If you wake up with a headache or often feel jaw tension and pain with your headaches, the cause could be TMJ. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. It’s the part of your body that helps you open and close your mouth when you eat, talk, or yawn. When this joint becomes irritated or doesn’t work the way it should, it can cause pain in your jaw and even headaches. At Hermitage Dental, our dentists can treat frequent headaches in Edmonton, AB, with TMJ treatment.
What Causes TMJ Headaches?
TMJ headaches are caused by problems in the jaw joint and the muscles around it. These muscles can become tight, sore, or overworked, which leads to pain that spreads to your head, neck, and even your shoulders. Some people mistake TMJ pain for a regular tension headache or even a migraine.
many things that can lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, and one of the most common symptoms is headaches. When the jaw joint or the muscles around it become irritated or overworked, pain can travel to the head, neck, and even the shoulders. Below are some common causes of TMJ problems that may lead to frequent headaches:
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Many people grind their teeth while they sleep, and they may not even know they’re doing it. This grinding is called bruxism, and it puts a lot of pressure on your teeth and jaw. When you grind your teeth, the muscles around your jaw are always working—even when they should be resting. Over time, this can wear down your teeth and make your jaw muscles sore.
One of the most common signs of nighttime teeth grinding is waking up with a headache. That’s because your jaw has been tight and active all night long. If not treated, bruxism can also lead to chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity, and more serious jaw problems.
Jaw Clenching
Jaw clenching is similar to teeth grinding, but it can happen during the day when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or focused on a task. Some people clench their jaw while working, studying, or even while driving. You might not even realize you’re doing it until your jaw starts to feel sore.
Clenching tightens the jaw muscles and puts extra pressure on the TMJ. Over time, this can cause inflammation in the joint and lead to pain, tension, and headaches. If you feel like your jaw is often tight or tired, jaw clenching could be the reason.
Bad Bite (Malocclusion)
Your bite is how your upper and lower teeth fit together when you close your mouth. A bad bite, also known as malocclusion, means that your teeth do not line up the way they should. This can make simple things like chewing and talking harder for your jaw.
When your bite is off, your jaw joint has to work harder to move your mouth correctly. This extra effort can stress the TMJ and make your muscles sore. Over time, this can lead to frequent jaw pain, headaches, and even tooth damage. Sometimes, braces or other dental treatments are needed to correct a bad bite and improve jaw alignment.
Injury or Trauma
If you’ve ever been hit in the jaw or face—like during sports, a car accident, or a fall—you may have damaged the TMJ. Even a small injury can affect how the joint moves or fits together. After an injury, you may notice pain when you chew, talk, or yawn.
Injuries can also cause swelling, tightness, or clicking sounds in the jaw. If the damage isn’t treated, it can lead to ongoing TMJ problems and headaches that don’t go away on their own. If you’ve had an accident and notice jaw or head pain afterward, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist for an exam.
Arthritis
Arthritis can lead to inflamed, stiff, and painful joints. While many people think of arthritis affecting the hands or knees, it can also affect the TMJ. If you have arthritis in your jaw, the joint may not move as easily as it should, and this can cause pain when you chew or open your mouth.
Treatment for TMJ Headaches in Edmonton, AB
If you think TMJ causes your headaches, it’s important to see a dentist who understands the condition. At Hermitage Dental, we offer treatments that target the root cause of the pain, not just the symptoms.
We start with a full exam to look at your jaw joint, bite, and how your teeth fit together. We may ask questions about your symptoms, take X-rays, and check how your jaw moves when you open and close your mouth.
Once we know what’s going on, we can suggest the right treatment for you. A custom nightguard is one of the most common and effective treatments we use.
Nightguards for TMJ Headaches
A nightguard is a special mouthpiece that you wear while you sleep. Custom TMJ nightguards feel comfortable and protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. The nightguard also helps keep your jaw in a better position to reduce stress on the joint and muscles.
Many patients notice fewer headaches, jaw pain, and better sleep when they wear a nightguard every night. At Hermitage Dental, we create custom nightguards based on dental impressions so they fit perfectly and work effectively.
How to Treat TMJ Headaches at Home
You can do several things at home to manage TMJ headaches in Edmonton, AB, and reduce pain between dental visits:
- Apply Warm or Cold Packs: Use a warm compress to relax tight muscles or a cold pack to reduce swelling. Place the pack on the side of your face or jaw for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Eat Soft Foods: Give your jaw a break by avoiding chewy, crunchy, or hard foods. Stick to soft meals like soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs until the pain eases.
- Avoid Wide Jaw Movements: Try not to open your mouth too wide when yawning or talking. Avoid chewing gum or biting your nails, as these habits can make things worse.
- Do Jaw Exercises: You can practice exercises daily to relax your jaw and reduce headaches. One common exercise is to place your tongue gently on the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth. Then let your teeth come apart slightly and keep your lips closed. Breathe deeply through your nose and hold this relaxed position for a few seconds.
- Practice Good Posture: Sitting and standing up straight can help your jaw and neck muscles relax. Avoid slouching, especially if you sit at a desk for long periods.
- Reduce Stress: Stress can lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Try calming activities like deep breathing and stretching. You can also read or listen to relaxing music before bed.
- Get Plenty of Sleep: A good night’s sleep can help your body heal and reduce jaw tension. Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule. We also recommend that you avoid caffeine late in the day.
Schedule an Appointment
Get headache treatment in Edmonton, AB at Hermitage Dental. Call our dental team today at 587-806-4168. Feel free to request an appointment with us online.