Do you often suffer from headaches or migraines? If so, then you may need to undergo treatment for issues like TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about possible solutions for these preventive concerns, and what you can do to help ease discomfort from home.
Headaches and TMJ/Bruxism
TMJ disorder means that the temporomandibular joints have undergone excessive strains, which upsets bite balance and leads to trouble fully opening and closing the mouth. With bruxism, the patient grinds the teeth and clenches the jaw on a near-nightly basis, and this pressure leads to uncomfortable symptoms and even damaged teeth. Both of these disorders could be the result of stress, tooth loss, bite imbalance, misalignment, and injury to the face or jaw. Untreated TMJ disorder could also lead to bruxism, and vice-versa. People with these concerns may often encounter headaches and migraines.
Other Signs of Trouble
Other potential warning signs could include tooth sensitivity and toothaches due to damage from teeth grinding, as well as aches or pains in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders. People may also report a popping or clicking sensation in the jaw. As the disorder worsens, the risk of damage to the teeth increases and this could mean a higher likelihood of tooth decay and dental infection.
Possible Treatment Options
If you encounter the headaches and other symptoms we discussed above, then you should contact our team to schedule a visit. We will carefully examine your smile with digital x-rays and other advanced technologies to identify the factors behind your discomfort, and prescribe the most appropriate treatment option. For some, correcting misalignment with clear aligners could ease strain and discomfort. Others may benefit from replacing missing teeth with dental implants, or by placing a restoration like a crown to improve overall balance.
However, the most common treatment option is an oral appliance. After we take detailed impressions and images of your smile, we create an oral appliance that looks and fits much like a mouthguard. The device is designed to not only fit comfortably, but to also reposition the jaw to ease pressure on the jaws, addressing TMJ-related dysfunction. The appliance also places a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, a barrier that helps prevent further damage to your smile due to teeth grinding or clenching. If you have any questions about addressing your headaches, or if you would like to schedule a visit, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dental Care?
Our team is ready to address the issues behind your discomfort. To learn more about improving overall oral health and avoiding discomfort, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
