Jaw Pain Relief: How Your Dentist Treats TMJ and Chronic Migraines

Living with persistent jaw pain or chronic migraines can take a toll on your quality of life. Often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, these symptoms may actually stem from a common but complex condition known as TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint dysfunction). 

At Kinard Family Dental in Helotes, TX, Dr. Sarah Kinard takes a whole-body approach to treating the root causes of jaw dysfunction. We offer safe, personalized care solutions that help bring lasting relief while supporting your overall wellness.

Understanding the Link Between TMJ, Jaw Pain, and Headaches

Your temporomandibular joints are located right under both of your ears. They allow your jaw to open, close, and move side to side. When these joints are misaligned or under stress, it can trigger a cascade of symptoms, often mistaken for separate health issues. 

Dr. Kinard emphasizes a holistic evaluation to understand how these systems interact, considering factors like airway health, sleep patterns, and muscle tension. Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

  • Aching or stiffness in the jaw, face, or neck
  • Clicking or popping sounds when chewing or talking
  • Chronic headaches, often diagnosed as migraines
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or ear pressure
  • Difficulty opening the mouth fully

Identifying the root of these issues allows Dr. Kinard to create customized, non-invasive treatment plans that prioritize both comfort and long-term results.

Advanced TMJ Therapies That Go Beyond the Jaw

At Kinard Family Dental, jaw pain relief isn't isolated to the mouth, it’s carefully connected to your body's broader systems. Dr. Kinard has advanced training in airway and sleep dentistry, equipping her to explore deeper causes of facial discomfort, such as sleep-disordered breathing or poor bite alignment. Treatment approaches may include:

  • Oral appliance therapy to gently reposition the jaw and relax facial muscles
  • Vivos treatment for adult and pediatric patients with sleep apnea or restricted airflow
  • Nightguards to reduce clenching and bruxism at night
  • Collaboration with sleep physicians or myofunctional therapists when needed

Each approach is designed with your overall health in mind, often improving energy, mood, and focus in addition to easing pain.

How Dental Care Helps with Chronic Migraines

Patients are often surprised to learn that their dentist may be the key to understanding and resolving their chronic migraine symptoms. In many cases, migraines linked to TMJ dysfunction stem from excess muscle tension, nerve compression, or inflammatory stress in the jaw and surrounding tissues. Dr. Kinard evaluates these underlying factors using a patient-first philosophy, exploring solutions such as:

  • Neuromuscular dental analysis to assess muscle balance and posture
  • Intraoral splint therapy to gradually reduce tension on nerves and joints
  • Monitoring bite alignment and its impact on head and neck posture

This type of whole-body dentistry ensures that migraine treatment doesn’t just relieve symptoms temporarily, it seeks to minimize their root causes for good.

A Compassionate, Private Setting for Lasting Relief

Unlike hectic corporate dental offices, Kinard Family Dental offers a peaceful, patient-focused experience that encourages healing from the moment you walk in. Dr. Kinard brings years of advanced expertise and a compassionate approach to every consultation, listening carefully to your concerns and tailoring care to fit your goals and lifestyle.

You'll appreciate thoughtful amenities and transparent communication every step of the way, whether you're exploring appliance therapy for TMJ relief or are curious about cosmetic "Trial Smiles" to restore your self-confidence after you get relief from chronic jaw pain.

Start Your Journey to Jaw Pain Relief in Helotes

If you're struggling with jaw discomfort or unexplained migraines, Dr. Sarah Kinard is here to help uncover the cause and create a clear, effective path to relief. Serving the Helotes community with expert dental sleep medicine and whole-body dental care, Kinard Family Dental is ready to partner with you in restoring your comfort and confidence. Call (210) 695-1200 to schedule your personalized consultation.

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