“I love my teeth and my smile. The work was done very softly and pleasant, and Dr. Gross and his team really cared and even worked on “odd” hours as I was a bit pushed for time leaving USA for Europe. Thank you Dr. Gross – Thank you Renee and the rest of the team – You are great!”

- Pernilla

One of the most agonizing and debilitating symptoms of TMD is migraine headache. Many physicians, including neurologists, have not received the dental training required to diagnose Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems and how they relate to migraines. Neuromuscular dentistry is the branch of dentistry that helps people correct jaw problems that cause migraines and other discomfort.

TMD causes migraines due to the trigeminal nerve. One of the most powerful and complex nerves in the human body, this nerve is wholly responsible for the temporomandibular joint and tooth functions, and accounts for over 40% of the brain’s processing. The trigeminal nerve has three branches, each affecting various parts of the face, head, shoulders and arms. The muscle tightness and pain associated with TMD can even affect your hands and fingers.

Patients complaining of TMD-related migraines are often prescribed medications to treat the pain of the migraine. Little is done, however, to treat what is actually causing the headaches. Neuromuscular dentistry is the specialized area of dentistry that treats the cause, not just the symptoms, of the painful headaches associated with TMD.

There are a number of different treatment approaches for TMD. They may include any combination of heat, ice, a soft diet, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, stress management, occlusal therapy (“bite therapy”), correction of bite abnormalities, and, in some cases, surgery.

If you live in the Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Boca Raton area of Florida and suffer from TMD-related migraines or other TMD-related discomforts, please contact a SmilePerfect office today.