Common Reasons for Dental Visits and the Link to Head and Neck Pain

Many patients visit the dental office seeking relief from toothaches, chipped or broken teeth, and bleeding gums. However, a growing number are also seeking help for chronic headaches—often unaware that these may be linked to dentomandibular sensorimotor dysfunction (DMSD). This complex disorder affects the head and neck, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), jaw alignment, and dental forces. DMSD can be the underlying cause of a range of both noticeable and silent issues, such as tooth wear, bruxism, fractured dental restorations, TMJ disorders, and persistent headaches and migraines.

The Hidden Impact of TMJ and Related Disorders

Millions of individuals suffer from TMJ disorders, migraines, and chronic headaches—conditions that can be severely debilitating. Approximately 90% of people experience headaches at some point, and migraine sufferers collectively lose an estimated 157 million work or school days each year. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) estimates that over 10 million Americans are affected by TMJ disorders. In reality, the number may be as high as 15 to 45 million.

Advanced Diagnostics and Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular Dentistry has helped up to 90% of patients become pain-free or experience significant relief. If you’re tired of living with pain, relying on medication, missing work, or having your social life disrupted, consider exploring neuromuscular dental care. Trained professionals in this field can help realign your jaw and restore function—putting you on a path to recovery like thousands before you.

TMJ Symptoms and How They Present

TMJ disorders manifest in various ways, with migraines being one of the most common symptoms. Many sufferers describe the pain as a tight band around the head—commonly mistaken for tension headaches. These headaches are often caused by sustained muscle contractions in the jaw, leading to tension in the face, neck, and head.

This muscular tension restricts normal blood flow. In response, the body increases blood pressure to the area, causing inflammation and pain. Common contributing behaviors include clenching or grinding the teeth, which exacerbates muscle contraction and discomfort.

Neuromuscular dentistry can help by repositioning the jaw into its optimal alignment, which relieves pressure on the muscles, joints, and nerves, often resolving TMJ-related headaches.

Understanding Migraines

Migraines affect millions and are three times more common in women than men. Unlike typical headaches, migraines can be incapacitating and may last anywhere from four hours to several days. Symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and—before the headache itself—an “aura” that may involve flashing lights, blind spots, or tingling sensations.

While the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, researchers believe changes in brain chemicals such as serotonin—and their impact on the trigeminal nerve—may be key. A drop in serotonin levels can cause the trigeminal nerve to release inflammatory proteins, resulting in dilation of blood vessels and pain.

Recognizing Migraine Triggers

Several factors can trigger migraines:

  • Hormonal changes – Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, especially during menstrual cycles or hormone therapy.
  • Certain foods – Including red wine, aged cheeses, chocolate, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and processed or fermented foods.
  • Stress – Whether emotional or physical, stress is a major contributor to headache onset.
  • Sensory stimuli – Bright lights, loud noises, strong scents, or even subtle environmental changes.
  • Physical exertion – Overexertion or irregular sleep patterns.
  • Weather and altitude – Shifts in barometric pressure, altitude, or climate can trigger symptoms.
  • Medications – Some medications may worsen or contribute to migraines.

Despite these triggers, one of the most significant and often overlooked causes of migraines is poor jaw alignment, also known as malocclusion.

The Role of Jaw Misalignment in Migraines

An improper bite causes continuous muscle strain. Every day, the jaw muscles engage up to 2,000–3,000 times during normal chewing and swallowing. Misalignment causes these muscles to work harder, eventually leading to fatigue, spasms, and buildup of lactic acid and waste byproducts. This impaired circulation and muscle tension can directly result in migraines.

Neuromuscular dentistry offers a long-term solution by diagnosing and correcting jaw alignment. By properly positioning the temporomandibular joint, we can alleviate the muscular and neurological stresses that contribute to chronic pain.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you’re ready to stop relying on medication and start addressing the root cause of your pain, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call (704) 632-9922 and begin your journey toward a healthier, pain-free life.