Do you want to get to the source of headaches? Your Brentwood dentist may be able to help

Many people experience an occasional headache. Tension may feel as though it begins at the temples or in the neck and shoulders. Mild headaches can be a nuisance, but chronic headaches can keep one from enjoying activities or even from remaining productive at work. Finding a solution to chronic headaches is important, but this can be a challenge due to the various factors that can lead to headaches. What many people do not realize is that headaches may actually stem from the jaw. In our Brentwood dental practice, we have helped numerous patients find relief by reaching a proper diagnosis for pain.

Located at the back of the jaw are two joints, one on each side. These temporomandibular joints are what allow us to move our jaw in various ways to speak, chew, and more. Even in normal situations, the temporomandibular joints are placed under stress. In some situations, the stress can overload these joints, causing dysfunction.

Dysfunction in the joints of the jaw would seemingly create problems with chewing or other jaw related movements. While this is sometimes the case, TMJ disorder can also trigger a domino effect. This is because these joints are interlinked with a whole system of ligaments, muscles, and tendons that reach around the face, head, and neck. The intricacy of this structure makes it possible for TMJ disorder to cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms that range from chronic headaches to earaches to shoulder pain.

Your dentist can help you determine if jaw problems are the root cause of chronic headaches. One of the factors considered during evaluations is the position of the jaw when it is closed. Unevenness in the position of a closed jaw indicates that there is excessive stress on the oral structure as a whole. A malfunctioning bite means that the ligaments and muscles, as well as the joints, are under even greater stress, and are likely in a constant state of tension.

In addition to chronic headaches, TMJ disorder may also present symptoms such as:

• Persistent tension in the neck and shoulders
• Migraines
• Ringing or pain in the ears, or difficulty hearing
• Limited jaw mobility
• Pain in the jaw upon movement
• Sensitive teeth

In order to find relief from chronic headaches, one must accurately pinpoint a cause. Your skilled Brentwood dentist can help you determine if your jaw is the source of pain. Contact us at 925-344-5296 to learn more about TMJ disorder and potential treatment.

Back To Dental Library Home Page