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What are tension headaches? Do tension headaches and TMD share a common link?

What are tension headaches? Do tension headaches and TMD share a common link?

 

Understanding Tension Headaches: Tension headaches are characterized by dull, aching pain and pressure around the forehead, temples, and back of the head. They can be triggered by stress, poor
posture, clenching of the jaw, or grinding teeth, which leads to muscle tension in the head, neck, and
jaw.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD): Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) involves pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Symptoms may include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, difficulty chewing, and even referred pain in the head and neck region.

The Dental Connection: Did you know that dental issues can contribute to tension headaches and TMD? Poor dental alignment, teeth grinding (bruxism), and jaw misalignment can exacerbate these conditions. As a result, seeking dental treatment can play a crucial role in managing and alleviating tension headaches and TMD symptoms.

Treating tension Headaches and TMD

At Cluny Court Family Dental, we offer personalized treatment plans to address tension headaches and TMD effectively. Our approach can include the various treatment modalities listed here.

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Comprehensive Dental Evaluation

We conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, jaws, and bite to identify any underlying dental issues contributing to tension headaches and TMD.

Customized Nightguards

For patients who grind their teeth at night, we design custom-fit nightguards to protect teeth from further damage and alleviate muscle tension in the jaw.

Orthodontic Solutions

Correcting dental misalignments through orthodontic treatment can help alleviate pressure on the jaw joint and reduce tension headaches and TMD symptoms.

Stress Management Techniques

We provide guidance on stress-reduction techniques and relaxation exercises to minimize the impact of stress on jaw muscles and alleviate tension headaches.

Physical Therapy Referrals

In some cases, we may collaborate with physical therapists to provide targeted exercises and therapies to improve jaw function and alleviate TMD symptoms.

Botox and medications

Botox can be an excellent treatment modality for reducing tension headaches by decreasing the tonality of masticatory muscles, contributing to immediate relief of the pain. In addition, medications that act as muscle relaxants can bring relief to acute pain episodes.

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Dr. Inna Piskorska

As a mom herself and an American-trained dentist, Dr. Inna has a special gift for connecting with kids and adults alike. She doesn't just care for teeth; she builds trusting relationships with her patients. She takes all the time needed to help kids feel safe and understood, using simple, fun words to explain every "tooth adventure." Her number one goal is to ensure all her patients leave the office feeling proud, happy, and actually looking forward to their next visit! Dr Inna brings that personal understanding into every interaction. Combined with her advanced American training, it allows her to provide care that is both exceptionally skilled and deeply compassionate. She is dedicated to making every visit comfortable, educational, and fun for all of her patients.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Washington, USA
  • Doctorate of Dental Surgery, University of Washington, USA
  • 2-Year comprehensive Residency Program, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Professional Activities

Dr. Inna provides a wide range of advanced treatments, from replacing missing teeth with state-of-the-art dental implants to complete smile makeovers. She utilizes advanced digital dentistry (CAD/CAM) and offers sedation options to make even the most comprehensive treatments comfortable and stress-free.

Dr. Loke Weiqiang

Dr Loke Weiqiang graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Dentistry in 2006 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery along with numerous academic awards (Dean's List, Best Clinical Student, Distinction in Prosthodontics, Distinction in Clinical Dentistry, University Medal, Loh Fun Chee Gold Medal, F.A.C. Oehler’s Gold Medal, Hashim Yaacob Research Award). In 2009, he was awarded the NUS Overseas Graduate Scholarship, where he pursued his advanced specialty training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in Periodontics and Prosthodontics, as part of his 5-year dual-speciality Master of Science residency program. After completing his US Board Certifications in Prosthodontics and Periodontics in 2014, Dr Loke returned to his alma mater as an Assistant Professor at NUS. During his tenure, he received multiple educator and research awards (SEAADE-DENTSPLY Asia Research Award in Dental Education and Teaching Innovation, Exxon Mobil-NUS Research Fellowship Award). He was also a co-investigator in 2 National Medical Research Council (NMRC) research grants in Cardiosleep Medicine and the NUS BIGHEART grant. One of his research publications, entitled "Wirelessly operated bioelectronic sutures for the monitoring of deep surgical wounds”, was featured in NATURE Biomedical Engineering- a top-tier journal in Biomedicine. Dr Loke is a dual-trained Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics, with a keen interest in Oral Implantology and Dental Sleep Medicine. A passionate and firm believer of education at heart after spending more than 11 years as a full-time academic at NUS, he continues to teach part-time at NUS and at study clubs locally and overseas. Dr Loke is currently in full-time private practice, and remains as a Visiting Consultant at the National University Center for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS). Outside of clinical practice, he serves as President of Prosthodontics Society Singapore, is a board member of Asian Board of Prosthodontics (Asian Academy of Prosthodontics) and a member of the NUS Medicine International Council. Apart from devoting his passion and time in caring for his patients, he enjoys travelling and exploring new cultures with his family (wife and 2 boys).

Education

  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery, National University of Singapore
  • Master of Science, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • Certificate in Prosthodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • Certificate in Periodontology and Oral Implantology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics

Professional Activities

• American Board of Prosthodontics, Diplomate
• American Board of Periodontics, Diplomate
• American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, Member
• Prosthodontic Society Singapore, President
• Singapore Sleep Society, Member

Dr. Chin En Xin

Dr. Chin En Xin is a highly accomplished clinician with a unique academic background, graduating with Distinction in both Pharmacy (2007) and Dental Surgery (2015) from the University of Otago, where she ranked second and first in her respective classes.

After a successful career as a pharmacist, she transitioned to dentistry, drawn to its dynamic and challenging nature. A lifelong learner, Dr. Chin is passionate about integrating the latest dental technologies and techniques into her practice. She brings seven years of Australian clinical experience back to her home in Singapore.

Dr Chin’s other notable achievements also include:

  • New Zealand Dental Association Prize for Excellence in General Dental Practice
  • The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Prize
  • Top Elective Prize, published in the Journal of Dental Education

Dr. Chin loves helping patients of all ages to get over their dental phobia and achieve a positive attitude towards dentistry. She especially like kids (and parents!) to feel right at home at the dentist. She believes that a child’s first dental visit should be full of laughter, curiosity, and confidence — not fear!

From the moment your little one steps into the clinic, Dr. Chin makes sure they feel safe, happy, and proud of their healthy smile. With gentle hands, a cheerful attitude, and plenty of encouragement, she turns dental visits into fun learning adventures. She takes time to explain each step in a friendly, easy-to-understand way — whether it’s showing the “tooth mirror,” letting kids explore the “magic chair,” or celebrating every brave moment with a high-five (and maybe a sticker!).

Dr. Chin’s goal is to help her patients love their smile and feeling confident about visiting the dentist. Because when one feels safe (and have fun) healthy habits come naturally — and those smiles shine even brighter.

Education

  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Distinction), University of Otago, NEW ZEALAND
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (Distinction), University of Otago, NEW ZEALAND

Professional Activities

Dr Chin provides routine dental care and treatments such as aesthetic composite fillings, crown and bridge work as well as root canal treatments. She is also trained to provide nitrous sedation for all patients.

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