If you suffer from chronic headaches, you know how frustrating they can be. At best, you might experience a dull, aching sensation, but, at their very worst, headaches can be agonizing and debilitating. For some people, the origin of chronic headaches and migraines is never determined. For others, however, a general dentistry visit could unlock the mystery of what’s causing the pain.

The dentist’s office is probably the last place you’d expect to have the cause for your headaches diagnosed, but it can happen. In some cases, the pain patients suffer from is not really in their head region at all; instead, it stems from the jaw, where an underlying issue could be occurring. This phenomenon, called “referred pain,” is fairly common. It occurs when pain is felt in a different place than where it originates from.

For some headache sufferers, the real culprit behind their chronic pain is a sore jaw muscle. In fact, 80% of all headaches are a result of muscle tension. There are several reasons why muscle tension can occur in the jaw, including bruxism (teeth grinding), a bad bite, or even a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD).

TMJD is typically caused by a previous injury to the jaw, but it can be treated. Sometimes, general dentistry professionals may recommend sleeping with a specially fitted mouthguard to alleviate pain. Bruxism and bad bites, too, have their own unique dental solutions.

No matter which dental condition could be causing your chronic headaches, the best place to find a lasting remedy is at your dentist’s office. Mayfield Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Fulton County, NY, provides an extensive range of services for patients of all ages. Their welcoming team encourages you to speak up about any symptoms which could be related to your dental wellness. Schedule your next appointment with their caring team by calling (518) 661-6405, or learn more about the general dentistry practice by visiting their website.