Jaw-tmj-headaches- Is Your Pain Dental Related?
Many Americans experience headaches or migraines
, but what they do not know is that irritating headache could be tied back to your oral health. In addition to your medical care doctor, you may want to consult your dentist when it comes to treating a headache.
If you suffer from headaches, it may be very important for you to visit your dentist for proper consultation. Your dentist will be able to diagnose any dental problems you may have that are potentially causing you pain not only in your mouth, but in your head as well. Often, many will experience headaches as a result of a toothache or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
What is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a common cause of jaw pain and occurs in front of the ears where the lower jaw is attached to the upper part of the face. TMJ involves conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles and nerves on one or both sides of the head that result in jaw, face, head and neck pain. The pain and discomfort caused by TMJ disorders may be severe, can be either intermittent or constant, and may last for many years. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), TMJ disorder symptoms may recur during stressful times, whether good or bad.
There are a number of treatment options available to correct TMJ disorder, but your individual treatment should be determined through a proper consultation with your dentist. Conservative treatment is key when it comes to treating TMJ disorders. Most treatments are simple and can be done at home without the need for surgery. The most severe cases of TMJ disorder may require treatment with splints, mouth guards or other traditional forms of TMD therapy.
How are my Headaches Related to my Dental Pain?
Occasionally, a toothache can mimic a headache, causing you to focus your attention away from where it should be. Teeth are notorious for causing pain which is felt in a completely different area. Toothaches can be diagnosed where there is obvious infection or decay in a tooth, or where the tooth is tender.
Sometimes, toothaches can be caused by a problem that does not originate in the tooth or the jaw. Pain around the teeth and the jaws can be symptoms of diseases of the heart, ears, and sinuses. It is important to recognize a toothache right away and receive treatment in order to protect your body from any further problems.
The muscles that control your jaw and hold your head upright are very complex and many people don't even realize that every time they swallow, their upper and lower teeth must come together in a firm way to brace the jaw against the skull. Each day and night you swallow over 2000 times, so if your bite is unstable, as from poorly aligned teeth or even a missing tooth, the muscles must work harder to bring the teeth together.
With a proper consultation with your dentist in Grosse Pointe, they can examine your dental condition, assessing if there is a problem with your bite. When a problem is addressed, your dentist will offer a solution as to how to treat it. At the next visit to your Grosse Pointe dentist, tell them about your headaches, or jaw pain, and an answer can be within reach.
by: Gen Wright
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