There are many reasons why someone could experience chronic headaches, but did you know that headaches are also a sign that you could be suffering from TMJ dysfunction?  

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a hinge and connects your jawbone to your skull. There is one joint on each side of your jaw. If you have TMJ dysfunction, you could be experiencing pain in your jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Headaches, joint locking, and muscle spasms are also common symptoms. If left untreated, TMJ dysfunction can lead to bruxism, which is the medical term for teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can exacerbate TMJ dysfunction due to the pressure that teeth grinding places on the jaw joints.

Genetics, arthritis, or a jaw injury can lead to TMJ dysfunction. The most common way of treating TMJ dysfunction is through an oral appliance such as a bite guard or mouthguard.  

It is important to see your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If you or someone you know is suffering from any of the symptoms above and believe it could be TMJ dysfunction, please call and schedule an appointment with us. We gladly serve patients in the Southlake, TX, and surrounding areas.