Yes, a common TMJ symptom is chronic, migraine-like headaches. Muscles and nerves strained by TMJ disorders can lead to these headaches. This strain around the temporomandibular joints may be caused by:
- Grinding your teeth while you sleep
- Clenching your jaw
- Misalignment of the teeth and jaw
When your jaws are aligned properly, the temporomandibular joint on either side of your head should function well, allowing your jaw to open and close without causing any pain. But if your bite is misaligned, the muscles around the TMJs are strained and overextended, which can lead to the muscular inflammation and pain that causes headaches. Depending on the source of your headaches, our dentists may recommend certain dental restorations as TMJ treatment to restore an aligned bite.
Pressure on the nerves around the TMJs can also cause headaches. Facial nerves and muscles can be compressed or inflamed by teeth grinding. A custom dental orthotic device can prevent teeth grinding.
The only way to know if your headaches are caused by a TMJ disorder is to be examined by an experienced dentist.
If you are experiencing frequent headaches and want to know if the aches are related to a dental problem, please contact Galleria Dental Aesthetics to schedule a TMJ consultation in McLean, Virginia.