June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. Over 3.1 billion people, or 40% of the population, were affected globally by headache disorders in 2021. More women suffer from headache disorders than men, most likely due to hormonal factors. While there are many causes as to why people get headaches and migraines, it may be something that you should mention to your dentist.
Oftentimes, headaches and jaw discomfort can be caused by malocclusion or bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding. When the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together correctly, the muscles of the jaw, neck and head have to work harder to make your teeth come together, which in turn can cause headaches and migraines.
Bruxism, or tooth grinding and clenching, is often something that is done during our sleep without us being aware of it. Repetitive overuse of the muscles can lead to headaches and migraines as well, often seen more in the morning after a night of clenching and grinding. Not only can bruxism cause headaches, but it also can cause teeth to wear and break.
While any of these can be quite debilitating conditions, there are multiple possible simple solutions that Dr. Stenvall and her Queen City Dental Arts team can discuss with you. It could be as easy as adjusting your bite or making a night guard to wear while you sleep. Let us know if you are experiencing any recurring headaches or migraines. We are always here to help!