Many suffer from chronic headaches, and there are many possible reasons for this kind of pain. However, one of them could be related to teeth or jaw problems. If a person experiences frequent headaches, they might ask: Can a mouth guard help? Yes, according to studies, mouthguards near you help reduce such headaches.
What is a Mouth Guard?
Mouth guards are soft plastic devices fitting over one’s teeth. It’s commonly used to protect teeth during sports or to prevent damage from teeth grinding. An individual may grind their teeth during sleep due to a condition referred to as bruxism. This can cause jaw pain, severely affecting the head and causing more headaches.
Why Do People Experience Headaches?
This can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding): People who grind their teeth often do it while they sleep, which can lead to muscle soreness, jaw pain, and headaches.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ): TMJ is a condition where the joint that connects your jaw to your skull becomes painful. This can lead to pain in the jaw, face, neck, and even headaches.
- Stress: Stress can lead to muscle tension, including in the jaw area. Many people unknowingly clench their teeth when stressed, which can lead to chronic headaches.
How Can Mouth Guards Help with Chronic Headaches?
Chronic headaches are often linked to problems with the jaw or teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, it puts a lot of pressure on your jaw and teeth. This can cause tension and pain in your head. A mouth guard can help by creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other.
By reducing this pressure, a mouth guard can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. For people who suffer from teeth jaw discomfort, wearing a mouth guard can make a noticeable difference in how they feel each morning.
How Does a Mouth Guard Work?
A mouth guard is a soft, flexible device that fits over your teeth, protecting them from grinding and clenching. It’s most often worn while you sleep, so it can prevent you from grinding your teeth without you even knowing it. Furthermore, night guards help by offering a barrier that prevents teeth from grinding against each other, reducing the damage caused by bruxism.
By protecting your teeth and reducing the pressure on your jaw, a mouth guard helps to relax the muscles around your head. This can reduce the pain and tension that leads to headaches. It’s a simple solution that can be very effective for people who grind their teeth at night.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Mouth Guard for Headaches?
Here are some of the main benefits of using a mouth guard if you suffer from chronic headaches:
- Reduced jaw tension: The mouth guard helps prevent the teeth from grinding, which reduces the tension in the jaw.
- Improved sleep: By preventing teeth grinding and jaw clenching, you may sleep more soundly and wake up with less pain.
- Fewer headaches: Since the mouth guard reduces jaw tension and pressure on the teeth, it can help reduce the number of headaches you experience.
- Protection for your teeth: Wearing a mouth guard can protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding.
Wrapping Up
If you’re dealing with chronic headaches, especially if you also experience teeth or jaw discomfort, using a mouth guard could be a helpful solution. Mouth guards, particularly night guards, can help reduce the pressure caused by teeth grinding, relieve jaw tension, and even prevent headaches.
If you think a mouth guard might help, talk to your dentist. They can help you find the right type of guard to ensure it fits well. With the right treatment, you can say goodbye to those painful headaches and enjoy better sleep.
Say Goodbye to Headaches with a Mouth Guard!
Lakewood Dental is dedicated to providing quality care for your oral health. Our friendly team of dentist in Saskatoon focuses on ensuring your smile stays healthy and bright. Whether you need routine checkups, treatments for teeth grinding, or custom mouth guards, we’ve got you covered. Don’t let headaches or jaw pain slow you down. Contact Lakewood Dental today and let us help you feel better with personalized care!