Migraines and TMJ

Migraines and TMJ seem to go hand-in-hand with those who suffer from both. TMJ is the term used for the joint connecting the lower jaw and temporal bone of the skull, called the temporomandibular joint. Because this joint is responsible for so many daily functions like talking, opening and closing the mouth, and chewing, it is also susceptible to a condition called TMJ disorder.

The following symptoms are common among people with TMJ disorder:
1. Headaches and migraines
2. Teeth grinding
3. Ear pain
4. Clicking and popping sounds of the jaw
5. Difficulty chewing
6. Pain while opening or closing the mouth
7. The jaw getting stuck in the open or closed position

Migraines are a severe type of head pain that also accompanies other symptoms like dizziness, flashes of light, sensitivity to bright lights, nausea, and vomiting. Unfortunately, a misaligned jaw, and the pain that may come from it, can trigger migraines in some of our patients. This is why we provide treatments to alleviate the pain here at Lewelling Dental Care, including night guards to reduce teeth grinding.

If you feel your migraines may be stemming from TMJ, visit our dentist Dr. Shital Kazi in San Lorenzo, CA to get started on treatment.

TMJ

Jaw joint pain can interfere with proper sleeping, eating and other health problems, including headaches. At Lewelling Dental Care, Dr. Kazi provides treatment for jaw joint pain, which is often caused by temporomandibular disorder.

The temporomandibular joint connects your skull and lower jaw and controls jaw movement. In some instances, problems with the joint can develop leading to the following symptoms:

• Pain in the jaw


• Trouble chewing


• Facial pain


• Headaches

Jaw joint pain can be frustrating and inhibiting.  The good news is treatment is available. Dr. Kazi diagnoses and treats TMJ at our office.  Treatment may include education on symptom management and possibly wearing a night guard. Jaw joint pain can be successfully treated, so it does not have to interfere with your daily life. Dr. Kazi and her caring staff can offer you solutions for jaw joint pain.

If you’re suffering from jaw pain, call Lewelling Dental Care today at (510) 276-6040. We offer convenient appointment times including evening and Saturday appointments.

TMJ

If you regularly experience morning migraines, swollen cheeks and sore jaw muscles, they could be caused by a condition known as TMJ.  TMJ occurs when night grinding, stress or injury put a lot of pressure on the temporomandibular joint.  Fortunately, this common condition can be easily fixed.  Patients that visit my office can find relief with custom night guards that reduce pressure on the affected joint.  In addition to the long term relief that night guards provide, you can take a few steps to relieve pressure at home:

• ·         Eat soft foods


• ·         Avoid chewing gum


• ·         Perform exercises that stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles


• ·         Apply heat or ice to temporarily relieve pain

For long term relief from TMJ, visit me at the office where I can better diagnose any issues.  I look forward to helping all of my patients better their dental health and find relief from their pain.

Source:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tmj-disorders/DS00355/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies