Did you know your migraines could be linked to your dental health?
Do you suffer from pounding headaches, usually on one side of your head? You might also feel sick or have sensitivity to movement, light, sound or smell. These could be migraines – a debilitating condition that, according to the Migraine Trust, affects more than 10 million people in the UK.
As August is Migraine Awareness month, we wanted to highlight that certain conditions can contribute to migraines. Specifically, teeth grinding (bruxism) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are known either be the cause of or contribute towards triggering migraines.
Teeth grinding
The most common causes of teeth grinding, which can happen during the day or while you’re sleeping are stress and anxiety, sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnoea or taking certain medicines. It’s worth noting that smoking, drinking lots of alcohol or caffeine, and taking drugs like ecstasy and cocaine can also cause teeth grinding.
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)
TMJ is a condition that affects the movement of your jaw. There are a number of symptoms, including pain around your jaw, ear and temple, a headache around your temples and your jaw locking when you open your mouth. The pain may be worse when chewing and when you feel stressed.
What to do next
If you believe your migraines may be connected to either of these conditions, we suggest scheduling a visit to see one of our dentists. They can explore the connection between your dental health and migraines and provide appropriate advice and treatment options.
