If you suffer from frequent migraines, have you ever consider seeing your dentist? It might not be the first doctor you’d think to ask, but dentists have quite a bit of knowledge on this. Dentistry, migraines, and headaches are very much intertwined, therefore a good place to check is with your dentist. Here is how all three are exactly intermixed with one another.
Migraines vs Headaches
Migraines and headaches sound a lot alike, but in reality, they are different from each other. Headaches are uncomfortable but typically allow you to function for the rest of the day. Migraines, on the other hand, will stop you dead in your tracks. They can leave you feeling extremely sensitive to light and sound. Typical symptoms include head throbbing, aching, nausea, or vomiting. Migraines also go through different stages, so symptoms can vary. The stages are listed below according to Medline Plus.
- Prodome – Starts up to 24 hours before the migraine begins. You can experience fatigue, mood swings, cravings, yawning, and frequent urination.
- Aura – Might experience vision sensations like flashing or zig-zag patterns on top of fatigue.
- Headache – A migraine may begin as a headache, then increase in pain and severity turning into a migraine.
- Postdome – This is the crash after a migraine, leaving you exhausted, weak, or confused.
Migraines And Dentistry
So how does dentistry play a part in migraine solutions? Different dental issues can lead to or trigger migraine attacks. All of the structures in your face eventually play a part in the others. A few common dental reasons that cause migraines are bad teeth, an off bite, teeth grinding, gum disease, and tooth decay. Infections in your mouth can greatly impact other areas of your body. So what kind of treatments can a dentist offer you? Some treatment options include Botox, TMJ Therapy, or TMJ Laser treatment.
If you currently suffer from headaches or migraines, Westmoreland Dental can help! At Westmoreland, we offer various treatment options like TMJ therapy or TMJ laser treatment. Both of these options have helped numerous patients with their headaches and migraines. For more information on our other services we provide, you can visit us online here. You can also reach us at (423) 282-2844 to schedule an appointment or consultation today!