Visit a Dentist in Hemet CA If You Have Headaches

As a dentist in Hemet CA, we can treat your headaches.  Everything in the body is somehow connected so while your head may hurt; the discomfort is probably not originating there.  In fact, it may be originating from your jaw.  Your jawbone is connected to your skull with muscles and joints.  In order to simply swallow, your jaw must close a minimum of 2,000 times per day.  This is significant and doesn't even factor in the effort to chew or speak. If additional strain is placed on these joints and muscles, it can lead to headaches, face, jaw, and neck pain.  

These are common symptoms of TMJ disorder.  While many people think of TMJ in its extreme case, not being able to open the jaw etc., it can also manifest itself as a regular headache.  If you notice that you wake up in the morning with a headache after a particularly stressful day, it may be due to grinding or clenching your teeth at night.  Some people do this during times of high stress only while others grind and clench their teeth on a nightly basis.  There is no sure way to tell why certain people grind or clench their teeth, making it more important to simply prevent it.

As a dentist in Hemet CA, we will examine you, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether or not you are likely grinding or clenching at night.  If you are, we will take measurements and make an impression of your teeth in order to have a removable oral appliance created.  This is like a full upper and lower retainer; only the two pieces are held together in such a way as to prevent your upper and lower teeth from touching.  This way you cannot clench them, and your jaw can remain in a relaxed position while you sleep.  The chances of you waking up with a headache, therefore, is significantly reduced. Even though this is a simple solution, it is incredibly effective as long as you wear the device on a nightly basis.

There are times where your tension headache may not be caused by clenching or grinding at night.  Some people make the mistake of holding their mouth closed during the day.  You don't have to, and when your mouth remains closed, this can put additional tension and stress on your muscles, leading to additional discomfort.  We also see patients that hold their jaw in an unnatural position because a tooth is infected, there is a cavity or gum disease.  While this is done to prevent anything from touching the infected tooth, it can lead to jaw pain and headaches.  However, by visiting a dentist in Hemet CA, you can have the infection removed, and your mouth restored to good health.  This way you can begin holding your jaw in a natural manner again, preventing further discomfort.

If you find that you are experiencing discomfort or headaches on a regular basis, give our office a call so that we can help you to feel better.