Frequent headaches can be a sign or symptom of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or an imbalance in the bite (malocclusion).
Commonly referred to as TMJ, a bite disorder can affect both dental and overall health. In addition to frequent headaches, many patients also suffer with jaw pain, neck pain, damaged or worn teeth and difficulty chewing and speaking as the jaw joints become increasingly stressed.
At District Dental Solutions in Washington, DC, Dr. John and Dr. Jeremi Arroyo offer diagnosis and treatment for bite bite disorders such as TMJ, helping patients restore their oral health and alleviating the debilitating symptoms that can accompany this type of complex dental problem.
Diagnosing TMJ Headaches
The first step towards an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment is a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, including the jaw joints.
Dr. John and Dr. Jeremi Arroyo have extensive training in the diagnosis of complex dental concerns and understand that identifying these underlying problems is the key to lasting dentistry and oral health.
Common TMJ Headache Symptoms:
- Pain in the temples or back of the head
- Morning headaches
- Pain in the shoulder
- Teeth grinding, teeth clenching
Many patients who suffer with TMJ headaches also grind their teeth, typically during sleep. During a thorough examination, Dr. John or Dr. Jeremi Arroyo will look for signs of instability and wear indicating that teeth grinding or clenching is occurring, even though the patient may not realize it.
Treatment for TMJ Headaches
Depending on your individual case, treatment for TMJ Headaches can range from simple oral appliance therapy, using a night guard or splint, to advanced bite correction therapy.
Bite correction involves reshaping the teeth so that they make proper contact through restorative dental procedures: dental crowns, tooth bonding, dental veneers and orthodontia.
