If you suffer from frequent headaches, you’ve probably tried a lot of things. Over-the-counter pain relievers. Hot packs. Maybe you’ve seen a doctor or a neurologist. But have you ever considered that your dentist might help with chronic headaches?
It sounds surprising, but it’s true. At North Dental Professionals, with offices in Chicago and Skokie, Dr. Paul Chaiken helps many patients find relief from jaw-related headaches, especially those caused by TMJ disorder. Here’s how the connection works.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It’s the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull, located just in front of each ear. You use it every time you chew, speak, swallow, or yawn.
When this joint or the surrounding muscles become inflamed or strained, it’s called TMJ disorder. And one of the most common and most overlooked symptoms is headaches.
How Jaw Problems Cause Headaches
Your jaw muscles connect to your temples, forehead, and the back of your neck. When your jaw is out of balance, those muscles have to work harder. That tension spreads.
Think about clenching your fist all day. Eventually, your forearm would ache. The same thing happens with your jaw. If you clench or grind, even in your sleep, those muscles fatigue and tighten. The result is often a dull, persistent headache that starts in your temples or the back of your head.
Many patients come to us after years of headaches. They’ve tried everything. What they haven’t tried is addressing the root cause: their jaw.
Signs Your Headaches Might Be Jaw-Related
Not all headaches come from TMJ disorder. But here are some clues that your jaw might be the culprit:
- Your headache starts in the morning, right after waking up
- You notice jaw soreness or tenderness when you press on your cheek muscles
- You hear popping or clicking sounds when you open or close your mouth
- Your headache gets worse when you chew or yawn
- You clench or grind your teeth, especially at night
- You have a history of jaw injury or bite problems
If several of these sound familiar, TMJ disorder is worth investigating.
How Dr. Chaiken Diagnoses the Problem
At our Chicago and Skokie offices, we start with a conversation. We’ll ask about your headaches: when they happen, where they start, how often they occur. We’ll also ask about your jaw habits and any past dental issues.
Then Dr. Chaiken examines your jaw. He checks how it moves. He feels for tenderness in the muscles around your jaw. And he looks at your bite and checks for signs of grinding, like worn spots on your teeth.
Sometimes we take X-rays to see the joint more clearly. But often, a careful exam tells us what we need to know.
How We Treat TMJ-Related Headaches at North Dental Professionals
Most TMJ-related headaches improve with conservative treatment. No surgery. No strong medications.
- Oral appliances: This is our most common recommendation. A custom-made nightguard gently repositions your jaw and prevents clenching or grinding. Many patients notice fewer headaches within the first week or two.
- Bite adjustments: If a filling or crown is slightly too high, or if your bite puts uneven pressure on one side, a small adjustment can make a big difference.
- Muscle relaxation techniques: We can teach you simple exercises to relax your jaw muscles and reduce tension.
- Lifestyle changes: We’ll discuss habits that may contribute to your headaches, such as chewing gum, biting your nails, or how you hold your phone.
Don’t Just Live with Headaches
If you’ve been struggling with headaches and haven’t found relief, we’re here to help. At North Dental Professionals, we’ve seen many patients finally get the answers they’ve been looking for.
Call our Chicago or Skokie office today or request an appointment online. Let’s find out if your headaches are connected to your jaw and what we can do about it.