Are headaches a constant struggle in your daily routine? Do you find yourself popping painkillers more often than you would like? You may think these headaches are simply caused by stress or lack of sleep, but the root of your discomfort could actually be coming from an unexpected source – your oral health. 

That’s right, dental issues can not only affect our teeth and gums, but they can also lead to chronic headaches and migraines. At Cornerstone Dentistry, we understand the complex relationship between oral health and headaches and are committed to identifying and treating these contributing factors. 

Understanding the Dental Causes of Headaches

Several dental issues can lead to headaches:

  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ/TMD): Problems with the jaw joint and chewing muscles can cause pain that radiates to the head.
  • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Often occurring unconsciously, especially during sleep, bruxism can strain the muscles in the jaw and face, leading to tension headaches.
  • Misaligned Bite (Malocclusion): An uneven bite can create uneven pressure distribution when chewing, causing muscle strain and headaches.
  • Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can cause overall discomfort and inflammation, which may contribute to headaches.

Symptoms and Risks

The symptoms of dental-related headaches can vary, but often include:

  • Pain around the temples or back of the head.
  • Tenderness in the jaw muscles or jaw joint.
  • It increases headache pain during or after chewing.

If left untreated, these conditions can lead to chronic headaches, decreased quality of life, and worsening dental problems.

A Holistic Approach to Care

When it comes to dental treatment, we at Cornerstone Dentistry focus on taking a holistic approach. It is common knowledge that the state of your oral health is inextricably related to the state of your overall health system. 

During the course of your examination, we will evaluate not only your teeth and gums, but also the alignment of your jaw, the function of your muscles, and any other variables that may be contributing to headaches.

Preventive Measures and Education

Our approach focuses on two critical aspects: preventing diseases and educating patients. At our dental clinic, we emphasize the importance of regular dental checkups, maintaining good oral hygiene, and being aware of signs that suggest dental involvement in headaches. 

To reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, we also recommend making lifestyle changes like stress management techniques and dietary adjustments.

Our Commitment to Your Health

Cornerstone Dentistry is dedicated to delivering comprehensive therapy that targets the underlying causes of your headaches and aims to alleviate them. We are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care and attention, and we will make every effort to ensure that you are supported and well informed throughout the entirety of your treatment journey.

At Cornerstone Dentistry, we are able to detect and treat the underlying reasons of headaches, which can occasionally manifest as tooth problems. In conclusion, headaches can sometimes manifest in dental problems. 

If you are experiencing chronic headaches and believe that there may be a relationship between your headaches and your dental health, we strongly recommend that you book a consultation.