Dealing With Tooth Pain & Headache: TMJ Treatment Solutions From Our Expert Orthodontist in Charles Town, WV

Frequent Headaches? Our Orthodontist May Be Able to Help!

Do you suffer from frequent headaches and tooth pain? These could be side effects of a solvable problem: Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also called TMD or TMJ. Many people experience these symptoms and simply take over-the-counter pain medication to subside or reduce the pain. Some may pay a visit to their general practitioner looking for help but aren’t able to get permanent relief.

In many cases, these symptoms are caused by dental issues. That means that TMJ treatment is best administered by an orthodontic expert. That’s right—a misaligned bite, jaw, or a habit of teeth grinding can cause multiple types of pain, including headaches. Luckily, RS Orthodontics in Charles Town, West Virginia, can help!

What Is TMJ, and How Does It Cause Headaches?

The teeth on your upper and lower jaws typically work in pairs, so when you chew or bite down, the pressure on your joints should be distributed evenly. TMJ develops when uneven stress or strain puts excessive pressure on the joints of your jaw, causing your muscles and joints to become irritated and inflamed. TMD is especially common in cases where crooked or missing teeth cause you to have an uneven bite balance.

As your jaw joints become more inflamed and irritated, you may develop persistent jaw pain and chronic headaches. You could also experience clicking or “popping” noises when you chew, as well as muscle spasms, facial or neck pain, and hearing difficulties such as ringing sensations or stuffiness in your ears. Sometimes, your jaw can temporarily “lock” in an open position after you’ve yawned or opened your mouth very wide.

TMJ rarely resolves on its own, and unless it gets properly treated, its symptoms can grow much more severe over time.

TMJ Can Also Be Caused by Teeth Grinding

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding is a common dental condition that can occur when you’re awake or sleeping, and many people don’t even realize it’s happening! If you’re experiencing a constant headache or a sore jaw, it’s possible you could be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Teeth grinding is harmful because it can interrupt your sleep and lead to cracked or weakened teeth, which can cause tooth loss. Over time, your teeth will wear and require crowns, bridges, or complete dentures. Teeth grinding can also cause severe jaw pain, hearing loss, and even change the shape of your face.

Non-Invasive TMJ Treatment

The appropriate treatment for TMJ disorders will depend on your symptoms and specific diagnosis. Thus, the first step is to consult an orthodontist you can trust for a proper evaluation and personalized treatment plan. If you suffer from the painful side effects of teeth grinding or TMD, turn to RS Orthodontics. We can provide you with non-invasive TMJ treatment, such as a nightguard, to reduce or even eliminate your discomfort.

A nightguard is a bite splint that you wear when you go to bed. It is customized to fit over your teeth and is made of durable material, so it can withstand the strong forces of your clenching jaw. Your nightguard can prevent your teeth from being worn down, cracked, or otherwise damaged because it spreads out the pressure on your vulnerable teeth. It also creates a comfortable barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the tooth-to-tooth contact that can cause damage during tooth grinding.

Get Help for Tooth Pain & Headaches Today

If you’re in pain and suspect you may have TMD or a habit of grinding your teeth, contact RS Orthodontics immediately for help! Dr. Sebbahi, our specialist for tooth pain with headache, will put together a customized TMJ treatment plan to get you relief. We will perform a thorough evaluation and fully discuss your options with you prior to beginning treatment. Most of our patients report that their headaches and tooth pain were significantly reduced or fully eliminated after using our custom-made nightguards. Call 304.725.0126 today to get started and look forward to living a pain-free life!