If you’ve been living with chronic migraines, you know how relentless they can be. They cause throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sounds, and they can even seem to derail entire days, making it tough to focus during work or school. But did you know that sometimes migraines are related to a condition in your jaw called TMJ disorder? Fortunately, it’s something that your dentist can help you with! Here’s what you need to know.
What Exactly Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is a broad term for describing issues involving the jaw joints and the muscles that control their movement. It’s more common than most people realize, and it’s frequently left undiagnosed or overlooked since its symptoms can overlap with other conditions. Some common signs of TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
- Difficulty chewing or the sensation that your bite is off
- Earaches, neck pain, and shoulder tension
- Frequent headaches and migraines, often in the morning
- Teeth that show signs of wear, cracking, or sensitivity
How Does TMJ Disorder Trigger Migraines?
Studies show that patients who suffer from chronic migraines are several times more likely to report severe TMJ symptoms than those who don’t. This is because the jaw shares a dense network of nerves and muscles with the head, neck, and face. Irritation or dysfunction in one or both jaw joints can radiate outward in ways that look and feel exactly like a migraine.
For example, when you grind your teeth, you’re putting enormous pressure on your jaw joints and the surrounding muscles. Over hours of sleep, that pressure builds, and by morning, those muscles are fatigued, inflamed, and tense, triggering migraine-like pain. Not to mention, it can also harm your teeth!
How Can My Dentist Help with TMJ Disorder?
For many patients, there is one solution that can provide meaningful relief from both TMJ disorders as well as the migraines they cause: oral appliance therapy. This involves wearing a precisely-fitted oral device while you sleep.
Unlike the generic nightguards you’ll find at grocery stores or pharmacies, a custom oral appliance is designed specifically for your unique jaw anatomy. It gently repositions your jaw while you sleep into a more relaxed, natural alignment, reducing the stress placed on your jaw joints. It also prevents teeth grinding from occurring, which in turn protects your teeth from needless wear.
Many patients consider these oral devices life-changing, as they address their discomfort without the need for medications or surgery! If you’re constantly battling migraines, it might be time to speak with your dentist about TMJ disorder.
About the Practice
Our team here at BGH Dental has served patients and families in Greenfield and the nearby communities for several years. We proudly offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments. We also offer TMJ therapy in the form of custom-made oral appliances, among other solutions. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment at our Greenfield office, just call or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (413) 772-0842.