- posted: Oct. 29, 2015
As regular sufferers can attest, migraines can be incredibly debilitating; drastically affecting quality of life, and often leading to anxiety and depression for many people. While some of the most common causes of migraines have been well documented, like hormonal imbalances and stress, the connection between migraines and oral health may not be as well known.
Dr. Richard Lee-Shanok, a dentist in Newmarket, Ontario, offers treatment for migraine sufferers who may have had little success with migraine treatment in the past, by examining how factors like the shape of the bite, mercury dental fillings, hormones, lifestyle, and former orthodontics may be at the root of their migraine attacks.
What is the Connection Between Dentistry and Chronic Migraines?
Orthodontic problems like a deep overbite (collapsed dental bite) can lead to compression of the spine at the base of the skull. Patients with malocclusions (misalignment of the teeth when the jaw closes) can be more predisposed to tension that can factor into the 
development of chronic migraines.
There has been some debate over the years over the health effects of long term mercury dental fillings. While dental fillings are safe, and overabundance of mercury and pollutants in the system through dietary and environmental toxins can contribute to health problems, including migraine.
How are Dental Related Migraines Diagnosed?
Newmarket Dentistry in Ontario offers comprehensive oral examinations to determine the extent of any dental problems, with a range of modern diagnostic services including:
- visual exam
- charting
- periodontal probing
- panoramic x-ray of anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth
- bite-wing x-ray series of posterior teeth
Can Migraines be Prevented?
The causes of migraines can be complex, and vary from person to person. In many cases, there can be several factors that contribute to the onset of chronic migraines, the most common being:
Hormones (specifically estrogen imbalances in women)
Diet - Processed and salty foods, alcohol and caffeine, food additives like aspartame and monosodium glutamate
Stress
Certain medications - oral contraceptives, nitroglycerin
Migraine Prevention
- Know your triggers and avoid them
- Maintain a healthy weight and practice regular aerobic exercise like walking or swimming
- Try to maintain a health hormone balance
Are you looking from lasting relief from chronic migraine pain? To learn more about how your teeth might be contributing to your migraines, contact Newmarket Dentistry in Ontario at 905-830-1010 to schedule a consultation today.
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