subject: What You Need To Know About Tmds And Headaches [print this page] If you suffer from migraines or other headache pain, TMJ disorders or jaw joint dysfunction may be the leading cause of your suffering. The temporomandibular joint is the ball-and-socket-type joint on either side of your head where the lower jaw connects to the temporal bone of the skull. Since TMJ disorders are dental in nature, some are caused by some sort of trauma to the jaw. Any habits that overwork the jaw muscles can intensify the pain of a TMJ disorder, such as clenching or grinding your teeth.
What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?
If your jaw clicks or pops, this is a sign of TMD. Joint sounds are one of the most recognized signs of TMJ disorders. TMD symptoms can include:
*Frequent headaches
*Clicking and/or difficulty when opening and closing your mouth
*Neck and/or shoulder pain
*Earaches without an infection
*Jaw pain or stiff jaw when chewing, biting, eating or yawning
*Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found
Between five and ten percent of Americans suffer from TMJ symptoms that require some form of treatment.
Causes Of TMD
Though trauma to the jaw or jaw joint sometimes plays a role in TMD, in most instances the cause is not recognized by the patients. The most common factor contributing to TMD is a bite problem that affects the alignment of the joint itself when the teeth are brought together. This leads to stress on the joints and over-work of the muscles to force the upper and lower teeth to fit together. Wear and tear on the teeth caused by aging, teeth grinding, clenching or activities that are outside of normal functioning may cause uneven surfaces on the teeth, leading to additional joint, muscle or dental problems. Straight teeth do not ensure healthy TMJ function and crooked teeth do not necessarily indicate a TMJ misalignment.
The Impact Of TMD On Your Bite And Appearance
Your bite and appearance may also be affected by certain causes of TMD. If your dentist identifies problems such as wear, tooth mobility, muscle pain or other signs of malocclusion, your bite may need to be adjusted. Ensuring that you have a stable bite is essential to your oral health and the long-term durability and functionality of cosmetic restorations. Additionally, a stable bite helps to ensure that your upper and lower teeth will come in to contact comfortably and as pain-free as possible, without any unnecessary force that could lead to headaches or fractured restorations.
If your jaw hurts, you may need to seek help from your Kettering dentist. To learn more about TMD or to schedule an appointment, don't hesitate to contact your dentist in Kettering today. He or she will be able to provide you with more information and prescribe effective dental treatment for you.
