Headache Treatment
Many of our patients are unsure about the cause of their headaches. But headaches are often the result of a dental health issue, commonly related to the function of the bite. Patients with TMJ disorders or an uneven bite are more likely to experience chronic headaches. Tension in the jaw can spread throughout the face to cause headaches.
Dr. Larsen has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of occlusal disorders, an underlying cause of recurring headaches for many patients. He takes a conservative and holistic approach to your care and will develop a treatment plan unique to your needs.
Dr. Larsen will carefully evaluate your bite, jaw movement, and any symptoms you’re experiencing to find the source of your discomfort. Based on your needs, he may recommend oral appliance therapy, which involves wearing a custom-made device that gently repositions the jaw.
Dr. Larsen works with a local dental lab to create a custom night guard that covers your upper or lower teeth. A dental appliance keeps your teeth from touching to prevent tooth chips and wear. It also holds your jaw in a more relaxed position to stop you from unconsciously grinding your teeth. This TMJ treatment can help reduce tension, protect your teeth, and provide lasting headache relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? We’re happy to help. Here are some common questions we receive about our headache treatment plans for patients from Bountiful, Salt Lake, Kaysville, Farmington, Morgan, and throughout Davis County and Salt Lake County.
What dental issues cause headaches?
Teeth grinding, TMJ disorders, and even cavities can cause tension headaches. Anything that throws off the function of your bite pattern and puts extra strain on your teeth, gums, and jawbone can cause a headache.
Crooked teeth can also increase your risk of headaches. When your teeth don’t line up properly, your jaw muscles have to work harder every time you chew, speak, or close your mouth. This added effort can cause tightness and soreness in the jaw, which can lead to tension headaches or even facial pain.
Missing teeth can create similar problems. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth must take on more pressure when you bite or chew. This uneven force can cause your jaw muscles to overwork and may lead to discomfort and headaches. At Larsen Family Dental, we can treat all of these issues with solutions like dental implants, customized night guards, or TMJ treatment. You can schedule an appointment by calling 801-295-8881.
How do I know if my dental issues cause my headaches?
Headaches caused by dental issues usually start with a dull pain that you feel on one or both sides of the head and around the temples. You may also feel pain or soreness in the teeth or jaw. This pain can radiate to your head.
How will I know if I’m grinding my teeth?
Teeth grinding largely goes unnoticed by patients because they do it unconsciously. Headaches and jaw pain, especially in the mornings, are big signs of teeth grinding.
Dr. Larsen is constantly examining your smile during your preventative appointments for signs of teeth grinding. If you suspect you grind your teeth, bring up any symptoms you experience outside of the dentist’s office. Our team can provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan.
Should you go to the dentist with a migraine?
Occasionally, dental issues, such as an abnormal bite or TMJ pain, can contribute to migraine headaches. If this is the case with your situation, the dentist can help alleviate your migraine symptoms. But if you’re experiencing a severe migraine attack likely unrelated to dental problems, you should reschedule the dental appointment. It’s best to see your primary care physician for appropriate treatment.
Can a bad tooth cause headaches and neck pain?
An unhealthy tooth with an infection, fracture, or abscess can cause headaches and neck aches. Dental pain from a bad tooth can be released and direct pain signals to the head and neck. Clenching and grinding on a problem tooth may strain the jaw muscles and lead to tension headaches and neck discomfort.
How can I tell if my tooth pain is causing my headaches?
If you’re feeling pain behind your eyes or have a sore jaw, it could be a tooth problem. Another sign that tooth pain could be causing your headache is the frequent popping of the jaw joints. Not seeking medical attention for your chronic toothache might lead to other symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, or vomiting. Always consult a dentist or primary care doctor if these symptoms persist.
Can stress make headaches worse?
Yes. When you’re stressed, the muscles in your jaw, neck, and shoulders can tighten up. This extra tension can lead to more frequent or stronger headaches and tension headaches. Stress can also make you grind or clench your teeth without realizing it, which adds strain to your jaw and can trigger headaches. Learning ways to relax your jaw and manage stress can help reduce these headaches.
Schedule a TMJ Headache Consultation
If you experience frequent headaches and migraines, it may be TMJ-related. Call today to schedule your appointment, where Dr. Larsen will perform a bite analysis. We offer several treatments for TMJ disorders to help you find relief from your headaches. You can schedule an appointment with us online or call us at 801-295-8881 for more information.
