Few things are as irritating as a headache. Unfortunately, many people experience near constant headaches with no discernable cause. Frequent headaches are often a symptom of a serious medical disorder known as TMJ disorder, or TMD. More than ten million Americans suffer from this common disorder. Thankfully, treatment is closer than your think. In today’s blog, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, explains the link between headaches and TMJ disorder and how you can finally be free of TMD-related head pain.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder occurs when excessive strain is placed on the temporomandibular joints. These joints connect the jaw to the skull and also control all movement of the jaw. This includes the movements necessary to chew and speak.
Symptoms and Causes of TMD
Patients with TMJ disorder report a variety of painful symptoms, including:
- Headaches and migraines
- Earaches and tinnitus
- Face and jaw pain
- Neck and should aches
But what exactly places the extra stain on your jaw joints? Several factors can lead to a patient developing TMD, such as:
- Misalignment
- Teeth grinding
- Injury to the jaw
Treating TMD-Related Headaches
The first step in treating your TMJ disorder symptoms involves a diagnosis from Dr. Stewart. After pin pointing the cause of your TMD, he can then prescribe appropriate treatment. In most cases, the causes of TMD are either teeth grinding, or misalignment. Fortunately, Dr. Stewart can recommend a single treatment to address both issues. Dr. Stewart may prescribe an oral appliance. An oral appliance is a dental device similar to a mouth guard. The patient wears the oral appliance at night during sleep. The appliance repositions the jaw, providing proper alignment. In addition, the device also prevents the upper and lower teeth form touching, which eliminates teeth grinding.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Livonia General Dentist
Are you currently suffering from chronic headaches or other painful symptoms of TMJ disorder? Then talk to your Livonia general dentist, Dr. Stewart, today. Dr. Stewart can provide a diagnosis and sit down with you to discuss treatment options. We provide general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to maintain beautiful smiles for the entire family! Contact our 48154 dentist office. Schedule a visit by calling (734) 425-4400. We serve patients from Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and surrounding areas.