There are several factors that can cause the TMJ to function improperly—and cause pain and discomfort as a result. The following are some of the most common signs of an issue with the TMJ, so don’t ignore them!

Headaches

Headaches can result from muscle tension from an improperly functioning TMJ [1]. The muscles and connective tissue that allow the TMJ to function can be strained when the joint is out of alignment, leading to tension.

This tension can then spread throughout the head, neck, and even the shoulders and upper back. People who experience headaches regularly with no known cause might consider visiting their dentist for an assessment of their TMJ to determine if this jaw joint could be at the root of the issue!

Jaw Popping or Clicking

Another common sign of a problem with the TMJ that often goes ignored are odd sounds that happen when chewing, speaking, or yawning. For some, these sounds will only be audible to the person experiencing them, while for others, these noises are obvious even to other people. The noises can vary but could include clicking, grinding, popping, or even crunching sounds [2].

If you’re experiencing any of these sounds when you move your jaw in correlation with the other signs discussed here, you could have a TMJ disorder!

Ear Trouble

Many people don’t realize that a problem with the ears could actually point to a problem with your temporomandibular joint. If you frequently experience ear pain or aching around the ear, don’t overlook the TMJ as a potential cause [3].

Some people who have a TMJ disorder also experience tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears only audible to the experiencer. Because the temporomandibular joint is so close to the ears, it’s important not to rule out its role in ear discomfort or problems.

Discomfort When Chewing or Speaking

Another common sign of TMJ disorders is pain or discomfort when the jaw is in motion, such as when chewing or speaking [4]. However, for some people, this pain is chronic and may persist even when the jaw is at rest.

You may also experience sore facial muscles, and the discomfort may be intermittent or persistent. For many patients with TMJ issues, this discomfort impacts their daily life and will require some form of treatment to remedy.

Are You Experiencing Signs of TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders are treatable! By following up with your experienced dentist, you can uncover the root cause of your TMJ discomfort. Your dentist can help you find the right treatment to alleviate your discomfort, so don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about your jaw pain!

Sources:
1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-jaw-may-be-to-blame-for-your-migraine-
headaches/
2. https://www.cda-
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
4. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-

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Dysfunction of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a noted cause of headaches such as
migraines [1]. Your TMJ connects your lower jaw to the skull and allows you to chew and speak
with ease. However, when a problem exists with the TMJ, pain and discomfort are often the result. Let’s take a closer look at the link between TMJ disorders and migraines.

Muscle Tension Can Cause Migraines

When the TMJ is stressed, out of alignment, or inflamed, it can affect the surrounding muscles
which exist underneath your jaw and on the sides of your head.

In turn, the muscles that support the TMJ can become tense and this tension can radiate out
into the head, neck, and even your shoulders or back.

The TMJ is a powerful joint that allows us to chew tough foods. When something is amiss with
this important joint, it’s not surprising that it has the power to cause painful migraines as a
result of inflammation and stress.

You May Have a Misaligned Bite

Why would the TMJ become stressed or inflamed?

TMJ disorders are often caused by malocclusion, which is the incorrect position of the teeth
when the jaw is closed. Having a malocclusion means your bite is misaligned and can put strain
on your jaw.

With an improper bite, your jaw is constantly trying to compensate for the misalignment, so
tension and stress result, especially on the surrounding muscles. A misaligned bite or issues with the TMJ can also make teeth grinding more likely, which can also lead to headaches or migraines!

Treatment That Actually Works

While not all headaches will be attributable to TMJ disorders, ruling out TMJ as the cause could
be an essential part of treating your migraines [2].

If your doctor has ruled out a medical cause for your migraines, it’s time to visit your dentist.

Your dentist can conduct a thorough exam and be able to tell if a problem with your TMJ could
be causing your headaches.

Unfortunately, many people who experience migraines never suspect that their jaw may be the
culprit, leading their pain to go either undiagnosed and improperly treated.

If your TMJ is found to be the underlying issue, your dentist can put measures in place to treat
your TMJ pain. If a misaligned bite is the issue, orthodontics or other oral appliances may be
able to help. For some patients, stress is found to be the cause of their TMJ inflammation and
so stress management is essential.

Physical therapy may also be able to help. It’s also important that you don’t exert your TMJ by
chewing gum or other foods that are particularly hard to eat.

When understanding the link between migraines and TMJ, it’s important to know that problems
with the TMJ can actually cause severe headaches. By simply visiting your dentist, you could
rule out a potential problem or even uncover the root cause of your pain and receive treatment
that actually works!

