928-776-0239 
Research has established a connection between malocclusion and migraine headaches. Advanced Prosthetics Institute offers training in how to manage and treat the migraine headaches that your patients suffer as a result of a dental problem. Call 928-776-0239 today to learn more about dental-associated migraine headaches and to register for courses with Dr. Jason C. Campbell.
Tooth malocclusion is caused when the upper and lower teeth do not align or function properly together, and may cause your patients’ teeth to crack or break. In some cases, it can even lead to jaw joint problems, including TMJ disorders and jaw pain. The pain and tension in the muscles of the jaw as a result of malocclusion cause migraines, or severe headaches.
Migraines are defined as a headache with pain that lasts anywhere from 4 hours to 3 days, and recurs frequently. Migraine pain may range from moderate to severe, and generally involves pulsating pain on one side of the head. There are several types of migraines, categorized by the frequency with which they occur. Treatments for managing migraines often overlap with treatments for TMJ disorders.
To help ease your patients’ symptoms, you may recommend one or more of the following actions:
- Eat soft foods
- Apply ice packs
- Avoid extreme movements of the jaw (wide yawning, gum chewing, loud singing, etc.)
- Use relaxation and stress-reduction techniques
- Perform gentle jaw stretches and relaxation exercises that may increase jaw movement. You will need to recommend exercises for your patient’s individual situation.
- Short-term pain relief using pain medication or non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs
In some conditions, stabilization splints (bite guards) may also be recommended to help your patient.
Other treatments to fix biofunctional bite problems include:
- Occlusal Equilibration – reshaping selected teeth and biting surfaces. This is only used when the problem is NOT caused by a structural disorder
- Surgery – To be considered only after all other treatment options have been attempted. This may involve implants or work on the soft tissues.
- Implants – to surgically replace teeth and improve the jaw joints
- T-Scan – a diagnostic tool to record information about your bite, improving your treatment.
To learn more about treatments for dental-associated migraine headaches, and to register for your courses at Advanced Prosthetics Institute, please contact our office today.
