Thankfully, they may be able to find relief from their dentist. Why is this?
It’s because dentists can treat the causes of many migraines – bruxism and bite problems.
How is it that a misaligned bite and teeth grinding causes migraines?
Teeth Grinding Causes Migraines – How So?
A lot of people grind their teeth. Some do it only when they’re under stress. Others do it every single night.
Teeth grinding causes migraines because it keeps the muscles of the face and neck in a constant state of contraction. Compare this to holding a dumbbell in a bicep curl without ever bringing the arm back down. It’s not hard to imagine how quickly the muscles would start to feel strained and painful.
It’s the same with grinding. It’s like the person is exercising their facial muscles for hours of a time. No wonder they end up in pain!
Do Bite Problems Cause Migraines, Too?
Bruxism isn’t the only cause of patient pain. Bite problems causes migraines in many patients as well.
A misaligned bite puts the muscles of the head and neck in an awkward position. It’s a position that isn’t natural, and this adversely affects the function of the patient’s jaw joint.
The muscles are constantly strained, which causes pain in the jaw as well as migraines.
How to Reduce Pain from a Bad Bite and Bruxism
Anyone who has suffered from migraines knows how difficult they can be to treat. Typically, the reason for this is because the patient hasn’t yet received a diagnosis for the real underlying condition.
If the cause of the migraine is a misaligned bite or nocturnal teeth grinding, a dentist can help. There are plenty of options to help patients reduce pain and improve their overall dental health.
These include:
- Braces, bite adjustments, replacing existing restorations to fix the patient’s bite
- Splints/night guards can prevent damage to the jaw joints and teeth, as well as muscle pain.
Besides dental treatments, patients can take steps to reduce their pain at home in many ways.
- Avoid sticky, chewy foods, like caramel
- Avoid chewing gum
- Stay away from hard, thick breads
- Reduce consumption of crunchy raw vegetables
- Use ice to reduce inflammation
- Use heat to relax the muscles
- Try TMJ exercises recommended by a dentist
- Try relaxation and stress reduction techniques, like meditation and deep breathing.
Patients Don’t Have to Continue to Suffer with Migraines
Teeth grinding and bite problems causes migraines. But all hope is not lost. People can reduce their symptoms by scheduling an appointment with their dentist.
For anyone who hasn’t gotten the results they want from their physician, the best option may be at their dental office.
Are you ready to put a stop to debilitating migraines? Call our office to schedule an appointment, or fill out an appointment request form. We’ll get you in as soon as possible and find a way to treat your pain.