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7 Aug, 2019

Can A Dentist Treat Migraines?

The pulsing or throbbing pain of a migraine is something many individuals around the world experience. In the United States, many patients are unaware that their pain could be caused by dental issues. If this is the case, the best treatment is from a Legacy Dental Care professional in Huntington Beach.

Migraine Symptoms

Some of the symptoms experienced by patients can be very subtle and last for two days or more before the actual migraine strikes. These symptoms include:

  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Irritability
  • Food cravings
  • Hyperactivity
  • Aura
  • Depression
  • Yawning excessively
  • Constipation
  • Nausea/vomiting

Aura is any sensation that the nervous system experiences, affecting vision, feeling, and movement. Tingling in the body or weakness in the limbs along with disturbances to vision and seeing flashing lights or spots are associated with aura. Patients may also have difficulty speaking and be sensitive to lights and sounds.

Causes

Migraines have been shown to be linked to serotonin levels in the brain. They increase when a migraine strikes, indicating that the chemical may irritate areas of the brain and result in the pain that is felt by patients. There are various triggers for migraines, such as:

  • Alcohol use
  • Processed foods
  • Excess sodium
  • Stress
  • Certain medications
  • Loud noises
  • Jet lag
  • Physical exertion
  • Strong smells
  • Barometric pressure changes

Migraines and Dentistry

Migraines can also be caused by issues with alignment in the teeth or the jaws. It could be due to an incorrect bite as well as temporomandibular disorders, which affect the jaw joints. Migraine headache treatment in Huntington Beach, CA, can provide patients with relief – just visit your local dental professional at Legacy Dental Care.

About Your Huntington Beach Dentist

We use the latest and most advanced technology to make sure that any issues you have with your teeth or the alignment of your jaw are corrected. By scheduling an appointment and visiting our office, we may be able to determine the cause of your pain and put an end to it.