TMJ and Headaches

Headaches can often be a symptom of Temporomadibular Joint disorders. The Temporomandibular Joint (‘TMJ’) can be felt by placing your fingers just in front of your ears, and opening and closing your mouth. The TMJ Joint plays an important role in jaw functions such as talking, chewing and yawning.

Common Disorders of the Jaw Joint
• TMJ disorder can affect one or both joints causing pain and limiting the opening of the mouth
• About 7 in 10 people are affected at some time in their lives
• Some Symptoms are mild and go away with time

Most Common Causes of TMJ Disorders
• grinding or clenching of teeth (could be linked to stress)
• emotional/physical stress and tension in the jaw muscles
• fracture/dislocation of the TMJ

Most Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
• limited jaw movement/difficulty in opening mouth
• stuck or locked jaw
• clicking, grating or popping noises from the TMJ
• pain when chewing, yawning
• pain around ears and cheeks
• migraine headaches, nausea
• face, neck, back, shoulder pain, muscle spasms
• tooth ache

The correct diagnosis is crucial to ensure that the right treatment is undertaken. To assist the dentist with the appropriate records you may need to prepare:
• Alginate for study models
• OPG form to view the TMJ’s
• Jaw Exercises

Most Common Treatment Methods are:
• Awareness and behaviour modification therapy (jaw exercises)
• relaxation and stress management
• Warm/Cold packs
• Occlusal Spint (Night Guard)
• Physiotherapy (referral to physiotherapist)/Specialist Oro-Facial Pain Clinic