Headaches

Dentistry is all about creating beautiful smiles, and that artistry doesn’t end with teeth whitening and veneers. Your oral health and your overall health have a big impact on your appearance. Chronic headaches might be affecting your looks. Consider a dental solution rather than over-the-counter and prescription medications that only treat symptoms and slow you down.

Dr. Stanley Levenson develops trusting, caring relationships with his patients – the kind that allows patients to feel comfortable in his chair. Comfortable enough to discuss what’s hurting, besides their teeth.

Headaches are usually classified as:

• Tension headaches – The most common type with feelings of pain and pressure, muscle aches, sleeplessness, and inability to concentrate.
• Migraines – An estimated 18 to 28 million Americans, mostly women, suffer from migraines. They are characterized by throbbing pain, visual problems, facial numbness, sensitivity to light and sound, and queasiness.
• Cluster headaches – The least common type, usually suffered by men. Cluster headaches begin as severe pain in one eye, resulting in swelling and watering of the eye.

Dental problems are a frequent cause of headaches. Malocclusion – when the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly as the mouth closes – causes tension in jaw, facial, neck, and shoulder muscles resulting in tension headaches. Bruxism (grinding and clenching) applies massive bite pressure to the teeth and jaws at night, stimulating headaches (as well as dental wear and damage). Sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea and snoring prompt headaches, too.

Through a thorough dental evaluation and compassionate discussion, Dr. Levenson can determine possible dental causes of your headaches and recommend answers. You may find relief from a comfortable mouth guard worn at night to minimize grinding, or an oral appliance to keep the airway open and alleviate sleep apnea. Bite correction with modern orthodontia such as Invisalign, or restorative dental procedures can eliminate headache triggers.

You don’t have to suffer from headaches or take a handful of pills to get through the day. Make an appointment at Levenson Smile to find relief from chronic headache pain – and rediscover that beautiful smile!

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