What Causes Headache?Your dentist may have the answerWhat causes headache? So many things...stress, hunger, dehydration, hormones, allergies, noise, work, kids, pets, spouses...the list could go on and on. One chronic headache cause that is often overlooked: clenching or grinding of your teeth.
Put your hands on the sides of your face. Fingers on your temples and thumbs on your lower jaw. Feel how those muscles pop up when you hold your teeth firmly together? It's no wonder this habit is what causes headache for some. Even if your headache is not caused by teeth clenching, you are far more likely to clench because of the pain and make your headache even more painful. They are so closely related that is often hard to know which came first...the headache or the clenching?
Your Dentist has a Headache SolutionHeadache from clenching or grinding your teeth is easily prevented. Since it's mostly done at night while you sleep, wearing a night guard will eliminate or at least decrease your headaches. Yet this simple, drug free headache solution is often the last one suggested.Most of us don't think of dentists when we think of headaches. At least we hope you don't! But, your dentist might be the best person to provide a headache solution. Because it happens while you are sleeping, many are unaware of this destructive habit. Your dentist is an expert at recognizing the signs of clenching and grinding. When we see signs of clenching or grinding the next question to the client is "Do you think you clench or grind your teeth at night?" "Nope" or "I don't know" are the two most common answers. Most people are just not aware of it. But, if the signs are there, it's best to wear a night guard and prevent any further damage.
Here's why I love teeth grinding guardsA teeth grinding guard aka night guard is not only a great headache treatment, it also prevents many other problems caused by clenching or grinding your teeth. Worn down teeth, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, tooth abfraction, and TMJ issues are some of the negative results that are avoided by wearing a night guard.Those tooth troubles are not pretty to look at or easy to fix. It's best to avoid them.
Although you might still clench on your night guard, it's impossible to fully engage your head, neck, and jaw muscles. Even though you are trying to keep them working, they get to relax :) Don't your jaw muscles deserve the night off?
Wearing a night guard takes a little getting used to, but a custom made night guard is a great headache solution. My clients who wear one regularly may not eliminate their headaches entirely, but almost all say they have fewer and less severe headaches. We may never know what causes headache in every case, but teeth clenching and grinding could be your chronic headache cause or at least a contributing factor.
Return from what causes headache to grinding teeth
|
