Can a Dentist Get Rid of Your Chronic Headaches?
Have you ever linked chronic headaches to your oral health? While it might sound far-fetched, there’s a significant connection between the two. At Smiles in Malibu, our lead dentist, Bob Perkins DDS, specializes in neuromuscular dentistry—a branch that focuses on harmonizing the relationship between the teeth, jaw, and neck muscles. This approach can offer a lasting solution to persistent headaches. Here’s how.
Understanding Neuromuscular Dentistry
Neuromuscular dentistry goes beyond the teeth and gums—it looks at the entire system that controls jaw movement, including muscles, joints, and nerves. Misalignments in this system, commonly referred to as malocclusion, can lead to various problems, with chronic headaches being a prominent symptom.
The Link Between Your Jaw and Chronic Headaches
When the jaw isn’t aligned properly, it puts strain on the surrounding muscles, particularly the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Over time, this strain can lead to:
- Muscle spasm
- Jaw pain or TMJ disorder
- Radiating pain in the face, neck, and shoulders
- And, most importantly for our discussion, chronic headaches
Essentially, an unbalanced bite can cause muscle tension that radiates upwards, manifesting as consistent headaches. Some patients may even mistake these for migraines or tension headaches without ever identifying the root cause.
How Neuromuscular Dentistry Offers Relief
Qualifying patients seeking headache relief at our Malibu dental clinic can expect the following:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Dr. Perkins uses advanced diagnostic tools to measure jaw movement, muscle tension, and identify the optimal resting position for the jaw.
- Customized Treatment: Once the root of the problem is identified, a personalized treatment plan is designed. This can include orthotic devices, bite adjustments, or full-mouth rejuvenation.
- Long-term Relief: By addressing the root cause and realigning the jaw, patients often experience significant relief from their chronic headaches, and in many cases, these painful episodes are eradicated entirely.
Additional Benefits
Apart from headache relief, neuromuscular dentistry can also provide:
- Improved jaw function and reduced pain while chewing
- Alleviation of earaches and ringing in the ears
- Reduction in facial pain and neck stiffness
Say Goodbye to Chronic Headaches Today!
Chronic headaches can severely affect your quality of life. But what if the solution lies within your mouth? At Smiles in Malibu, we’re dedicated to exploring all avenues of oral health and their broader implications on your well-being. With Bob Perkins DDS’s expertise in neuromuscular dentistry, you don’t have to endure those debilitating headaches any longer. Reach out to us and explore a holistic approach to your oral and overall health.
