You are not alone: the unwelcoming pounding and numbing pain of headache is shared by many people. Affecting more teenage girls than boys, common headache triggers include stress, lack of sleep, excessive heat or sunlight, smoking and diet. Understanding some of the hidden causes and triggers of headaches is the key to avoiding this malady.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
A condition known as TMJ or TMD occurs when the jaw is not resting in an ideal position. Over time, symptoms of discomfort including headaches may develop. Other reported symptoms of TMJ include, but are not limited to, jaw clicking, inability to open wide, jaw tenderness, difficulty chewing and ringing in the ears.If you are suffering from any of these symptoms or suspect that you may have TMJ/TMD, we can help. A therapeutic treatment program for relief may be beneficial to you and we can discuss this at your next dental visit or during a consultation. Do not hesitate to ask your dental health professional for advice.
Bruxism
Unbeknownst to you, your teeth and jaws may be busy and hard at work, all while you sleep! Bruxism involves excessive jaw clenching or teeth grinding. Many people may not even be aware that they are doing it because they don’t associate the following symptoms; chipped/worn teeth, headaches, aching jaw muscles and hypersensitive teeth. To help individuals who are clenching or grinding their teeth, a night guard may be advised. This device helps protect your teeth from possible chipping and puts your jaw in a more relaxed position. Using a night guard on a regular basis may help you start your day without a pesky headache or jaw pain.
Chewing Gum
A study of adolescents discovered that gum-chewing preteen children and young adults are giving themselves headaches. Typical triggers in this age group include stress, sleep deprivation, heat, video games, noise, sunlight, smoking, missed meals and menstruation. If you or your teen chew gum excessively and notice that a headache follows, simply cease chewing gum and monitor headache patterns to confirm whether this is a trigger. This might very well be one of the easiest and drug-free headache cures out there! If they persist, consult one of our dental professionals to rule out a TMJ condition.
Eye Strain
Inadequate or excessive lighting and using a computer all day strains the eyes and their surrounding muscles. You may be experiencing headaches due to eye strain. Another possibility is the potential need for corrective eyewear. Regular visits to your Optometrist are important to ensure healthy eyes and a proper prescription.
Stress
Working at a computer all day doesn’t just impact your eyes; your body tends to get strained as well if you sit in the same position for an extended period. Taking appropriate breaks is ideal for your overall health and to keep your headaches at bay.
Whatever your headache trigger; we can discuss symptoms and treatment options to get you on the road to comfort and prevention. At Heritage House Dental we are always accepting new patients and would be happy to help you. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 905-814-1600 for an appointment.
Dr. Kate Bazydlo, Heritage House Dental
