Are Migraines Related to Dental Health

Louisville, KY

Migraines affect nearly 1 billion people worldwide and are the third most common illness. Headaches and migraines are a bit of a phenomenon, and sufferers often struggle to find long-term relief. But in dentistry, we often help patients suffering from migraines. You may wonder what migraines have to do with your dental health. So, today on the blog, we discuss the relationship between the mouth and chronic migraines to help you understand how the treatments we offer could help you find the relief you’ve been searching for.

How are migraines related to dental health?

Most people do not realize this, but there is actually a strong connection between the teeth and headaches and migraines. The trigeminal nerve is one of the most prominent neuropathways in the human body and runs from the spinal cord, around the brain, through the jaw joints, and into the upper and lower jaw where smaller nerves branch off into each of your teeth. Therefore, a simple dental problem like an untreated cavity, impacted wisdom teeth, or untreated TMJ disorder could irritate the trigeminal nerve, which can lead to migraines or intense headaches. Bruxism and teeth clenching and grinding can also aggravate the trigeminal nerve, causing chronic migraines.

How can my dentist help stop my migraines?

One of the first ways we provide migraine relief is by determining the source of your pain. We begin by assessing your oral health and addressing any oral health issues like decay, broken or uneven teeth, and missing teeth. The idea is to establish a healthy, properly aligned bite so that the jaw joints are not stressed with uneven biting pressure. If you suffer from bruxism, we will recommend a custom-made nightguard to wear while you sleep that absorbs pressure and relieves tension on the jaw joints. Additionally, we provide screenings for TMJ disorder to determine if your jaw joints are uneven and could benefit from TMJ treatment.

How can I tell if I have TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder presents many different symptoms that all relate to pain and discomfort in the jaw joints, as well as headaches and migraines.

Here is a list of common TMJ symptoms:

• Pain in the jaws or jaw joints
• Limited range of motion in the jaw
• Lockjaw
• Difficulty or pain when chewing
• Popping or clicking sounds when opening or closing your jaw
• Pain in your teeth or sensitive teeth
• Teeth that are worn, chipped, or cracked
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Fullness in the ears
• Tinnitus

If you experience these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a TMJ consultation in Louisville at Exceptional Dentistry.

How is TMJ disorder treated?

Our patients often experience relief by wearing a custom oral appliance designed to hold the jaw in proper alignment so that the jaw joints are not strained. In some cases, patients experience relief rather quickly or within a few days to weeks after wearing their oral appliance as prescribed by our TMJ dentist. Relieving the pressure on the jaw joints helps decrease inflammation. We may also provide additional treatments to increase blood flow and stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities to reduce inflammation. In turn, the trigeminal nerve settles, releasing you from chronic migraines and headaches.

Find migraine relief in Louisville, Kentucky

Migraines can rob you of the joys of life. Oftentimes, migraine sufferers miss out on time with their families and struggle to keep a job. If you’re ready to find relief, contact Exceptional Dentistry today by calling (502) 423-7868.