There are a number of different factors that contribute to the onset, location, and intensity of headaches. Although headaches are sometimes the sign of an underlying health condition when associated with other symptoms or after an injury, in most cases, lifestyle factors like stress, diet, fitness levels, environment, sleep patterns, and even posture are the source factors of the discomfort. However, if you have bruxism (the involuntary grinding of teeth during sleep) or suffer from TMD (temporomandibular joint disorders, also commonly referred to as TMJ), you may also experience splitting headaches as a result. If you think these last points apply to you, Drs. Herbert and Harold Mendelson, the dentists at Mendelson Family Dentistry in Owing Mills, MD, can diagnose whether your headaches are being caused by a dental problem and subsequently recommend the appropriate solutions.
Headache Relief in Owings Mills, MD
One of the most common causes of dental pain is a decayed or infected tooth—this also may feel like a headache in some cases. Another common cause of dental related headaches is TMD/TMJ, a disorder that affects that joints that hinge the upper and lower jaw.
How Oral Health Problems Can Cause Headaches
Oral health-related tension headaches are typically felt around one or both temples, though they can also be felt on other parts of the head as well. Joint damage, bite and alignment problems, and bruxism can cause muscle strains and lead to these headaches. Just like the joints and muscles throughout the rest of the body, these conditions make the muscles work harder, increasing the risk of stress and pain.
Not sure if your headache is caused by a dental problem? The only way to know for sure is to see a dentist; you don't have to wait until something goes wrong, though—the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a checkup and professional dental cleaning every six months for optimal oral health and gum disease prevention.
Find a Dentist in Owings Mills, MD
For more information about TMJ and how bite or alignment issues can contribute to headaches, contact Mendelson Family Dentistry by calling (410) 356-4100 to schedule an appointment today.