Schedule AppointmentHaving a Migraine Really “Bites”
If you are a sufferer of migraines, you know how terrible they can be. They make us sensitive to light and sound, and interfere with our daily routine. Since the jaw is so close to the brain, there may be a link between migraines and dental health.
Here are a few factors that may be diagnosed and treatable by a dental professional and may put an end to migraine pain.
Stress and Teeth Grinding
If you have an abnormal bite, it can cause you to clench, grind or shift in order to make the top and bottom teeth to fit together comfortably. If this continues to happen, it can cause damage to the jaw joint, leading to migraines.
Those of us who are prone to stress tend to clench the teeth, creating muscle tension in the head and neck and in turn nerve stimulation leading to headaches.
By analyzing a patient’s bite, a cosmetic dentist can make necessary adjustments or treat the teeth to reverse migraines caused by teeth misalignment or stress-related teeth grinding.
Infections
Tooth or gum infections can also lead to migraines. Root canal or periodontal therapy can help eliminate head and neck pain associated with those conditions.
When our wisdom teeth are impacted, this causes pressure or infections in that area of the mouth, resulting in pain in both the head and neck. Sometimes removal of these teeth is required to relieve these symptoms.
Telltale Symptoms
Consider these questions when determining whether dental issues are the cause of your migraines:
Here are a few factors that may be diagnosed and treatable by a dental professional and may put an end to migraine pain.
Stress and Teeth Grinding
If you have an abnormal bite, it can cause you to clench, grind or shift in order to make the top and bottom teeth to fit together comfortably. If this continues to happen, it can cause damage to the jaw joint, leading to migraines.
Those of us who are prone to stress tend to clench the teeth, creating muscle tension in the head and neck and in turn nerve stimulation leading to headaches.
By analyzing a patient’s bite, a cosmetic dentist can make necessary adjustments or treat the teeth to reverse migraines caused by teeth misalignment or stress-related teeth grinding.
Infections
Tooth or gum infections can also lead to migraines. Root canal or periodontal therapy can help eliminate head and neck pain associated with those conditions.
When our wisdom teeth are impacted, this causes pressure or infections in that area of the mouth, resulting in pain in both the head and neck. Sometimes removal of these teeth is required to relieve these symptoms.
Telltale Symptoms
Consider these questions when determining whether dental issues are the cause of your migraines:
- Do you wake up with a sore or painful jaw?
- Are your headaches often in the areas of the temples and/or back of the neck?
- Do you have pain in the upper shoulder area?
- Do you have a sensation that your bite doesn’t feel right or changes?
- Have you ever heard a clicking or grinding sound in your jaw joint?
- Do you experience pain or discomfort while chewing?
If you answered “yes” to at least one of the questions, you should see a dental professional for a comprehensive oral health evaluation so they may determine if a tooth problem is causing your migraines.
Courtesy of The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
http://www.aacd.com/index.php?module=cms&page=1462
