Embedded Files
Your Headache Might Not Be From Stress
30 July 2025
_______________________
When the jaw is misaligned or overworked - often
from clenching & grinding - it can radiate pain to
the temples, forehead, and even behind the eyes,
mimicking a stress headache.
_______________________
Many people assume that their headaches are just a result of stress—but that’s not always the case. While tension and anxiety can certainly trigger migraine, other underlying causes often go unnoticed. One common but overlooked culprit is TMJ Dysfunction (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), which affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
When the jaw is misaligned or overworked—often from clenching, grinding, or poor posture—it can radiate pain to the temples, forehead, and even behind the eyes, mimicking a stress headache. Other possible causes include dehydration, vision problems, sinus infections, or even certain medications. If your headaches are frequent, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like jaw clicking, neck stiffness, or facial pain, it’s worth seeing a TMJ Specialist. Don’t dismiss recurring headaches as just stress—they might be your body’s way of telling you something more specific needs attention. Early diagnosis can lead to faster, more effective relief.
#TMJAwareness #TMJPhilippines
How TMD Affects Work: Understanding Sick Leave and Disability in Jaw Pain Sufferers
How TMD Affects Work: Understanding Sick Leave and Disability in Jaw Pain Sufferers
23 September 2024
Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, often leading to frequent sick leaves and in severe cases disability. TMD causes chronic jaw pain, headaches, difficulty in chewing and even neck and shoulder pain, which can interfere with daily tasks inworkplace productivity.
A recent study was published by Salinas Fredricson in BMC Public Health concluded that patients with TMD experience high level of stress and faitgue, resulting in frequent absences from work. In some cases, untreated or severe TMD can lead to long-term disability, affecting the ability to maintain employment.
The Financial Burden of Managing TMD Patients, combined with the reduced work capacity, can further strain the patient's mental and physical health. Early intervention through pain management, physical therapy and non-surgical dental treatment is essential to preventing further complication, reducing sick leave and improving overall quality of life for TMD sufferers.
The Financial Burden of Managing TMD Patients, combined with the reduced work capacity, can further strain the patient's mental and physical health. Early intervention through pain management, physical therapy and non-surgical dental treatment is essential to preventing further complication, reducing sick leave and improving overall quality of life for TMD sufferers.
Employers should recognize the potential impact of TMD and support affected employees with appropriate medical leave policies and accomodations.
#TMJAwareness
The Power of Oral Hygiene: Keeping Bad Breath at Bay with Regular Dental Visits
The Power of Oral Hygiene: Keeping Bad Breath at Bay with Regular Dental Visits
23 September 2023
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall health and well-being. A vital aspect of oral care is ensuring fresh breath, as bad breath can affect our confidence and interpersonal relationships. While daily brushing and flossing are crucial, they alone may not be sufficient to combat persistent bad breath. Regular visits to the dentist, at least every six months, can play a significant role in preventing and addressing this issue effectively.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene:
The Importance of Oral Hygiene:
Oral hygiene goes beyond just a sparkling smile. It is the foundation of a healthy mouth and body. Neglecting oral health can lead to a buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria, which contribute to bad breath. Routine dental visits allow professionals to examine your mouth, clean hard-to-reach areas, and address any developing issues promptly.
Preventing Bad Breath
Preventing Bad Breath
One of the primary causes of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Neglected oral care leads to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, which produce foul-smelling compounds. Regular dental check-ups enable early detection of oral health problems, such as gum disease, cavities, or infections, which can contribute to bad breath. Dentists can provide thorough cleanings and offer personalized advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as recommend specific oral care products to combat bad breath effectively.
One of the primary causes of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Neglected oral care leads to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, which produce foul-smelling compounds. Regular dental check-ups enable early detection of oral health problems, such as gum disease, cavities, or infections, which can contribute to bad breath. Dentists can provide thorough cleanings and offer personalized advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as recommend specific oral care products to combat bad breath effectively.
Despite our best efforts, certain areas of the mouth can be challenging to clean adequately at home. Professional dental cleanings performed by trained hygienists can remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup, significantly reducing the risk of bad breath. Additionally, dental professionals can identify and treat any underlying issues that may be contributing to persistent bad breath, such as gum disease or dry mouth.
Regular dental visits every six months allow dentists to monitor your oral health and detect potential problems before they worsen. By addressing issues early on, you can prevent the development of conditions that contribute to bad breath. Dentists can also provide guidance on lifestyle habits, diet, and home care practices that promote fresh breath.
Teeth Grinding vs. Clenching
Teeth Grinding vs. Clenching
23 September 2022
As life becomes stressful for many, different coping strategies develop. When a person thinks, often times, we tend to clench our teeth together. Teeth clenching is one coping strategy of the human body that results in improved focus and concentration, thus, explaining why some children tend to bite on a pencil or chew gum when studying.
The top and bottom teeth pressing on each other is called clenching. Now, when this clenching moves side-to-side or forward-backward, it results to teeth grinding or medically called as dental bruxism. Both clenching and grinding are voluntary movements during the day which are okay. However, it is not okay when the teeth clenching or grinding happens during the resting hours, such as during sleep.
_______________________
When this balanced bite is
not achieved during the day,
our brain signals the chewing muscles
to go to work with one instruction
– to grind everything on its path.
_______________________
Our brain is one powerful command center, and it wants all of our teeth to touch at maximum contact point (yes! that precise), all at the same time. And our face and neck are all covered by muscles. When this balanced bite is not achieved during the day, our brain signals the chewing muscles to go to work with one instruction – to grind everything on its path.
If you experience waking up with a slight tenderness or heaviness on the face or cheek muscles, then it is good idea to visit your dentist. Over time, this excessive teeth clenching and frequent teeth grinding can wear out your teeth enamel and consequently putting immense pressure on your jaw joint.
A nightguard is usually prescribed to protect your teeth from being worn down. But if you want to find out the cause of this teeth grinding, you may schedule a visit with a TMJ specialist to have a 15-minute bite assessment.
If you enjoyed our blog, please share with a family or friend!
.
.
.
.
#TMJAwareness
Page updated
Report abuse