Could Your Headaches Be Dental Detectives?
Headaches are not only throbbing, pulsating pain situations that can put a damper on your day, some of them can also be indicators to something more worrisome in your body. Yes, we all experience them, and while they’re often a nuisance, most folks assume they’re due to stress, lack of sleep, or that extra cup of coffee. But did you know your dentist might hold the key to unlocking the mystery of your headaches, and actually help in treating them?
Yeah, that’s right, your dentist can diagnose if your teeth, jaw, and even the way you chew are playing any surprising role in those pesky headaches you are experiencing! In this blog, let’s see how this can be true in some cases.
- TMJ: Did you know, your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is that unsung hero that connects your jaw to your skull? Now if this joint gets unhappy due to certain reasons, it can cause a cascade of pain, including certain types of headaches. Like clenching your teeth, or grinding your teeth (bruxism) can stress your TMJ and lead to dull aches or sharp pains around your temples and ears. Scary, isn’t it?
- Missing Molars: If you have missing teeth, you know it can throw your entire bite out of sync, right? Now when your chewing becomes uneven, you start putting extra stress on your jaw muscles, and that can potentially start triggering headaches!
- Tooth Troubles: If there’s a hidden cavity, or an infected tooth, or even an erupting wisdom tooth, they can radiate pain throughout your head, mimicking a tension headache. Never thought of it earlier, did you?
So, how can your dentist help treat headaches?
Your dentist can perform a thorough examination of your oral health, and can identify any dental issues that might be contributing to your headaches. Like with X-rays, a skilled dentist can check for hidden problems, and assess your bite and jaw functions, seeking indicators to possible problematic areas.
Based on this diagnosis, if teeth grinding is identified as the culprit, your dentist can create a custom mouthguard to help you protect your teeth and ease TMJ tension. Or, your dentist can address any underlying dental problems like cavities or missing teeth, that can help eliminate the source of pain and prevent future headaches.
“Headaches got you down? A second opinion from dental perspective could be the key to unlocking a pain-free future.”
Dr. Amit Berani
Headache Freedom Starts with a Smile!
Why let those pesky headaches hold you hostage, when you can get a diagnosis done from your doctor and get the root cause treated? If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, maybe it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can crack the case and help you get back to pain-free days!