Headaches

Headaches are incredibly common, affecting about 39 million adults in the United States alone. One of the obstacles to managing headaches is the large number of potential causes, causing patients to feel defeated. Fortunately, you don’t have to simply put up with the pain: find relief with the help of a dentist. Distinctive Dental Solutions offers the support you need to identify the cause of your headaches and learn what you can do to feel better. Oral health conditions are a common cause of head pain, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our compassionate team for more information.  

What Is the Link Between Dental Health and Headaches?

You may not expect it, but oral health can impact other areas of your body. This is true for many diseases, including those of the heart, circulatory system and even the head. There are a few instances in which oral health can cause head pain, particularly: 

• Tooth Decay. Cavities and severe tooth decay can lead to pain that resonates through your head. Many times, issues such as an abscessed tooth. Deep-set decay can lead to damage and pain that affects your jaw, and even your head. That’s why brushing and flossing regularly is so important. Investing in your oral health now means preventing these issues down the line. 

• Jaw Issues. Sometimes, jaw complications such as TMJ or teeth grinding can cause headaches, especially if these are caused by stress. You may subconsciously tense the muscles in your face, leading to stiffness and pain. Likewise, stress is well known for causing headaches, as well as jaw pain. 

• Broken Teeth. If you have a chipped or cracked tooth from an injury, be sure to see a dentist immediately. We can ensure the injury heals and advise you on possible restorations if necessary. Missing teeth can change the way you chew, which may feel unnatural and sometimes painful. Over time, it can cause headaches and other problems, so be sure to visit our office as soon as possible. 

Many headaches are attributed to having a bad bite, such as an overbite or underbite. Jaw misalignments account for a good number of oral-related headaches, so if you believe this problem is true for you as well, contact our team. We’re here to help you find solutions to your oral health problems, and headaches are no exception. We can create a custom mouthpiece that helps align your teeth properly as well as a nightguard to prevent teeth grinding while you sleep. Our custom-made oral appliances are highly effective and comfortable to wear. 

Find the Solution to Your Headaches

Oral health affects the rest of your body, so if you frequently have headaches, be sure to visit a doctor who can assess your health to its fullest. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as other chronic health conditions, sometimes cause headaches as symptoms. These diseases can actually be caused by poor dental hygiene as pathogens from your mouth enter the bloodstream and circulate to vital organs. As such, you will need to take a full-body approach to discern the cause of your headaches. Our dentist is the first step. Call our team today to schedule a checkup.