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Often people wake up with a pain in their head/neck and have a feeling of tension from the neck up.

For some people suffering from migraines the cause may be related to their teeth. If you grind your back teeth in your sleep it can cause massive tension in the joints and muscles leading to headaches.

For those people who suffer from migraine issues related to their jaw, there are several potential treatments which are simple to have done.

• 1- NTI splint. This is a small piece of custom molded plastic which is placed between your front teeth when you sleep. It prevents the large jaw muscles from working in your sleep and this reduces tension and soreness. You can see how this works by placing a pencil between your back teeth and biting down. At the same time, feel the muscles at the side of your head. You will feel the muscle bulge while you clench. Try the same thing with the pencil between your front teeth and you will notice the muscle no longer bulges.
• 2- Injections can be used in muscles that are experiencing too much tension. This can provide relief for up to 6 months even when the it begins to wear off. 

How do I know if my headaches may be related to my teeth?

It is likely that your teeth are involved in your headache if you have some of the following:

• You wake up with tired or stiff jaw
• You wake with migraine or headache
• You experience pain behind the eyes
• You experience sinus pain
• You experience pain in the neck and shoulders

Conclusion

Migraine and headaches can be related to dental issues. If you suspect you have this problem, visit a dentist trained in NTI/Injections to have an assessment.