Waking Up with Headaches? Your Dentist in Davidsonville Can Help.
If you start most days with a tension headache, you’re not alone. Your dentist might be the key to finding relief. Many patients don’t realize that chronic morning headaches can be directly linked to dental health, often stemming from nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism) or a misaligned bite.
These issues don’t just cause head and jaw pain. They can damage your teeth, strain your jaw joints, and impact your overall quality of life. At our Davidsonville practice, Dr. Eun, Dr. Wooddell, and Dr. Passaro specialize in identifying and treating these dental-related pain sources.
How Your Bite Can Cause Headaches
When your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, it creates imbalance. This imbalance forces your jaw muscles to work overtime to find a comfortable position, leading to constant tension. This strain often manifests as pain in your temples, jaw, neck, and even your upper back. A misaligned bite also makes you more prone to broken or excessively worn teeth.
Our Approach to Headache & Jaw Pain Relief
We begin with a comprehensive bite analysis during your exam. We look for signs of teeth grinding, jaw joint (TMJ) stress, and bite instability to diagnose the root cause of your pain.
Your personalized treatment plan is designed to bring your bite into harmony and protect your smile. A cornerstone of this therapy is a custom-made night guard. Worn while you sleep, this guard prevents your upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other. For many patients, it provides almost immediate relief from daily headaches by allowing the jaw muscles to finally relax.
We offer comprehensive bite analysis and therapy for the treatment of bruxism and TMJ.
“Joe has saved my life. I had TMD and would have needed surgery. I owe everything to him. He did a beautiful job.”
Sandy, Annapolis, MD
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Headache Therapy
Why would I see a dentist for headaches?
Many chronic headaches, especially morning ones, are caused by clenching or grinding your teeth at night (bruxism) or by a misaligned bite. These issues create intense muscle tension in your jaw, face, and head. As experts in the jaw’s function, dentists can diagnose and treat these common causes.
What are the signs that my headaches are related to my teeth or jaw?
Common signs include: headaches upon waking, pain in your temples or around your ears, a sore jaw, neck or shoulder tension, and noticing that your teeth are flat, chipped, or sensitive. If you catch yourself clenching during the day, that’s another key indicator.
How does a night guard help with headaches?
A custom night guard is a precise oral appliance that creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. It prevents the forceful contact of grinding, allowing your overworked jaw muscles to relax. This reduction in muscle tension is what leads to headache relief for many patients.
Is a store-bought night guard just as good?
No. Over-the-counter “boil-and-bite” guards are often bulky, can irritate your gums, and may even encourage more jaw clenching. A custom guard from our office is digitally designed for a perfect, comfortable fit that correctly positions your jaw for therapeutic relief.
What other treatments do you offer for bite-related pain?
Beyond night guards, treatment may include bite adjustment (occlusal equilibration) to gently reshape select teeth for a smoother fit, restorative work to repair damaged teeth, or TMJ therapy to address joint-specific issues. Your plan is entirely personalized.
Will dental insurance cover headache therapy?
Coverage depends on your plan and the specific diagnosis. Treatments for a diagnosed condition like TMJ disorder or bruxism are often covered, while a purely preventive guard might not be. Our team will help you verify your benefits and understand all costs upfront.
Find Relief from Chronic Headaches
You don’t have to accept daily head and jaw pain as normal. Let us help you uncover the dental cause and find a lasting solution.
Take the first step toward a pain-free morning. Schedule your consultation in Davidsonville today by calling us at (410) 343-7075 or request an appointment online.
