Can Grinding Your Teeth Cause Headaches And Migraines?

Are you one of the many people that suffer from grinding teeth in their sleep? Well, let’s let it be known, that you are not alone at all. Studies indicate that 8% of the population suffers from teeth grinding. Even though the habit of grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw, otherwise known by its proper name of bruxism, is so common, it can also be devastating to your dental health. Additionally, the causes of bruxism isn’t very well understood.

People who suffer from grinding teeth in their sleep are affected by a variety of different symptoms and conditions. Amongst the most common of these conditions are headaches and migraines. Many of these conditions can be temporary, but if the teeth grinding the patient engages in is extremely regular and persistent or done with great force, these conditions can become more permanent and serious.

Common side effects and conditions caused by bruxism are noted below:

• Migraines and other headaches
• Ear and sinus pains
• Excessive tooth wear or fractured teeth
• Inflamed mouth muscles and tendons that limit its opening
• Stiff shoulders and neck
• Consistent pain in the facial muscles (also known as facial myalgia)
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ or TMJD)

Luckily, with the right professional, there are a variety of ways to treat your teeth grinding if you suffer from bruxism. If you have any questions or concerns about grinding teeth in your sleep or your dental health in general, please give us a call here at Gables Sedation & Family Dentistry. We know how important it is for your mouth to be in tip-top shape and our goal is to help you achieve that.