Sources:
1. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-
Research/Headache-Hope-Through-Research
2. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_bt01oaam

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If your child is grinding his or her teeth, what can you do? When you suspect your child may
have bruxism, it’s time to seek help from your dentist to prevent and treat this disorder. The
following are our top tips to stop bruxism for good in your child!

Manage Stress

Stress is one of the top causes of teeth grinding. If your child is experiencing stress at home or
at school, he or she may be grinding their teeth as a result.

Helping to manage your child’s stress can help you prevent bruxism. If your child is
overscheduled or is facing stress due to tension at school or home, it’s important to address
this issue in addition to seeking help for your child’s teeth grinding.

Prevent Anxiety and Hyperactivity

Hyperactive children are more likely to grind their teeth. If your child is hyperactive or has been
diagnosed with attention deficient disorder or attention deficient hyperactive disorder, teeth
grinding may be more likely.

Children who suffer from anxiety may also be more prone to teeth grinding. Helping to prevent
and manage anxiety and hyperactivity may help stop your child’s teeth grinding!

An Improper Bite

Children who have a misaligned bite may be more prone to grinding their teeth. For some
children, a misaligned bite can be painful, and teeth grinding can happen in response to pain.

Getting your child evaluated for braces by an orthodontist no later than the age of seven can
help you know if your child is suffering from an improper bite and what can be done about it.

Treat the Underlying Problem

Treating the underlying cause of your child’s bruxism is essential. Without knowing what’s
causing the problem, it can be difficult to implement a long-term solution. Your child’s dentist
or pediatrician can help you uncover the root cause of your child’s teeth grinding.

Whether it’s stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, or an improper bite, you can figure out what’s going
on with your child. You may need to address the issue from a holistic standpoint with your
child’s pediatrician and his or her dentist if not a psychiatrist.

Consider a Nightly Mouthguard

After working to determine what’s causing your child’s bruxism, you may need to consider a
nightly mouthguard while working to address the root cause.

Bruxism can quickly work to damage teeth and irritate gums, so protecting the teeth is crucial,
even if your child is receiving treatment for the cause of their bruxism.
Your dentist can create a custom mouthguard for your child so that his or her teeth will be
protected while you’re seeking treatment.

Are you worried that your child is grinding his or her teeth? Don’t ignore bruxism—it’s
incredibly harmful and may permanently damage your child’s smile. There is help and hope for
bruxism, so schedule an appointment with your dentist today to discuss treatment options!

The post How to Prevent and Treat Your Child’s Teeth Grinding appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

How long do problems with the TMJ last? Here’s what you can expect based on the cause of your TMJ problems as determined by a dentist.

If the Cause Is Genetic

For some people, the cause of their issues with the TMJ are genetic. Everyone has a differently shaped mouth and jaw, and for some people, these shapes just don’t fit well together. For some of these patients, surgery or orthodontics may be able to remedy the problem. For others, their TMJ pain won’t be able to be cured, but managed, making TMJ last a lifetime.

Only a professional dentist can determine the cause of your TMJ disorder, so don’t attempt to self-diagnose in an effort to treat your pain at home. With the right diagnosis, you’ll receive the right treatment!

If the Cause Is Malocclusion

Malocclusion, an improper bite, can cause problems with the TMJ. A malocclusion could include an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Fortunately, simple orthodontics can treat the majority of cases in these bites. For some severe cases, surgery may be needed, but for most, braces can help alleviate TMJ pain.

If your dentist suspects you’re suffering from TMJ pain as a result of an improper bite, he or she can refer you to an orthodontist who can further evaluate the problem and discuss a treatment plan with you to permanently fix your TMJ discomfort.

If the Cause Is Stress

For still some other patients, a combination of problems will cause their TMJ disorder. Some patients have recurring TMJ pain due to stress. In cases like these, TMJ is likely temporary, especially if there is no additional underlying cause to be found.

If your dentist isn’t finding an additional cause, stress management techniques can help you reduce any stiffness, soreness, or tension that you’re experiencing as a result of problems with your TMJ. Stress management techniques may be different for different people, with the most common being relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, therapy, and exercise.

Other Causes

There are other causes of TMJ disorders, including teeth grinding, which is also referred to as bruxism. Bruxism can absolutely be treated which can help alleviate stress on your TMJ. The exact cause of your TMJ disorder may be a combination of causes, so working with a professional gives you your best chance to help alleviate your pain.

