Dealing with headaches and jaw pain can be all-consuming. It can keep you up at night, preventing you from getting a restful night’s sleep. It can make it hard to focus at school or work. And unfortunately, it can make you frustrated, and more likely to lose patience or snap at others.

So what do you do when these headaches and jaw pain don’t go away? Neuromuscular dentistry may help. It might be time for a visit to the best dentist in Dallas, Texas.

The connection between headaches and jaw tension.

You may have experienced headaches from time to time. And jaw pain isn’t all that uncommon when you are undergoing serious amounts of stress. When we’re under pressure, we’re likely to clench our teeth together, which can lead to jaw discomfort. But what does it mean when you are experiencing a headache and jaw tension at the same time?

Well, when these two annoying ailments occur simultaneously, it could be due to improper jaw alignment or malocclusion. This misalignment causes the muscles around the jaw to strain as they attempt to compensate for the imbalance, leading to pain and tension. This strain can radiate to other areas, including the temples, neck, and shoulders, resulting in frequent headaches. 

So, what is neuromuscular dentistry, and how can it help? We’re so glad you asked. 

What is neuromuscular dentistry?

You’ve likely heard of general dentistry—professional dental cleanings and an evaluation of your oral health, which takes place every six months at your dental office. And, you may have heard of restorative dentistry, where your dentist corrects common dental issues with treatments, such as dental crowns and fillings, or even dental implants. But what is neuromuscular dentistry?

This approach to dentistry goes beyond cosmetic enhancements, focusing on a comprehensive approach to oral health. This specialized field, practiced by neuromuscular dentists, acknowledges the intricate relationship between teeth, jaw joints, and muscles. These professionals work to achieve a balanced bite and proper jaw alignment to enhance overall comfort.

Experts like Dr. Alhadef at Dallas Cosmetic Dental recognize the importance of making sure your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles all work together properly to provide you with optimal function. When jaw joints are misaligned, neuromuscular dentists create customized treatment plans to correct the bite and alleviate chronic headaches and dental pain.

This advanced approach prioritizes not just how your smile looks, but the overall health and function of your oral system.

Diagnosing the Problem

So, we know the next question brewing in your brain. How do you know when a dental problem causes headaches and jaw tension, and it isn’t just related to stress? That’s a great question, and it’s one of the many reasons we encourage patients to be open with us about any new medical conditions, pains, or other discomforts. By sharing these different symptoms with us, we can often help get to the root of the problem sooner, helping you to feel better faster.

That said, to know if TMJ or something similar is causing your pain, we use a variety of advanced diagnostic tools and techniques. Neuromuscular dentists such as Dr. Alhadef often employ computerized jaw tracking to monitor the movement and position of the jaw in real time. 

This technology helps identify any irregularities in jaw function. Additionally, electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of the jaw muscles, providing insights into muscle tension and strain. These diagnostic methods, combined with a thorough physical evaluation and patient history, allow us to pinpoint the exact cause of your headaches and jaw tension.

Treatment Options

Once we better understand the situation, there are several things we can do and recommend to help you feel better. Here are the most common treatment options recommended in neuromuscular dentistry.

• Stress management: Even when there is a misalignment, stress can exacerbate jaw pain and headaches. Plus, stress can wreak havoc on your body in other ways as well. So, taking steps to manage your stress can be super helpful. Take time for self-care, practice deep breathing exercises daily, and make sure you are getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
• Oral appliances: Oral appliances, like custom-made nightguards or splints, can help reposition your jaw to reduce tension and pain. These devices are worn over your teeth, especially at night, to prevent clenching and grinding. Keeping your jaw in a more relaxed position can alleviate headaches and improve overall comfort.
• Bite adjustments: Bite adjustments involve reshaping the surfaces of your teeth to ensure they come together properly when you bite. This can help distribute pressure evenly across your teeth and jaw, reducing muscle and joint strain. 

Benefits of seeking neuromuscular dental care.

As we shared earlier, jaw tension and pain, especially when combined with headaches, can disrupt your daily life in many ways. Why suffer more than necessary? By visiting Dr. Alhadef for neuromuscular dentistry treatment, we can help alleviate that discomfort and get you back to feeling like yourself.

If you’re ready to feel better, contact us today and schedule your consultation.