Almost everyone has experienced a headache at some point in their life. They can be brought on by many things, including stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, neurological disorders, etc., which are all normal reasons. If your headaches are frequent, however, that is not normal. In that case, they may be caused by dental problems. Treating frequent headaches in our Annapolis, MD, dental office can help.
Frequent or constant headaches, particularly experienced when you wake up in the morning, may be a result of dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These are the joints on the side of your mouth that open and close your mouth. Health practitioners often misdiagnose TMJ headaches.
About TMJ Dysfunction
Causes
TMJ dysfunction can be caused by a number of things, including arthritis, dislocation, injury, tooth and jaw alignment, or stress and teeth grinding. TMJ dysfunction causes a range of concerns and symptoms, including worn or damaged teeth, discomfort in the jaw, and frequent headaches.
Symptoms
TMJ dysfunction causes symptoms that can range from temporary to long-lasting. Most common in patients between the ages of 20 and 40 and more common in women than in men, here are some symptoms that if you experience, you should make an appointment:
- Pain in the face, particularly around the ear, when you chew, open or close your mouth, or speak
- Limited ability to open your mouth
- Jaws that ‘stick’, ‘click’, or ‘pop’, when you open or close your mouth
- Difficulty chewing or the feeling that the upper and lower jaw are not fitting together
- Swelling on one or both sides of the face
Treatment for TMJ Dysfunction
While most patients will benefit from an evaluation and appropriate dental treatment, there are lifestyle changes that can reduce the severity of symptoms and complement your treatment for a more lasting and effective result.
Many people find relief from symptoms through a softer diet, avoiding chewing or biting nails, using a heat pack, or practicing stress management through exercise, meditation, and other relaxation techniques. Dr. Sheen will thoroughly evaluate all aspects of your bite before recommending treatment to reduce pain and restore your dental health. Options can include:
Nightguards or Splint Guards
Mouthguards are plastic mouthpieces that fit over the upper and lower teeth. We recommend nightguards to lessen the effects of grinding or clenching. They can also correct the bite by positioning the teeth correctly. Getting a custom mouthguard from Dr. Sheen is a simple process.
First, he will take impressions of your teeth to create a mold. Then a dental laboratory will fabricate it. At your next visit, you will try it on to make sure it fits, and you are comfortable wearing it.
Bite Correction Procedures
If problems persist, our dentist in Annapolis, MD, can perform a bite correction procedure to treat TMJ dysfunction. This often includes replacing missing teeth or inserting crowns or veneers. This helps the teeth make proper contact.
Headaches FAQs
Learn more about headaches in Annapolis, MD, with answers to these common questions:
How can an unbalanced bite increase the risk of headaches?
An unbalanced bite, also known as a misaligned bite, can increase the risk of headaches for several reasons. When your teeth do not fit together properly, it can cause extra stress on your jaw muscles and joints. This constant strain can lead to tension and soreness, resulting in headaches.
Misaligned teeth can lead to teeth grinding or clenching during sleep. This habit puts more pressure on your jaw and can lead to painful headaches.
Can lifestyle changes reduce headaches?
Yes, we may recommend some lifestyle changes to treat headaches:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential. Sometimes, headaches can be caused by dehydration. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your body well-hydrated.
- Eat Regular Meals: Skipping meals or not eating enough can trigger headaches. Make sure to eat balanced meals at regular times. Include healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A good diet can keep your energy up and prevent headaches.
- Get Enough Sleep: Not getting enough sleep can lead to headaches. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to establish a good sleep routine. Most people need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
- Manage Stress: Stress is one of the leading causes of headaches. Finding ways to relax, such as practicing deep breathing, doing yoga, or spending time on hobbies. This can help reduce stress and lower the chances of getting headaches.
Why does caffeine cause headaches?
Caffeine can cause headaches for several reasons. You might get a headache if you regularly drink coffee, tea, or other caffeinated drinks and suddenly stop. This is called caffeine withdrawal. Your body becomes used to having caffeine, and when you take it away, it can cause a headache as your body adjusts. Caffeine can make you urinate more often, which can lead to dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, it can cause headaches.
Also, consuming high amounts can cause your blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, which can result in headache pain. Sometimes, people drink caffeine to help them stay awake and alert, especially during stressful times. However, the tension from stress can contribute to headaches.
Can TMJ headaches feel like migraines?
Yes, TMJ headaches and migraines can cause pain in the temples, forehead, or the back of the head. This can make it hard to tell them apart.
TMJ problems can create tension in the muscles around your jaw, neck, and head. This tension can lead to headaches that are similar in feeling to migraine pain. Both types of headaches can occur frequently, which can make it difficult to know which type you’re experiencing.
Can foods or drinks trigger TMJ headaches?
Yes, certain food or drinks can increase your risk of headaches. Foods that are hard to chew, like nuts, tough meats, or hard bread, can put extra strain on your jaw. Crunchy snacks like popcorn or chips can also make you chew a lot, which might trigger TMJ headaches.
Drinks like coffee, tea, and energy drinks can sometimes contribute to headaches, including TMJ headaches. Caffeine can affect your muscles and may cause tension. Also, eating too much sugar can lead to inflammation in the body, which might cause headaches for some people. Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration and tension in the jaw, which might trigger headaches.
Can stress and anxiety worsen TMJ headaches?
Yes, stress can worsen your headaches. When you’re stressed, the muscles around your jaw can tighten. This extra tension can put pressure on the TMJ.
When anxious or stressed, people often clench their teeth or grind them together without even realizing it. This habit can put a lot of strain on the jaw, which makes TMJ headaches more likely.
Stress can also affect how you carry your body. If you sit or stand with poor posture, it can strain your neck and shoulders. Stress and anxiety can also make it harder to sleep well. Lack of sleep can make headaches more frequent and intense.
What habits worsen TMJ headaches?
Certain habits can make TMJ headaches worse. Here are some common habits to be aware of:
- Teeth Grinding
- Jaw Clenching
- Chewing Gum
- Eating Hard or Chewy Foods
- Poor Posture
Why do I get TMJ headaches after I yawn or laugh?
Yawning or laughing can cause TMJ headaches because these actions make your jaw open wide. This puts extra strain on the TMJ and the surrounding muscles. If your TMJ is already stressed or inflamed, movements like these can overextend the joint. It can lead to pain that can spread to your head, temples, or face. This pain is what we call a TMJ headache.
To prevent this, try to avoid opening your mouth too wide and give your jaw time to rest if you notice discomfort. If the problem continues, we can help with treatment options.
Treat Your Headaches Today
If you suffer from frequent headaches or have other dental concerns, don’t wait another day. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Sheen of Annapolis today. He can treat your chronic headaches in his Annapolis, MD, dental office.