If you suffer from frequent headaches, your jaw might be to blame. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD) can cause pain that radiates from the jaw to the head, leading to what many people describe as a TMJ headache. These headaches can feel like pressure around the temples, behind the eyes, or at the base of the skull, and they can seriously impact your daily life. The good news is that there are several effective ways to find relief and prevent future headaches.
Relax Your Jaw Muscles
TMJ headaches are often caused by jaw tension, teeth grinding, or clenching. Start by practicing relaxation techniques to relieve tightness in the jaw muscles. Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth and gently relax your jaw so your teeth are not touching. You can also massage the jaw joints in small circles or apply warm compresses to ease muscle tightness.
Manage Stress
Stress is a major trigger for TMJ pain and headaches because it can cause you to clench your jaw unconsciously. Incorporate stress-reducing habits like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your routine. Even taking a few minutes each day to stretch or go for a walk can help calm your mind and relax your muscles.
Correct Your Posture
Poor posture — especially from looking down at a phone or slouching at a desk — can strain the neck and jaw muscles, contributing to TMJ headaches. Keep your head aligned over your shoulders, sit upright, and adjust your workstation to promote good ergonomics.
Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods
Biting into hard foods or chewing gum can put extra strain on the jaw joint, making headaches worse. Stick to softer foods when your jaw feels sore and cut your food into smaller pieces to reduce the amount of chewing required.
Wear a Nightguard
If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep (a condition known as bruxism), a custom nightguard from your dentist can protect your teeth and reduce pressure on the jaw joint. This can significantly decrease morning headaches.
Over-the-Counter Relief
For occasional pain, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may help reduce inflammation and discomfort. However, they should not be relied on as a long-term solution.
See Your Dentist or TMJ Specialist
If TMJ headaches are frequent or severe, it’s important to consult a dental professional. They can evaluate your bite, jaw function, and recommend treatments such as splints, physical therapy, or even Botox injections for muscle relaxation.
TMJ headaches can be frustrating, but they are manageable. By combining home care, stress management, and professional treatment, you can reduce pain, prevent flare-ups, and improve your quality of life.
About the Practice
Have TMJ headaches got you down? Are you frustrated from the pain interrupting your daily, busy life? At Hyland Dental, we have an on-staff dentist trained specially in the area of TMJ problems who can soothe your pain with customized TMJ therapy. With appliances like occlusal splints, we can take the pressure off your jaw joints and give you much needed relief. And we only use the best dental materials! If you’re ready to take your life back, schedule an appointment online or call (507) 387-3249.