Understanding the Connection Between Jaw Pain and Migraines

Many people don’t realize that recurring headaches, migraines, and facial tension may be linked to the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) — the joints that connect your jaw to your skull.

When these joints become misaligned or overused due to grinding, clenching, or bite issues, it can lead to:

• Tension headaches or migraines
  
• Facial and jaw soreness
  
• Clicking or popping when opening the mouth
  
• Neck, shoulder, or ear pain
  
• Jaw locking or stiffness
  
• Pain when chewing or speaking
  

If you’ve tried traditional headache or migraine treatments without success, your jaw could be the missing link.

Causes of TMJ-Related Headaches and Facial Pain

Several factors can contribute to TMJ dysfunction and associated migraines:

• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
  
• Bite misalignment or missing teeth
  
• Stress-induced muscle tension
  
• Jaw injury or trauma
  
• Arthritis or joint inflammation
  
• Poor posture or airway issues
  

These underlying problems put excess strain on the facial muscles and nerves, triggering pain that radiates to the head and neck.

TMJ-Targeted Treatments for Headache and Jaw Pain Relief

At Foundation Dental, we take a multi-disciplinary, personalized approach to treating TMJ-related migraines and jaw pain. Treatment options may include:

Custom Nightguards (Occlusal Splints)

Wearing a custom nightguard can reduce pressure on the jaw joints by preventing teeth grinding and promoting proper alignment during sleep.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Specialized appliances can reposition the jaw to reduce strain on the TMJ and improve bite alignment, relieving chronic tension and associated headaches.

Bite Correction & Occlusal Adjustment

We may recommend minor reshaping or restorative work such as crowns or bridges to improve how your teeth fit together and reduce jaw stress.

Botox® for Jaw and Migraine Pain

In specific cases, Botox injections may be used to relax overworked jaw muscles, reduce grinding, and relieve the tension that contributes to migraines and facial pain.

Why Choose Foundation Dental for TMJ and Migraine Relief?

• Over 30 years of experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders
  
• Personalized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, not just mask symptoms
  
• Holistic, whole-body approach to oral health and head pain
  
• On-site imaging and modern technology for precise diagnosis and treatment
  
• Caring, patient-focused team in a calm, supportive environment
  

We also treat related conditions such as sleep apnea, which often co-occur with TMJ and chronic migraines.

Signs You May Need TMJ-Related Migraine Relief

• Frequent headaches that start behind the eyes or temples
  
• Pain radiating from the jaw to the head, neck, or shoulders
  
• Morning headaches or jaw tightness
  
• Unexplained facial soreness or ear pain
  
• History of teeth grinding or clenching
  
• Jaw clicking, popping, or locking
  

If this sounds like you, it’s time to explore a dental-based solution for long-term pain relief.