Do you wake up with morning headaches? If you experience frequent headaches, be sure to mention them at your next visit to our New Bern NC dentist office. Dr. Stephen Hoard is one of the most experienced dentists in North Carolina for the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders. When you treat TMJ disorders, you can also treat symptoms like frequent headaches.
How Headaches Relate To Dentistry
One of the more common symptoms that patients with TMJ disorder share are frequent headaches. These “TMJ headaches” often occur in the morning as a result of clenching and grinding during sleep. Other signs that could indicate TMJ headaches are:
- Pain or tension at the sides of the face
- Pain in the neck and/or upper shoulders
- Migraine, or migraine-like headaches
- Frequent earaches without infection
How a Dentist Can Treat Headaches
As a Dawson-trained dentist, Dr. Hoard understands complete dentistry. He not only focuses on your tooth and gum health but also fully examines the function and comfort of your bite. Dr. Hoard will evaluate your bite and masticatory system if you suspect you have a TMJ disorder. TMJ disorders can affect your oral health.
TMJ Headache Therapy in New Bern, NC
If you suspect that your headaches are caused by TMJ, teeth grinding, or other dental problems, the first step is an evaluation with the dentist. Dr. Hoard will review your dental and medical history and examine the fit of your bite and the alignment of the TMJ.
Depending on the dentist’s findings, one or several treatments may be recommended. Treatment may include an oral appliance, such as a TMJ mouthguard, and/or bite correction therapy, which would solve problems with tooth and TMJ joint alignment.
TMJ Mouthguard
Also known as a bruxism appliance, a TMJ mouthguard is a removable appliance worn during sleep. This type of treatment can be especially helpful for patients who experience frequent headaches. The dentist custom-makes this sleep appliance to fit over the teeth, protecting the teeth and TMJ during clenching and grinding.
Bite Correction
When the teeth don’t make proper contact, it can create stress and tension. Headaches can easily result from maligned occlusion, which is typically corrected through a series of adjustments to bring the upper and lower teeth into proper alignment. This type of therapy can include reshaping the teeth, orthodontics, and restorations such as crowns, bridges, or implants. Treatment will depend on the severity of your condition.
Physical Therapy
We can refer you to a physical therapist to teach you jaw and facial exercises to help reduce your pain and regular headaches. During physical therapy, your therapist will also use heat and massage to relieve facial tension. When you learn how to relax your face and jaw, it can reduce your risk of frequent headaches.
How to Treat Headaches At Home
If you have a TMJ flare-up, you may likely also experience headaches. You can follow these tips to reduce migraines and headaches at home:
- Use Heat: Apply a warm compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time. Heat will help relax your facial muscles and relieve pain. Heat is also useful if you begin to have jaw problems connected to your headaches.
- Use Relaxation and Stretches: You can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and meditation. Progressive muscle relaxation can also reduce stress and tension in the jaw. Perform gentle jaw stretches and exercises to help improve jaw mobility and reduce muscle tension. To relax your jaw, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Then, open and close your mouth slowly.
- Eat Soft Foods: Avoid eating hard or chewy foods because it can worsen your TMJ pain. Hard and crunchy foods put extra strain on your teeth and jaw. This pain can radiate to your head and create headaches and migraines. Stick to softer foods and avoid excessive jaw movement.
- Improve Your Posture: Many people can have poor posture if their head is not in line with the spine. This is called a forward head position. If you hunch forward, you can strain the muscles in your neck and upper back, which often leads to tension headaches. Instead, keep your head aligned with your spine. Ensure your screen is in your eye line when you’re on your phone or laptop.
- Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate TMJ headaches. Always follow the instructions on the medication label. Consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Treat Headaches at the Dentist
Do you think you have headaches because of your TMJ disorder? Relieve headaches and jaw pain in our New Bern, NC, dental office. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hoard online or call (252) 507-0373.
If you have current concerns or questions for Dr. Hoard, he will gladly help you at your next visit.