We are all aware of how annoying dental discomfort can be, but did you realize that it can also cause migraines? You’re not alone if you’ve ever had a toothache and a pounding headache at the same time. In unexpected ways, dental problems can exacerbate migraines. Let’s discover the link between these two and possible remedies for it.
The Connection Between Migraines and Tooth Pain
Because migraines and tooth pain share similar nerve pathways, a problem with your mouth might cause discomfort in your head. One of the biggest nerves in your face, the trigeminal nerve, is essential for migraines and dental discomfort. It can trigger migraines by sending pain signals to your head when it is irritated by dental issues.
Typical Dental Conditions That May Cause Migraines
Consider one of these dental issues as the cause of your regular headaches:
- Severe pain radiating to the head might result from untreated cavities and infections.
- Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ disorders, can cause migraines by putting stress on your facial muscles through jaw misalignment or clenching.
- Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause jaw pain and headaches as well in the morning.
- Improper eruption of wisdom teeth can turn into tension headaches and jaw pain.
Nearly 39 million Americans get migraines, and many of these cases are connected to underlying dental issues, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
How To Avoid Migraines Related To Toothache?
Thankfully, migraines from tooth discomfort can be decreased or even removed by taking right care of dental problems. What you can do is as follows:
- Regular examinations help in identifying dental issues before they take a serious turn.
- Treat cavities and infections immediately as postponing treatment might exacerbate headaches and tooth discomfort.
- Wearing a personalized night guard can prevent jaw tension and protect your teeth if you grind your teeth.
- Do maintain proper oral care by using mouthwash, brushing teeth twice a day, and flossing, these will help reduce irritation and infections.
- Discuss treatment options with an emergency dentist in NYC, such as bite modifications or physical therapy, if you suspect jaw issues.
To rule out other causes, see a physician or neurologist if headaches persist even after treating dental problems.
Most people are unaware of the deeper connection between migraines and tooth discomfort. Your teeth may be trying to tell you something if you have headaches a lot! To safeguard your smile—and your head—make an appointment with our trusted dentist for a dental examination, take care of any problems, and be proactive.
