The Link Between TMJ Disorders and Chronic Headaches

The Link Between TMJ Disorders and Chronic Headaches

By: Hillside Dental
Posted on: July 1, 2025

Are you dealing with stubborn headaches that never seem to let up? Surprisingly, the source of your discomfort might not be in your head at all, but in your jaw. TMJ disorders are a frequent cause of chronic headaches. By understanding how TMJ disorder affects the body and recognizing the signs, you can take the first step toward lasting relief.
 

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to the sides of your skull. This joint allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. TMJ disorder, sometimes called TMD, refers to a group of conditions that cause pain or dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Common symptoms include jaw pain, difficulty chewing, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, and even lockjaw.
 

The Connection Between TMJ and Headaches

The muscles and nerves around your jaw are closely connected to other structures in your face and head. When the TMJ is not functioning properly, it can cause inflammation and tension in these areas. This tension can radiate upward, often leading to headaches that are sometimes mistaken for migraines or tension headaches.
 

Chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth (a condition known as bruxism) can also strain the TMJ, leading to persistent headaches. In many cases, people treat their headaches with over-the-counter pain relievers without ever addressing the underlying jaw issue.
 

Treatment Options for TMJ-Related Headaches

A thorough evaluation by our dentist is the best way to determine the cause of your headaches and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment for TMJ-related headaches often begins with the use of custom oral appliances, such as nightguards or splints. These devices are designed to minimize teeth grinding and help reduce the strain placed on the jaw joint while you sleep, providing much-needed relief from pressure and tension.
 

In some cases, addressing how your teeth come together is essential for lasting comfort. Orthodontic solutions or bite adjustments can help align the teeth and jaws properly, which may ease stress on the TMJ and decrease headache frequency.
 

Your dentist might also recommend practical lifestyle changes to support your recovery. This could include adopting stress management practices to curb jaw clenching, as well as modifying your diet to avoid foods that require excessive chewing.
 

Find Lasting Relief at Hillside Dental

Living with chronic headaches can be frustrating, especially when the source of your pain remains unclear. If you’re experiencing ongoing headaches along with jaw discomfort, it’s worth exploring whether TMJ disorder may be the underlying cause. With the right diagnosis and a targeted treatment plan, you can find real, lasting relief.
 

Ready to find relief from headaches and jaw pain? Reach out to Hillside Dental to schedule a TMJ evaluation and discover your treatment options. Contact our office in Las Vegas, Nevada, by calling (702) 666-8584 for new patients or (702) 895-7799 for existing patients.