Relief from Chronic Headaches May Start with Your Bite, Jaw, or Airway
Many patients suffer from recurring headaches, migraines, or facial pain without ever being told that their jaw, bite, or airway may be contributing. At his integrative dental practice in Salem, Dr. Mark Montgomery helps patients uncover the root causes of head, neck, and facial pain through advanced diagnostics and gentle, targeted therapies.
MORE THAN "JUST A HEADACHE"
Recurring head pain often involves multiple overlapping systems:
Jaw joint instability (TMJ dysfunction)
Muscle tension or spasm in the face, neck, or scalp
Bite imbalances or teeth grinding (bruxism)
Airway restriction or poor oxygenation during sleep
Postural strain, trauma, or concussion history
Symptoms we commonly evaluate include:
Frequent tension-type headaches
Facial or temple pressure
Migraines triggered by stress or jaw use
Pain around the ears, jaw, or neck
Headaches that worsen with chewing, clenching, or posture
Eye strain or pain behind the eyes
OUR WHOLE-SYSTEMS APPROACH
We begin by evaluating not only the symptoms — but the systems behind them.
Your assessment may include:
T-Scan® digital occlusion mapping
Head, neck, and muscle tone evaluation
TMJ imaging and bite alignment screening
Airway and sleep screening for oxygen deprivation
History of trauma, concussion, or whiplash
Neurological and autonomic balance assessment
We then co-create a care plan tailored to your pattern of dysfunction, not just your diagnosis label.
TREATMENTS WE MAY RECOMMEND
Depending on your findings, your headache relief plan may include:
TruDenta® or neuromuscular therapy
Soft tissue release and facial trigger point work
Red light / photobiomodulation therapy
Custom orthotics or bite balancing
Breathing therapy and airway support
TMD stabilization with laser and physical modalities
Co-care with PT, neurologists, or functional medicine practitioners
Lifestyle and posture guidance
We support both primary and secondary headache syndromes — especially when conventional care hasn’t produced results.
COMMON QUESTIONS
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Many migraines are neurologically driven, but jaw dysfunction, clenching, or airway compromise can mimic or trigger true migraines. We often help clarify the difference.
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Yes. Our system-based, co-managed approach addresses root causes and patterns not typically examined in conventional headache care.
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Possibly. We’ll help coordinate the necessary diagnostics as part of your evaluation.
Stop Living Around the Pain
If headaches or migraines are interfering with your life, let’s find out what your jaw, bite, or airway might be contributing — and what we can do to help.