What is it?

Frequent or recurring headaches, suffered by many of us and often misdiagnosed by physicians, can be caused by an underlying dental problem. As headaches are a symptom of so many conditions, it can be challenging at times for dentists and physicians to make a correct diagnosis.

What causes it?

If the cause is dental, it is most commonly bruxism (also known as teeth-grinding) or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).
Our dentists have the training and experience to diagnose and treat patients who have headaches as a result of TMD. And if you are suffering from headaches caused by TMD, you will typically experience other symptoms such as:

  • Jaw discomfort or locking jaw
  • Neck and/or shoulder pain
  • Difficulties in jaw motion or a poor range
  • Popping noises from the jaw
  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Earaches and/or uncomfortable pressure in the ear

What treatments are available for TMD?

At Beachside Dental, we use BOTOX® as an alternative treatment for TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) disorders and associated jaw tension and pain. When injected into facial muscles afflicted with soreness and discomfort, BOTOX® relieves TMJ and jaw tension for many patients. The injections often eliminate headaches resulting from teeth grinding, and, in cases of severe stress, BOTOX® can even minimize lock jaw. Although BOTOX® treatment for these conditions evidence indicates that it can be extremely effective.