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subject: Are Headaches Interrupting Your Day? Seek Dental Care Now [print this page]


Few things can ruin your day faster than a bad headache. While you may be blaming your headache on common triggers like weather changes, you may be overlooking one of the sneakiest culprits - your oral health. Dental problems are often the headache trigger many people never consider, but it often is a source to majority of headaches.

I Have a Migraine - Could it be TMJ?

Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can spark temple pain and migraines. Many dentists have found that the TMJ may be the source of some patients' persistent, severe headaches. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a common cause of jaw pain and occurs in front of the ears where the lower jaw is attached to the upper part of the face.

TMJ involves conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles and nerves on one or both sides of the head that result in jaw, face, head and neck pain. The pain and discomfort caused by TMJ disorders may be severe, can be either intermittent or constant, and may last for many years. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), TMJ disorder symptoms may recur during stressful times, whether good or bad.

My Headache Rests in my Temples - Is it Bruxism (Tooth Grinding)?

Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you grind your teeth, you may unconsciously clench your teeth together during the day or grind them at night. Your bruxism can be mild and may not require treatment. Unfortunately, it can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other dental problems. Since bruxism may occur while you are sleeping, you may be unaware of it until complications develop.

A teeth-clenching habit, such as bruxism, can leave pain in your temples. Engaging in stress-management or relaxation techniques may help ease the grinding and clenching you are experiencing. If you tend to clench or grind your teeth at night, try wearing a bite guard to minimize the effects of bruxism.

Sinus Pain? It Could be an Oral Infection

Infections in the teeth or gums in the upper part of your mouth can cause pain in the maxillary sinuses (your cheeks) and even behind your eyes. Occasionally, a toothache can mimic a headache, causing you to focus your attention away from where it should be.

Teeth are notorious for causing pain, which is felt in a completely different area. Toothaches can be diagnosed where there is obvious infection or decay in a tooth, or where the tooth is tender. Treating these infections with antibiotics should put an end to the pain.

If you suffer from frequent headaches, whether they are in your temple or sinuses, visit your dentist in West Orange for further diagnosis and treatment of potential dental problems that could be triggering your painful headache.

by: Gen Wright




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