If you've been experiencing frequent headaches and haven't been able to identify the cause, your jaw may be to blame. Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMD, is a condition affecting the joint that connects your jaw to your skull, and headaches are one of its most common and often overlooked symptoms.
The Signs and Symptoms of TMD
At Harbortown Dental Care, Dr. Faircloth can help determine whether TMD may be contributing to your headaches. Some additional signs that your headaches could be related to TMD include:
- Jaw pain or soreness, particularly in the morning or after eating, which may indicate nighttime clenching or grinding
- A clicking or popping sensation when opening or closing your mouth, suggesting irregularity in the temporomandibular joint
- Facial pain or tenderness around the jaw, cheeks, or temples that accompanies your headaches
- Ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ears without any signs of infection
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully or a jaw that feels stiff, locked, or uncomfortable
- Neck and shoulder tension, which can radiate from jaw muscle strain and contribute to chronic headaches
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Faircloth. TMD is very treatable, and relief may be closer than you think.
At Harbortown Dental Care, we take a thorough, compassionate approach to diagnosing and managing TMD so you can get back to feeling your best.