Most people don’t usually think that their teeth or gums could be causing their headaches. But if you often get tension headaches during the day, your bite might be to blame. Grinding your teeth at night, having misaligned teeth, or damage to your teeth can all lead to headaches. Seeing a dentist may help reduce your pain. Contact your dentist for headache treatment in Frederick, MD, and care for other issues like bite problems or TMJ disorder.
How Dental Care Can Help with Headaches
Your bite can cause tension headaches in many ways. Your teeth, gums, and jaws are important for talking, chewing, and even sleeping. If your bite is off, it can cause TMJ problems. Getting your bite fixed as soon as you notice TMJ symptoms, like headaches, can help keep you healthy and comfortable.
Night Grinding
Clenching or grinding your teeth at night is a common cause of tension headaches. While your body should relax during sleep, stress can make your jaws clench instead. This causes tension in your head and can weaken your teeth due to the pressure from grinding.
At our Frederick dental office, we can create a custom night guard from an impression of your teeth. The guard fits comfortably in your mouth at night and acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth. By creating space and reducing the pressure, night guards can help ease headaches caused by grinding.
Missing or Broken Teeth
The bones and muscles in your mouth work together to help you chew and talk. If a tooth is missing or damaged, it can throw off the balance of your bite. This makes the rest of your mouth work harder, causing tension that can lead to more headaches.
A restorative dentist can fix your bite and help relieve that tension. Restorative treatments like implants, bonding, or crowns can replace missing teeth and fix damage from chips or fractures. Even if the teeth aren’t visible when you smile, it’s important that they are strong and healthy to support your mouth.
Misalignment
Our teeth are supposed to fit together when we bite. If your teeth are misaligned, it can put pressure on parts of your jaw that shouldn’t have to work as hard. This not only affects your teeth and gums but can also add tension to your jaw with every bite. Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign can realign your teeth for a healthier, more balanced bite.
If you often get tension headaches, the problem might be in your mouth. Your bite affects the rest of your body’s well-being. At the Frederick Center for Dentistry, we know how important oral health is for your overall health. Call us today at 301-264-5680 to make an appointment and learn more about our headache treatments in Frederick, MD.