Are you experiencing TMJ pain and are afraid it will last for life? For many people, their TMJ pain is treatable if not curable. Visiting your dentist is the first step in identifying what is causing your TMJ discomfort and what your treatment steps should be. Seeking help for your TMJ pain sooner rather than later can help you avoid unnecessary pain and stress!

The post How Long Does TMJ Last? Is It Permanent? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Did you know that certain habits can aggravate your TMJ disorder and make your symptoms
worse? If you have any of the following behaviors, you might be hurting your jaw even more.
Here are the top habits that might cause you undue pain and stress!

Inappropriately Using Your Teeth

Your teeth were meant to chew food, not to open packages, chew on pens, bite your
fingernails, or crunch ice. All of these things not only damage your teeth, but can impact
symptoms of your TMJ disorder as well. These actions put pressure on your TMJ and can cause
muscle tension, which could result in aching or a worsening of your symptoms. Remember that
your teeth are for food and stop using them to accomplish other tasks that could damage your
smile!

Grinding Your Teeth

Bruxism is the condition of grinding your teeth, either during times of stress or even while
asleep. This is an extremely damaging habit that can intensify your TMJ disorder. It puts an
immense amount of pressure on your jaw and cause the joint to become inflamed, resulting in
pressure and tension that will make your TMJ pain worse. If you suffer from bruxism, your
dentist can help you get the treatment you need to stop damaging your teeth and making your
TMJ disorder worse!

Being Stressed Out

Stress impacts our bodies in all types of ways. One of the things chronic stress does is cause
muscle tension in different areas of the body. If you already suffer from TMJ disorder, the
muscles in your jaw could be impacted by your stress and become tense. Not only can this
cause jaw pain, but it can create tension headaches as well, which are another symptom of TMJ
disorder. By better managing your stress, you can avoid making your TMJ disorder worse!

Having Terrible Posture

Sitting up straight isn’t just good for your spine—it could also help alleviate symptoms of your
TMJ disorder as well. Having terrible posture such as hunching over, hanging your head, or not
standing or sitting up straight may impact your jaw. Improper posture can put strain on the
muscles in your head, neck, and jaw, leading to more tension that can make your symptoms
worse. Try to exercise proper posture at all times. If you need to, invest in a better chair for
your desk or take frequent breaks so you can stop hunching over!

Do you suffer from TMJ disorder and have these bad habits? You could be unintentionally
making your TMJ symptoms worse! You can incorporate healthy habits in your lifestyle to help
make your TMJ symptoms just a little easier to manage. By handling your stress, having good
posture, and properly caring for your teeth, TMJ symptoms can be less painful!

The post Are You Unintentionally Making Your TMJ Worse? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Sleep apnea should be evaluated and addressed due to its devastating effects on the body. How
do you know whether or not you’re suffering from sleep apnea? Here are the top signs you may
need to seek help!

Snoring

If you know you snore or your partner tells you that you snore, this is a sign of an obstructed
airway and could point to sleep apnea. Snoring is one of the top signs of this sleep disorder and
is best evaluated by a sleep specialist.

One of the most common types of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, in which the airway
is blocked by the tissues of the throat, your tongue, or the anatomy of your airway. Snoring
could be indicative of sleep apnea, so get a sleep specialist to check, especially if you’re
experiencing these other symptoms.

Fatigue

Daytime or excessive fatigue is common in people who have sleep apnea. As a result of the
repeated waking during the night from not being able to breathe, your body isn’t able to get
the deep rest that it needs to function during the day.

If you’re excessively tired all the time and still get enough sleep at night, sleep apnea could be
the culprit. This should be evaluated as soon as possible, as daytime fatigue can lead to lack of
concentration and accidents!

Headaches

Having a headache is a painful experience that affects how you function. If you have a
persistent headache, you might be suffering from sleep apnea and not know it.

Since your body is deprived of oxygen in the presence of sleep apnea, this can lead the brain to
be deficient in oxygen as well. This can create headaches or migraines that may be present only
upon waking or throughout the day.If you have unexplained headaches, it’s time to consider if
sleep apnea could be the cause.

Other Health Problems

Sleep apnea can affect your risk for many other health problems. These include heart disease,
high blood pressure, and diabetes. If you suffer from any of these health problems in
combination with the signs above, it’s time to get evaluated for sleep apnea.

