Are you experiencing headaches, especially in the morning?
Frequent headaches may be a sign of a complex dental concern and should not be ignored. Regarding your dental health, headaches may be an indication of teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and even crooked teeth. Dr. Joyce Kim is an experienced dentist in Williamsport, PA that offers advanced, comprehensive solutions for patients experiencing headaches associated with sleep apnea, teeth grinding, TMJ, or a misaligned bite. If you suffer from frequent headaches, you may benefit from scheduling an appointment with Dr. Kim where she can help determine why you are getting them.
Dr. Joyce Kim may recommend patients undergo a bite analysis, jaw alignment evaluation, and a full comprehensive exam to determine if their headaches are the result of a complex dental issue. During your evaluation, Dr. Kim will determine the root cause of your headaches and create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
Headaches and Your Oral Health
Bruxism: Headaches that occur shortly after waking up may be a symptom of teeth grinding. Patients who grind their teeth may also experience worn, damaged, or broken teeth. Teeth grinding may even increase your risk of developing TMJ or another complex disorder. Patients should visit our Williamsport dental office to undergo a full comprehensive exam to determine if teeth grinding is causing their headaches. Dr. Kim offers many treatments to help with teeth grinding. First, she will fix the damage caused by the grinding with restorative dentistry treatments. Then, she will make a custom mouthguard to be worn at night. This will act as a protective shield to prevent the grinding from causing more damage.
Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes the soft tissue in the back of the throat to collapse, which causes a restriction of airflow. Patients who have sleep apnea may also experience loud snoring or waking up gasping for air. In advanced cases of sleep apnea, patients may repeatedly take pauses in their breathing while they sleep. Dr. Kim offers sleep appliance therapy as a solution for patients with sleep apnea.
Crooked or Misaligned Teeth: Crooked or misaligned teeth can cause tension in the jaw. Dr. Kim offers Invisalign clear aligners. They are a discreet and comfortable solution to realign crooked teeth. The clear aligners work by slowly moving the teeth into alignment. They should be worn for 22 hours a day and they are switched out about once a week. Gradually, over several months, your teeth will move into proper alignment. Invisalign has helped many people attain straighter teeth and correct their bites. This eliminates all the sides effects including frequent headaches.
Headache FAQs
Dental issues may be causing your frequent headaches. Learn more.
Can a tooth infection cause headaches?
Yes, a tooth infection, such as an abscess, can cause headaches. Infections in the tooth or gums can spread to the surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation and pain that radiates to the head. A tooth abscess is particularly concerning because it can result in a buildup of pus, causing severe pain and pressure. Prompt dental treatment is essential to prevent the infection from worsening and causing more intense headaches.
Can teeth grinding lead to headaches?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common cause of headaches. Grinding your teeth stresses the jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to tension headaches. Over time, bruxism can cause tooth wear and pain in the jaw and face, contributing to frequent headaches. Wearing a nightguard while you sleep can help protect your teeth and alleviate the associated headaches.
How do I know if my headache is dental-related?
If a dental issue causes your headache, you may experience pain that originates in your jaw, neck, or face, and it may be worse when you chew or speak. You might also notice that the pain worsens in the morning after sleeping, which could be a sign of teeth grinding. Dental headaches may also accompany facial pain, jaw clicking, or soreness. If you suspect your headaches are related to dental problems, it’s best to consult your dentist for an evaluation.
Is there a link between migraines and dental problems?
Yes, there is a potential link between migraines and dental issues, particularly TMJ disorders and teeth grinding. Tension in the jaw or misalignment of the teeth can trigger or worsen migraines. Additionally, untreated dental infections or abscesses may contribute to the onset of severe headaches. Addressing the underlying dental cause can sometimes provide relief from frequent migraines.
Can dental headaches go away on their own?
Dental headaches may improve or go away on their own if the underlying issue resolves, such as a tooth infection being treated or teeth grinding ceasing. However, if the root cause—like TMJ dysfunction or an untreated cavity—remains, the headaches are likely to return. It’s important to consult Dr. Kim to identify the cause and prevent future headaches.
When should I see a dentist for my headaches?
You should see us if you experience frequent or severe headaches related to your teeth, jaw, or oral health. Ignoring the issue can lead to more serious dental problems and prolonged headaches. Dr. Kim can diagnose the cause of your headaches and recommend the appropriate treatment, whether addressing a tooth infection, adjusting your bite, or providing a nightguard for teeth grinding.
Relief For Headaches in Williamsport, PA
If you are dealing with regular headaches and can’t seem to find relief, you may want to schedule a visit to Loyalsock Dental. We understand that suffering from recurring headaches can affect your health and your overall quality of life. Dr. Joyce Kim is an experienced dentist who is dedicated to helping you find the relief you need. To learn more about your treatment solutions, visit Loyalsock Dental or request an appointment online.