Everything You Need to Know
Did you know that there could be a link between your bite and the headaches that you have been suffering from? It’s something that far too many people are unaware of, and it can lead to them pursuing treatments that are ultimately not going to do much to help or just thinking that there is nothing that can be done for them. That is where we come in. As leading specialists in dental occlusion, we have seen first-hand the impact that a misaligned bite can have on a person’s overall wellbeing, including headaches. Here is what you need to know.
What is dental occlusion?
First of all, what do we mean when we talk about dental occlusion? Occlusion is how the upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth. A correct occlusion distributes chewing forces evenly. When the teeth do not align properly, though, which is known as malocclusion, the jaw muscles work incorrectly. This can result in tension that radiates to the neck and head, which is where your headaches could be coming from!
What about the TMJ?
When you look up malocclusion and headaches, you will see something called TMJ mentioned a lot. This is the temporomandibular joint. It connects the jaw to the skull and allows for all of the movements we take for granted, such as speaking, chewing and swallowing. This makes it one of the most complex joints in the human body, and one that is extremely vulnerable to any issues with the alignment of your teeth.
Even the smallest imbalance in your bite can lead to the TMJ becoming inflamed, leading to headaches and other discomfort.
Other symptoms to look out for
It’s not just headaches that can signal that something is going on with your bite. A misaligned bite can also lead to:
- Teeth that are uneven or crooked
- Crowns and fillings often breaking or coming loose
- Tenderness in the teeth and gums when eating or biting down
- Jaw pain
- Crunching, clicking or grinding of the jaw
- Grinding your teeth while you sleep
- Loose or missing teeth
If you notice any of the above, as well as headaches, then please do contact us.
Here to help you
No two cases of malocclusion are the same, and we take the time to get to know each patient. We’ll take a close look at your bite and the overall condition of your teeth and mouth before coming up with a tailored treatment plan. This could include teeth straightening, replacing teeth or a mouth/bite guard. We can also provide advice on mediation to reduce your discomfort.
Contact us today
To find out more about us and what we do, please get in touch with the team today. We are here to answer any questions that you may have, and we can arrange a consultation for you to talk through all of the available dental occlusion treatment options. So what are you waiting for?
