Can Poor Oral Health Cause Headaches?

Have you ever experienced an intense headache that seemed to come out of nowhere? You may be surprised to learn that sometimes, the source of your headache is related to your oral health. Many people don't realize it, but toothaches, teeth grinding, and other dental issues can cause headaches. At Healthy Smiles Dental in Santa Clarita, we are committed to helping people understand the connection between dental health and headaches. In this blog article, we will explain how tooth pain and other oral issues can cause migraine headaches and discuss ways to get relief. When it comes to headaches and dental health, there are several potential causes. A toothache is one of the main culprits, as it can irritate the trigeminal nerve and trigger a migraine headache. However, there are other causes:

• Teeth grinding, Bruxism is a common condition involving the involuntary grinding of teeth and can cause severe damage to the teeth and jaw if not managed. Symptoms may include headaches, pain in the jaw joint or limited movement, chipped tooth enamel, and loose and temperature-sensitive teeth. Risk factors can be stress and anxiety, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Treatment options include repair of tooth damage, a special mouthguard to wear at night, or stress management therapies. It would help if you spoke with your dentist or other oral health professional to find the best treatment for teeth grinding. Or Bruxism can "refer" pain to other parts of the head, including the face and jaw.


• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), disorders of the jaw muscles and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Sometimes the leading cause is excessive strain on the jaw joints and the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may result from Bruxism, and the most common symptoms are Jaw discomfort or soreness, headaches, clicking or popping of the jaw, and any change in how the upper and lower teeth fit together.

When and How to get help?

Depending on the cause of your headache, there are several treatments available. For instance, getting it filled may help reduce pain or irritation if you have a cavity. If you suffer from Bruxism or TMJ, wearing an occlusal guard at night can help protect your teeth and reduce tension in the jaw muscles. Surgery or orthodontic treatment may also be needed to correct an improper bite.

At Healthy Smiles Dental in Santa Clarita, we offer various dental plans and treatments to prevent dental issues, like cleanings and exams , digital X-rays, prophylaxis, and more. Our team of experienced dentists and hygienists is dedicated to providing excellent care and advice for all your oral health needs. We can help ensure you get the treatment you need to improve your oral health and reduce related headaches.

We hope this article has helped you understand the connection between headaches and dental health. If you are experiencing painful headaches, visiting your dentist or doctor for an assessment and treatment plan is essential. At Healthy Smiles Dental, Santa Clarita, we can provide treatments to restore oral health and reduce pain. Contact us today to learn how we can help alleviate migraine headaches related to dental issues!