Can frequent headaches signal a dental problem?
Friday, May 3rd, 2013If you’ve been plagued by frequent headaches but have not gotten relief from seeing your doctor, maybe you need to check in with your dentist. Your headaches may be caused by a dental problem.
Any dental condition that creates stress on the mouth can result in headaches. Bruxism (teeth grinding), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, impacted wisdom teeth or even a severe infection of the tooth could be the culprit. Some of these problems can create excessive strain on the various structures of the face and jaw, potentially leading to headaches.
With a thorough examination, including information about the frequency and timing of your headaches, your dentist can diagnose the issue. The dentist may also use radiography to inform the diagnosis.
After you have a diagnosis; effective treatment is possible. Bruxism often responds to a mouthguard worn at night. Orthodontics to re-position the jaw can help alleviate pain associated with TMJ. If impacted wisdom teeth are the problem, extracting them should address it.
The recommended treatment plan may include interventions beyond the dental realm, too. Stress is often a factor in both TMJ and bruxism, so your dentist may also recommend stress management techniques or psychotherapy to complement your dental treatments.
Headaches are just one symptom that will improve after you get treatment for your bruxism or TMJ disorder. You may also notice that other issues, like earaches or jaw pain, are resolved as well. If you’re experiencing headaches, being aware of these other symptoms can help your dentist figure out what is going on. Keep an eye out for problems like excessive wear on the teeth, which may indicate bruxism, or bad breath, which may signal an infection.
You don’t have to suffer through frequent headaches, keep an ample supply of aspirin or ibuprofen on hand just in case. See a dentist to determine if a dental issue may be at fault. If so, you can get an effective treatment.
If you are suffering from headaches and suspect it might be a dental issue, our experienced dental staff at East Hills Dental Associates can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.