If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines that don’t respond to typical treatments, your jaw may be the hidden culprit. At Roy Dental Care, Dr. Reggie Whitaker and his team often see patients struggling with chronic migraines who are surprised to learn that their pain is linked to TMJ disorder, also known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction. By identifying the true source of your discomfort, we can help you find long-lasting relief.
Understanding TMJ and Headache Connection
The temporomandibular joints connect your jaw to your skull, allowing you to speak, chew, and move your mouth freely. When these joints become inflamed or misaligned, they can create pain that radiates through the head, face, and neck—pain often mistaken for stress headaches or migraines. TMJ-related headaches typically include symptoms such as jaw stiffness, earaches, facial tenderness, or clicking and grinding noises when you open and close your mouth.
While TMJ headaches don’t always include classic migraine symptoms like nausea or light sensitivity, the discomfort can be severe enough to trigger actual migraines, compounding your pain and making it more difficult to diagnose.
When to Suspect TMJ
Many people with TMJ-related pain assume they’re simply dealing with stress or tension. However, if your headaches are accompanied by difficulty opening your mouth, pain near your ears, or clicking sounds in your jaw, TMJ may be the root of your problem. Even everyday activities like chewing or speaking may feel uncomfortable. These are signs your jaw joints are under strain—and could be sending referred pain throughout your head and neck.
Coping with TMJ Headaches
If you suspect TMJ is the source of your discomfort, it’s important to treat the issue rather than just masking the symptoms. Home remedies like eating soft foods, using heat or ice packs, and learning relaxation techniques can provide temporary relief. However, chronic TMJ pain often requires more targeted treatment to address the underlying joint dysfunction and inflammation.
Lasting TMJ Relief at Roy Dental Care
Dr. Reggie Whitaker and the team at Roy Dental Care offer non-surgical TMJ treatment options that provide real, lasting relief. Our advanced techniques are designed to gently and effectively realign the jaw, relieve muscle tension, and reduce inflammation—so you can get back to living pain-free. With a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique symptoms, we can help stop the cycle of chronic headaches and improve your quality of life.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing, contact Roy Dental Care to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve patients in Roy, West Haven, Clinton, and surrounding areas with expert care and a compassionate approach to headache relief. Let’s find out if TMJ is the missing piece in your migraine puzzle.
Contact Roy Dental Care:
801-776-2806
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
4902 S 1900 W Ste 4
Roy, Utah
84067