Headaches can stop you in your tracks. Chronic headaches can get in the way of your life. If you suffer from chronic or frequent headaches, finding a solution to your pain is likely to take priority. Anything from hormones to a new routine can trigger a headache. Once you have ruled out the major categories of headache triggers, you may consider talking to your dentist. Some dental issues can be the cause of your headaches.
Tooth Issues that Cause Headaches
Consulting your dentist may provide clarity as to why you constantly have headaches.
Bad Bite
One potential cause of your headaches can be a result of your bite. Your “bite” refers to how your top and bottom teeth meet together. When you have a bite problem, your dentist may call it a “bad bite.” If you have a misaligned bite, it can cause pain and discomfort. Your teeth are designed to sustain the stress and pressure of chewing and speaking because of their shape. However, malocclusions can cause your teeth to strike improperly. Not only can these cause headaches, but they can also increase your chances of chipped or broken teeth. Over time, you may also experience pain in your jaw.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
Your jaw is another area that might cause headaches. Temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMJ) is a condition that affects your jaw joints, ligaments, or muscles. These elements are responsible for a hinging motion that opens and closes your mouth. When you develop a dysfunction in your jaw joint, it can make eating, speaking, and sleeping painful.
There are a variety of different ways that you can develop TMJ, including trauma, genetics, and clenching your jaw. If there is too much stress on your jaw joint, it can damage the cartilage, which cushions the joint. Additionally, having a bad bite can cause a dysfunction within the joint. When the muscles become strained or tight, it can trigger a headache.
Treatment Options
There are a few different ways that your dentist can offer relief for your pain.
Mouthguard
One way that your dentist can help alleviate your headaches is with a mouthguard. A mouthguard is a custom-fit piece of soft plastic that molds to your teeth. Due to the soft material, the mouthguard provides a soft cushion between your teeth. It keeps your teeth from grinding together. Additionally, a mouthguard reduces the tension that can build in your jaw as you sleep. Sometimes, you can clench your jaw in your sleep, which can add excess stress to your jaw and joint. Therefore, a mouthguard can eliminate several of the causes of your headaches.
Bite Correction
If your headaches are a result of a bite problem, then you should talk to your dentist about correcting the issue. Typically, this will involve undergoing an orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth. Other bite issues that orthodontic treatment can correct include underbites, overbites, gaps, etc. Fixing your bite problem can be the solution to your headaches.