Since sleep apnea can be responsible for other health concerns and even cause premature
death, it’s important to seek treatment for your sleep apnea. Treatment can eliminate your
symptoms and help your body function normally again—and you’ll feel better!

Are you seeing any of the above signs in your daily life? From snoring to headaches to fatigue,
sleep apnea can be responsible for all of these symptoms and more. Your dentist can refer you
to a sleep specialist who can help you with a diagnosis. There is hope and treatment for sleep
apnea, so seek help today!

The post Top Signs You May Be Suffering from Sleep Apnea appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

When our tooth enamel is worn away, our teeth are no longer protected from what we eat or drink. The temperature of these foods can work its way into the nerves of the teeth and cause pain when tooth enamel is missing.

What are the top reasons your teeth have become more sensitive as a result of enamel
damage?

Brushing too Hard

Brushing your teeth is great; however, brushing aggressively can do more harm to your teeth than good. Since tooth enamel is porous, it can absorb some of the substances we eat and soften a bit. During this time, removing tooth enamel is unfortunately too easy.

This is why it’s advised to not brush your teeth until 30 minutes after a meal. Anytime before a meal is fine though! Even if you haven’t eaten recently, brushing your teeth too hard can wear away enamel over time. Buy a toothbrush with softer bristles and always brush gently to protect your tooth enamel and reduce your chances of sensitive teeth.

Eating Acidic Foods

Acidic foods can damage your tooth enamel: these foods include sweets as well as sugary drinks such as soda. Sugar can work with bacteria to attack and erode tooth enamel, therefore leading to increased tooth sensitivity. Choosing healthy foods such as those high in calcium and omega-3 fatty acids in addition to other nutrients can protect your enamel!

Not Getting Checkups

When you go in for a checkup and a professional teeth cleaning at your dentist office, your dentist is able to clean all the little spots you may have missed since your last visit. Without getting regular checkups and cleanings, plaque can build up.

Plaque sits on the surface of the tooth and can slowly eat away at your tooth enamel. Although this can lead to tooth decay, tooth sensitivity is usually the first warning sign. This means your enamel has been damaged and a cavity might not be far away.

Teeth Grinding

Grinding your teeth can damage your jaw, cause headaches, and even crack your teeth. Your jaw is able to exert immense pressure, and when you’re grinding your teeth, this pressure may be amplified by up to ten times! Teeth grinding is unfortunately one of the common enamel damagers and can lead to sensitive teeth.

Your dentist can help you seek treatment for your teeth grinding, therefore saving your tooth enamel and stopping sensitive teeth in their tracks. Once you notice sensitive teeth, see a dentist as soon as possible!

Sensitive teeth are your body’s way of telling you that something is amiss with your smile, and usually the problem is enamel damage. Discovering the cause of your damaged tooth enamel is important for stopping the process of erosion. Talk to your dentist about your tooth sensitivity today!

The post Why Have My Teeth Become More Sensitive? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Your Teeth Are Sensitive or Loose

Sensitive teeth are a sign that your enamel has been damaged. This means the protective layer over your teeth has worn away from teeth grinding and your teeth are now sensitive to temperature. If you notice even a bit of sensitivity where there wasn’t sensitivity before, visit your dentist to see if you could have enamel damage from bruxism. If it’s loose teeth you’re noticing, this may be a sign of damaged ligaments. As bruxism continues, the ligaments and other tissue that help hold your teeth in place in your jaw can become inflamed. When this happens, your teeth may feel loose or move when touched.

You Have a Sore Jaw

A sore jaw is another sign that bruxism is happening. This is because of the pressure your jaw is putting on your teeth. Without something to absorb that pressure, your jaw can become tight and sore. You may even begin exhibiting symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, where the jaw is sore even when chewing or speaking.

Your Teeth Are Damaged

You might be able to see that your teeth are damaged, or your dentist might tell you. Damaged teeth could include worn down enamel which can lead to dental caries or discoloration. It could mean your gum tissue is inflamed and causing gum recession or bleeding. Teeth may also be cracked or chipped from your nightly grinding. Your dentist can take a closer look at your smile and be able to tell if you’re grinding your teeth. Damaged teeth will need to be repaired in order to prevent future problems.

Fortunately, teeth grinding is a treatable condition. Wearing a custom night guard for your mouth can help stop the impact of bruxism on your teeth. You’ll be able to eliminate your symptoms and protect your smile while you work on other stress relieving techniques to help stop grinding for good!

