Ft. Worth Orthodontist Connects TMJ Headaches and Misaligned Teeth

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headache 2Do you have a frequently sore jaw that pops or clicks? Do you also have frequent headaches and even migraines? If so, you could be suffering from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. But what does a disorder in the jaw have to do with headaches or the alignment of teeth? To find out, read the following information about TMJ headaches from your Ft. Worth orthodontist, Dr. Ciro Cabal.

A Closer Look at TMJ Headaches

A TMJ disorder occurs when the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), the joints that control the opening and closing of the mouth, come under strain. This strain can manifest itself in many different ways owing to the body’s nervous system. One major nerve, the trigeminal nerve, serves the body’s head and neck. Many smaller nerves branch off this major nerve, allowing strain in the jaw to manifest itself in headaches.

TMJ Disorders and Their Solutions

The solutions to a TMJ disorder depend upon the disorder’s cause. Many TMJ disorders are the result of bruxism (teeth grinding). The nightly strain that bruxism places on the TMJs becomes too much for the rather delicate joints, causing a disorder to develop. For a disorder with this cause, a sleep guard can be worn to relieve stress on the TMJs and discourage bruxism.

Another potential cause for a TMJ disorder is malocclusion. Also called “bad bite,” malocclusion refers to a condition in which the teeth of the upper and lower jaws are not properly aligned. Thus, every time they are forced to come together in a bite it is at the expense of the TMJs. Over time, this continual strain can turn into a disorder. However, with orthodontic treatment, the bite can be corrected to relieve the TMJs, thereby eliminating the debilitating conditions associated with TMJ disorders.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Ft. Worth Orthodontist

Are you suffering from TMJ headaches? If so, contact Lake Country Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Ft. Worth orthodontist, Dr. Cabal, by calling (817) 236-7846. Located in the 76179 area, we proudly welcome families from Azle, Saginaw, Springtown, Weatherford, Haslet, Ft. Worth, and all surrounding communities.