Headaches and migraines
Headaches And Migraines
If you are experiencing headaches or migraines, discuss it with your dentist. It could be that your teeth or jaw are contributing to the problems.
What Causes Headaches And Migraines?
Tension headaches can come from muscle strain in the jaw and tightening of the mouth. If your jaw or teeth are misaligned, this can cause the excessive muscle strain and result in headaches. Orthodontia, braces, or even surgery can ease the situation. This should only be conducted by a dental specialist.
Misalignment of teeth can also cause you to grind your teeth while sleeping. This is called bruxism and can cause morning headaches upon awakening. Bruxism can be treated with a mouth guard to wear during sleep or behaviour modification to reduce stress. Other lifestyle habits can cause headaches like chewing on a pencil, or nail biting.
TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorder, is a significant cause of headaches. TMJ affects the mouth joints, muscles and nerves. It will dissipate over time, but it is still important to discuss the possibility with your dentist. Toothaches and sinus problems can masquerade as TMJ so it is important to have this checked out.
Cavities and oral infections can also manifest as headaches. Regular cleanings and good oral hygiene help.
Realize that all headaches are not dental related. Also discuss the issues with your primary care physician to rule out anything serious.
