Connection between Dental Health and Migraines

 Although migraines are typically thought of as severe headaches, they are actually a common neurological condition. But it's frequently forgotten that having frequent migraine headaches might be caused by poor oral health. Chronic and recurrent migraine attacks can be caused by cavities, pulp infections, bone loss from periodontal disease, dental abscesses, impacted teeth, cysts, and tumours.

While poor oral health can contribute to headaches and migraines, taking quick action to address any potential dental issues can help you stop experiencing migraine attacks. Continue reading to find out more about migraines' oral origins and treatment options.

Can dental issues lead to headaches?

The trigeminal nerve, the fifth cranial nerve, is the conduit for the transmission of both headaches and toothaches. Its primary function—divided into three major branches—is to innervate the face and jaws.

Two branches of the trigeminal nerve, the maxillary (V2) and mandibular, are affected by oral and dental illnesses (V3). Chronic abscesses also cause localised tissue hypoxia, necrotic tissue, localised inflammation, and the release of pain-related mediators. The trigeminal and vascular systems are affected by these inflammatory processes, which can turn an episodic migraine into a chronic migraine.

The effectiveness of medication decreases as a migraine becomes chronic. In order to prevent the onset of chronic migraine, it is crucial to tightly control any and all potential dental risk factors, such as an infected tooth or a dental abscess.

Migraines brought on by oral conditions

Some oral and dental conditions, according to the American Migraine Association, might make headaches worse:

• Missing, displaced, or loose teeth. To keep the mouth closed, align the teeth, and even swallow, they force the jaw muscles to work harder. This could lead to long-term muscular irritation, which can result in headaches or migraines.
• Bruxism. Muscle and gum irritation brought on by jaw clenching and teeth grinding can result in headaches and migraines. Morning headaches, tense jaw muscles, broken or damaged teeth, excruciating tooth pain, and migraines are some symptoms.
• Poor bite. While stress is usually linked to teeth grinding, a poor bite, or improperly aligned teeth, can also cause teeth grinding and, consequently, migraines.
• Harm to the wisdom teeth. They emerge last and furthest among adult teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can hurt, harm other teeth, and lead to additional dental problems that can result in chronic headaches. The majority of patients, however, experience relief after having their wisdom teeth removed.
• Abnormalities of the temporal bone (TMDs). It affects the jaw muscles and joints, which can result in chronic pain and cause migraines. Bruised jaw muscles, severe headaches, earaches, toothaches, and clicking or popping noises are typical symptoms. According to research, treating these underlying dental health problems can aid with migraine relief. For instance, research indicates that 35% of migraineurs also experience at least one TMD symptom in addition to both TMD discomfort and migraines.
• Persistent periodontitis (CP). It has been linked to an increased incidence of migraine and is connected with gingival tissue degradation, alveolar bone loss, and even tooth loss.
• Other typical dental problems. Included in this are crooked teeth, dental decay, and gum disease, all of which can result in toothaches. A migraine or headache may develop as a result of a severe toothache. Your chance of developing toothaches can be decreased by scheduling routine checkups and cleanings, following through with recommended treatment, and maintaining great oral hygiene.

Can a dentist help with a migraine?

Yes, dentists are the ideal people to handle the problem if a migraine can be linked to a dental issue. Dentists, orofacial specialists, and maxillofacial surgeons are well-equipped to examine patients for cranial complaints outside of the mouth and to refer them to a neurology clinic for additional testing and treatment.

The majority of medical professionals advise that primary care doctors and dentists collaborate to identify the cause of migraine pain and develop a treatment plan. A headache-focused dentist is the best choice for you if dental health is the root of your problem.

Treatment for migraines caused by dental disease: Treating a migraine begins with identifying its underlying cause. Treatment aims to prevent or manage the problems after determining the dental cause.

• A mouth guard that covers your upper or lower teeth and keeps them apart while you sleep is recommended for persons who grind their teeth;
• Your dentist may suggest crowns, braces, or oral surgery to improve your bite if your teeth are not positioned properly;
• Your cavities will be filled by the dentist if you have any. Root canal therapy is advised for teeth that are seriously infected;
• Dental tumours and cysts require extensive treatment, such as curettage (scraping or removing tissue) and excision; TMDs are frequently treated with muscle relaxants and anxiety medications. You can be advised by a dentist to use a night guard as well.

How to avoid migraine attacks

1. Routine brushing and flossing. If you can, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after lunch. It will aid in avoiding problems brought on by microorganisms.
2. Avoid skipping dental cleanings. Regular dental cleanings make the mouth feel better and help prevent issues like plaque buildup, which is a major cause of caries and cavities.
3. Get rid of your tooth-grinding behaviours. Counseling, relaxation techniques, and, in rare circumstances, prescription medication can be used to treat grinding brought on by stress. Teeth grinding is typically outgrown in children.
4. Watch your diet. Reducing your intake of refined sugar improves overall health and prevents sugar buildup on the surfaces of your teeth. Sticky sugars provide nourishment for the oral bacteria that cause caries.
5. Identify the cause. In order to treat dental-related migraines, one must first address the underlying dental issue. Regular dental checkups can help identify problems and take care of them before they cause mouth or head pain.

Your overall health depends on maintaining good dental health. A migraine may be brought on by or accompany tooth pain, jaw pain, headaches, or any type of facial pain. To rule out any oral problems, first consult your dentist. Your dentist can offer pain relief or make a recommendation for a doctor.