Headaches are debilitating. How often do you wake up with a headache? But did you know that your headache can be caused by a dental problem? Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), Clenching, and Grinding can all be causes of headaches.
The cause of TMD can vary from unknown causes to trauma from an accident. A patient can experience popping and clicking as well as discomfort of the jaw. Often very difficult to diagnose, if left unattended can worsen over time.
Clenching is a very common oral behavior. Clenching, over time causes small fractures and wear on the teeth. The muscles in the face, jaw, neck and shoulders become very tense and tender. Headaches are very common effects of clenching.
Bruxism, also known as grinding, is when a patient grinds their teeth back and forth. This behavior is typically done during sleep making the patient unaware of the behavior. Grinding is very damaging to the teeth. Stress and malocclusion are the most common causes of Bruxism.
Our specialist, Dr. Wesley Shankland, can identify and treat TMD as well as identify and treat clenching and grinding. There are different types of therapies and appliances used to treat each issue. If you or a loved one suffer from headaches, mention it to your dental professional.
Until next time,
Keep smiling, sharing, and caring!