Is TMJ Causing My Headaches?

As a Michigan dentist who is known for Decades of providing accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for TMJ disorders, I’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of true sufferers since the Covid pandemic.

Now coupled with the tense political atmosphere of a presidential election year, Americans are learning that the jaw joints hold much more of a load than that of rigorous chewing.

In one post-Covid study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2023, “The odds of subjects to be diagnosed with painful TMD* at the post-COVR era were 3.3 times higher compared to the pre-pandemic time period.” It was also found that “during the pandemic females were affected more seriously by painful and non-painful TMD* than males.”

*Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10552226/

And, also shared by The National Institutes of Health in a report following the pandemic:

“The rate of TMDs (worsening of previous TMDs or new onset) during the COVID-19 infection period among participants was 41.9%.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9491629/

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders include conditions that cause pain and/or dysfunction in the area around the jaw. About 80% of people with a TMJ disorder develop headaches due to “referred” pain. This means that a problem in one area is a contributing factor to the pain in another.

With a long history of seeing patients who have experienced frequent headaches – with some enduring debilitating migraines – I am pleased that we are able to either rule IN or rule OUT the jaw joints as the source of headaches and more.

Some symptoms, including ear ringing (tinnitus), dizziness, aching neck & shoulder muscles, and tingling in the arms and fingers, seem unrelated to the jaw joints. However, the interaction of these joints with the harmonious balance in other areas can be minute, yet significant.

If you feel your headaches are related to your jaw joints, you should initially consider some lifestyle adjustments before proceeding on a TMD diagnosis. These measures include:

• Drink at least 8 glasses of plain water a day (tea and sports drinks don’t count).

• Cut back on caffeine (including coffee, tea and colas).

• Greatly minimize alcohol intake.

• Take the maximum recommended dose of an OTC medication for headaches, preferably an NSAID such as Motrin, Aleve or Advil.

• Make sure you are getting ample, uninterrupted sleep.

• Try to reduce environments with loud noises or blaring light.

• Learn to meditate or practice techniques that help with stress management.

• Have a chiropractor evaluate your posture; check your position when using electronic devices or watching TV.

• Have an eye exam to see if vision is a factor.

Although many people can minimize the disruption of living with frequent headaches through these adjustments, a TMJ disorder isn’t necessarily easy to overcome.

As a general and neuromuscular dentist, I understand the unique intricacies involving the alignment of teeth, size of the tongue, shape of the palate, connecting muscles and tissues, and associated joints. As the TMJ joints glide up and down and side to side, these movements involve attached muscles and tissues.

Without a harmonious interaction of all the structures used in eating, speaking, etc., inflammation can result from the stress and strain the TMJ endure. TMD can lead to chipped, broken, or cracked teeth. They are also a common cause of clenching or grinding of teeth. The forces of grinding can also cause worn teeth (teeth that are flattened off at the tops).

In addition to headaches, inflammation from the jaw joints can extend into the ear chamber, causing ear ringing and dizziness. This tension can also lead to sore facial, neck and shoulder muscles as well as tingling down the arm or in the fingers.

To determine if your jaw joints are the source of your headaches, our thorough diagnostic process includes some of the industry’s most advanced technology available, such as:

CONE BEAM 3D imaging – Provides intricate, concise views far and beyond what a typical ‘bite wing’ or Panorex (jaw to jaw) affords. In a single scan, these 3D images show teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone. For TMJ patients, these images are ideal for assessing the position of the jaws, evaluation of the jaw joints, and review of airway passages.

BIOPAK system – Records the functions and congruity of the upper and lower jaw, jaw joints, and associated muscles at various ranges. This aids in proper diagnosis and treatment planning for TMJ dysfunction, sleep disorders and head/facial pain – with results available the same day.

TEKSCAN (T-Scan™) Digital Occlusal Analysis – The only technology that shows measured forces and the timing of occlusal surfaces coming together, providing a clear picture of the patient’s bite.

Frequent headaches are miserable. They can interfere with one’s life and affect mood, being able to follow through with plans, and concentration. However, successful and appropriate treatment can often resolve or greatly minimize TMJ-related headaches without the need for a harsh medication regimen or jaw surgery.

If you suspect your frequent headaches (or other symptoms mentioned above) may be related to your jaw joints, schedule a no-charge consultation appointment in our Macomb County dental office. We provide complete dentistry for all needs, including cosmetic dentistry and all stages of dental implants.

Call 586-739-2155 or tap here to begin. You are also invited to watch a brief video on TMJ disorder care in our office: DrBarbatTMJ

And, please enjoy a tour of our Shelby Township dental office at: DrBarbatOfficeTour