It’s a no-brainer that having a dental issue can lead to tooth pain, but could it lead to a headache as well? Many people don’t realize that some oral health problems can actually cause migraines. After all, your teeth and jaws are all part of your head’s closely interconnected structure! If you’re dealing with chronic migraines and can’t seem to find relief, it’s possible that one of the following dental issues may be to blame.

Bruxism or Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is the formal name for the condition where you routinely grind or clench your teeth. Many times, this occurs during sleep. That means you may not even notice that you do it unless someone close to you tells you they hear the grinding, or your dentist spots the signs left on your teeth. That grinding puts a lot of stress and pressure on your teeth and jaws, which can then lead to jaw pain and migraines.

TMJ Disorder

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the sliding joint that controls your jawbone’s movement. Basically, it’s the joint that allows you to open and close your mouth, and move your jaw from side to side. If there is an issue with this joint, whether because of an injury, inflammation, or something else, it’s called TMJ disorder or TMD. Migraines are a common symptom of TMJ disorder.

Severe Toothache

Yes, if a toothache is bad enough, it is possible that you might get a migraine from it! There are a variety of things that can cause a toothache, from a serious cavity to gum disease. It’s always better to consult a dentist if you have a toothache before the problem gets any worse.

Migraine Help at Atlantic Dental Partners

If you think one of the problems just mentioned above might be giving you migraines, then we invite you to come see us at Atlantic Dental Partners. We provide a variety of procedures, including TMJ/TMD treatment, at our practices in Jamaica Plain and Malden. Call or email us today to set up an appointment with us! You can click this link to fill out the contact form.