Can A Sleep Dentist Help Stop Headaches?

Facial pain, difficulty chewing comfortably, and constant headaches can make you miserable and make it hard to get the high quality sleep you need to feel refreshed. You may not think that a dental sleep specialist like Coastal Virginia Sleep Solutions would be able to help stop these problems, but we can. Dr. William Harper can help diagnose and treat the cause of your constant headaches, which often involves nighttime oral appliances to reposition the teeth and jaw.

Why Do I Have Headaches All The Time?

If you often wake up with a headache, feel tired when waking up, or have a sore jaw, you may be suffering from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. You can also have a TMJ disorder without feeling any pain, but most patients that have them are looking for relief from symptoms.

Another cause of headaches is tooth grinding, which is clinically referred to as bruxism. You might grind your teeth at night or during the day and not even realize you are doing it. Over time, this can result in worn or cracked teeth in addition to the physical discomfort from the tension in your jaw.

There is often an overlap between TMJ disorders and teeth grinding, and one problem can cause the other. Dr. Harper will perform a physical exam, ask about your medical history and lifestyle, and recommend the best treatment to relieve constant headaches.

Dental Sleep Medicine to Treat TMJ

It is important to understand that a TMJ disorder is not a diagnosis, but rather an explanation of a variety of symptoms that cause pain and discomfort in the jaw area. There are many possible causes of TMJ disorders, which can make it feel impossible to find relief from symptoms.

Coastal Virginia Sleep Solutions offers several treatments designed to align the teeth and jaw and prevent tooth grinding. Some of the options Dr. Harper may recommend include:

• Oral appliances: These devices are worn while sleeping to reposition the lower jaw and move the tongue forward, keeping it away from your airway. This stimulates the muscles in the tongue and related structures to help them support your jaw and become more stable over time.
• Lifestyle changes: While not the complete cause of TMJ disorders, stress can cause tooth grinding and cause headaches in the morning and throughout the day. Finding mindful ways to deal with stress is part of a healthy lifestyle.
• Restorative dentistry: Patients with missing teeth or significant oral health problems might also benefit from restorative dental treatments to improve the stability of their smile. Complex oral health problems can put strain on the jaw and facial muscles, causing headaches, facial pain, and a host of other issues. Your oral health is closely related to your overall health and quality of life, and Dr. Harper is an experienced restorative dentist offering many treatments to fit your needs.

Relieve Constant Headaches with Coastal Virginia Sleep Solutions

Schedule a consultation online today or call us at 757.600.0861 to find out how our dental sleep medicine can help you relieve constant headaches and have a better quality of life.