common for patients to report a toothache and headache on one side of the head. The trigeminal nerve connects toothaches and headaches. This nerve is the reason many patients experience a toothache and headache on the same side.
How do you release tension in your head and jaw?
The best way to release jaw tension is to apply a hot or cold compress to the area. Botox injections may also help relieve stress and muscular tension.
Can tension headaches affect your jaw?
Tension headaches may affect your jaw and jaw muscles. It may cause you to tighten your facial and jaw muscles, which can result in a worsened headache.
What does a teeth grinding headache feel like?
A teeth grinding headache may feel like a tender, sore pain in your jaw, face, or neck. You may also have a constant earache. Grinding your teeth or chewing on the inside of your cheek may cause this pain to worsen.
Stop chronic headaches at the source in our Acton, MA office. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Handa or a member of her team on our website. You may also call our office at 978.212.3783 for high-quality dental care.