Image courtesy of jk1991 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

You’ve likely heard of TMJ disorders, where a misalignment, trauma, or incorrect bite could result in jaw pain and odd sounds. People often experience clicking or popping noises when opening and closing their mouth in addition to headaches, jaw tightness, and even teeth grinding as a result of these conditions.

These disorders can be very uncomfortable, but fortunately, your dentist may be able to help! Talk to your dentist about any jaw pain including any tension or tightness that you’re experiencing. He or she can perform a simple jaw exam to determine if your bite or your temporomandibular joint could be the problem.

Stress or Anxiety

Many people are taught to keep their emotions to themselves and deal with feelings such as anxiety or stress inwardly. This can lead to tension throughout the body, and you may experience this tension in your jaw muscles. When you’re under pressure or feeling stressed out, you may tighten your jaw in response to these stressors, leading to jaw tightness and tension.

There are other ways to handle stress and anxiety rather than placing the pressure on your jaw or your muscles. This type of tension could lead to dull headaches or even intense migraines and can worsen your existing stress. Talk to your doctor or your dentist about healthy habits for handling stress rather than taking that tension in your jaw!

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Do you know if you grind your teeth? Teeth grinding is a common habit that many people aren’t aware they have. Whether you grind your teeth in times of stress or even while sleeping, this could be the sneaky culprit behind your jaw tightness and tension. Bruxism is the technical name for teeth grinding, and bruxism can be extremely damaging to your teeth and put immense pressure on your jaw.

If you grind your teeth at night, you may wake up with jaw pain, a dull headache, or even sore teeth and gums. Since bruxism puts so much pressure on your teeth, this can lead to chips and fractures, enamel erosion, and inflammation, all of which can increase your risk for tooth loss over time. Talk to your dentist about bruxism—he or she can perform an exam and determine if you’re exhibiting signs of teeth grinding that can benefit from treatment.

You don’t have to live with jaw tightness and tension. These symptoms often point to a larger problem that can easily be addressed with your dentist. No one should have to live with pain, so talk to your dentist about your jaw aches and tension to see what’s causing it. There is treatment for bruxism, stress, and TMJ disorders!

The post Jaw Tightness and Tension: What Does It Mean? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Your dentist can examine your jaw and likely tell if you have a problem with the TMJ and talk with you about treatments that could help relieve your migraines. What is the link between migraines and the TMJ?

Misaligned TMJ Causes Tension

The TMJ is the joint that anchors your jawbone to your skull. This complex joint is responsible for helping you chew your food and speak properly, not to mention yawn! The muscles that help to support this joint may be the cause of your migraines if you have a misaligned TMJ. When the TMJ is misaligned, it causes pressure on these muscles whenever you move your jaw. This is because the muscles are trying to readjust themselves back into place—the constant pressure of these straining muscles that support an uneven TMJ can cause migraines!

Jaw Problems Cause Additional Symptoms

If you have a problem with your TMJ, such as misalignment, this issue can cause additional symptoms that may contribute to your migraines. For instance, people with a TMJ disorder are more likely to grind their teeth. Teeth grinding puts immense pressure on your teeth and jaw and can be responsible for tension headaches and migraines. You may also experience other symptoms such as aching teeth or even earaches along with your migraines if you suffer from a TMJ disorder!

Teeth Touching Creates Pressure

If you have an abnormal bite in which your teeth constantly touch, also called malocclusion, you likely have a TMJ disorder. Your teeth shouldn’t touch at all—not when the jaw is resting and very rarely during eating. When your teeth touch as the result of an uneven jaw, this touching can cause your jaw muscles to contract. When this happens, pressure is created and this pressure can cause tension throughout the cranium and may end up causing a severe headache or migraine.

Causes and Treatment

There’s no exact cause of TMJ disorders. Your TMJ misalignment could be the result of an injury to your face and jaw, malocclusion, or even stress, anxiety, and arthritis. Often it may be a combination of these factors that causes your TMJ disorder and migraine headaches. Fortunately, there is treatment for TMJ disorders. Your dentist can examine your jaw joint and talk with you about any symptoms you may be experiencing.

If you’ve been suffering from migraines and medication or other therapies haven’t helped, the underlying problem could be in your jaw! The link between the TMJ and migraines is evident in that problems with the TMJ create pressure and tension which can lead to severe migraines, especially if the problem is ongoing. By visiting an experienced dentist, you can find out if jaw tension or a misaligned bite is actually causing your headaches!

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