TMJ and Headaches

(Tempro-Mandibular Joint Syndrome)

Neuromuscular dentistry deals with various symptoms like headaches, back pain, toothache, teeth clenching, shoulder or neck pain. These symptoms are common to Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ), Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) or Myofascial Pain Dysfunction (MPD). The former occurs where there is an intricate network of bones which may be anywhere in our body.

Headache is caused by the TMJ dysfunction on the joints running from the ear to the lower jaw. These pains normally do not have any physiological base and in most cases, they are treated without analyzing them deeply unless they take the shape of a chronic disease, which may require a thorough check-up of the patient.

Bruxism – Causes and Treatment

Bruxism or teeth clenching is quite common among children. In their sleep, about 30% of the children make sounds of gnashing or clenching of teeth. There is no conclusive research on what causes Bruxism.

Misalignment of teeth or jaws and daily stress could trigger Bruxism in many people. Children clench or grind teeth in their sleep because, due to ill-shaped teeth, the upper jaw and lower jaw do not meet with each other perfectly. . Sometimes children clench teeth to ease any pain in the body. Children who are hyperactive or over-sensitive may suffer from Bruxism due to ill treatment or poor performance in the class.

Tackling TMJ Problems

Normally with time, children overcome the problem of Bruxism. However, having Bruxism for a longer period can cause teeth wearing leading to jaw pain - a symptom of TMJ. Though in normal circumstances no medication is required, yet visiting a dentist will help resolving the problem.

To prevent damage to the teeth, mouth guards or splints have been used to treat teeth grinding, clenching, and TMJ disorders. Nutritional food containing Vitamin C & E and minerals like magnesium, calcium etc. help fighting Bruxism, jaw pain and headache. Gentle massage of your jaws, hot water treatment and stress relieving exercises all work wonders.

Bruxism is not a dangerous disorder. However, it can cause permanent damage to the teeth and uncomfortable jaw pain, headaches, or other TMJ disorders.

For a complimentary examination appointment to see if any mouth or tooth conditions might be contributing to your headaches, please contact us online or call 650-965-1234.

We'll answer any questions you may have, and give you a free written estimate regarding costs and insurance benefits before you leave.

Call us today!

Dr. Burch