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Headaches are common problems experienced by many of us almost daily. It is usually attributed to stress and other illnesses, but it can indicate more severe issues as well. When left untreated, headaches can become chronic and disrupt your daily life significantly. One particular type of head pain that many people find to be debilitating is migraines.
A lot of people attribute their headaches to eye strain or stress, but what many do not know is that their teeth can directly or partially cause a headache. Yes, your teeth can be the principal or partial culprit for your pain.
To address your teeth-induced headache problem or at least minimize its severity, perhaps you should consider making use of a night guard. Studies show the use of night guard helps stop teeth grinding and clenching, thus reducing the facial strain that is responsible for headaches or migraines.
Here’s what you need to know about how a night guard can significantly help you treat your headaches:
Teeth-related problems: Grinding, clenching, and headaches
Many of us grind or clench our teeth from time to time. Chances are you do this on a daily basis and you aren’t even aware of it! At times, the action of teeth grinding or clenching is in response to stress. This can carry on and occur while you’re asleep until you wake up in pain.
Not sure why teeth grinding is such a big deal? It’s simple. The action can put quite a bit of pressure on your teeth. If you use it on a constant basis, chances are that it will take a toll on your jaw muscles — and of course, your teeth. The constant pressure and strain can cause further complications as your jaw muscles become irritated and inflamed. This, in turn, can lead to problems such as chronic headaches, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and significant tooth strain, among others.
The benefits of a night guard
What is a night guard? A night guard is a type of dental mouthguard. It is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to reduce injury to the oral structure and the parts within. However, unlike other mouthguards, it is specifically used for teeth grinding or clenching that occurs during sleep.
How does it work?
When used during sleep or even naps, the device provides a cushion between your upper and lower teeth. As a result, it minimizes the pressure put on your jaws, facial muscles, and nerves. This then can reduce the chances of any grinding and clenching-related problems such as cracks and fractures. This can also lessen the case of developing gum recession and periodontal diseases. Finally, this can address your headaches, be they acute or chronic.
A night guard may be the solution for your chronic headaches
Typically, night guards are custom-made using impressions of your own teeth. This means that they ought to fit your mouth securely and should be extremely comfortable to wear while you sleep.
When you visit a dental office to get a set done, your dentist will take impressions and send them to a dental lab that specializes in night guard fabrication. Once your night guard is made, you’ll come in for a final adjustment. Once perfectly fit and appropriate, then you can already wear your guard whenever you sleep.
Using a night guard regularly will help you cease your grinding and clenching. This will help reduce the pressure and strain on your facial muscles and nerves. Over time, you’ll be amazed as to how this has significantly addressed your headache problems.
If you’re looking for a local dentist to help you with your dental health, get in touch with us today for a free consultation.
