Headaches

Repeated headaches are a telltale sign of many dental disorders, including temporomandibular joint disorder, chronic snoring, and sleep apnea. With more than 40 years of experience, triple board-certified sleep apnea specialist Steven Wilk, DDS, provides comprehensive care for headaches at Denver Sleep Apnea in Denver, Colorado. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What are headaches?

A headache is a type of pain affecting the head, face, and scalp. It can extend to the ears, neck, shoulders, and upper back. Some headaches pinpoint specific areas, like the scalp or the space behind the eyes. Others are broader and affect multiple areas. Many headaches are one-sided, causing localized throbbing, tingling, or pounding sensations. 

The most common types of headaches include:

• Tension headaches
• Migraines 
• Cluster headaches
• Ice pick headaches

Headaches can be debilitating, affecting your personal and professional life. At Denver Sleep Apnea, Dr. Wilk performs many diagnostic services to uncover the source of chronic headaches.

What causes headaches?

Many oral health conditions can cause headaches, including:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

OSA disrupts normal breathing patterns during sleep. The intermittent relaxation of throat muscles leads to brief pauses in breathing, reducing oxygen levels and triggering headaches due to the strain on the vascular system, which carries blood throughout the body.

Snoring

Snoring can increase the effort it takes to breathe, straining the facial muscles. This combination of disrupted sleep patterns and diminished oxygen intake can contribute to tension headaches.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)

TMJ, which strains the jaw joints supporting muscles, can cause tension and pain that results in throbbing headaches. The pain may feel worse when clenching your jaw during times of stress or engaging in activities that intensify the strain on your temporomandibular joint.

Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Bruxism places excessive pressure on the jaw joint and muscles. The repetitive grinding motion leads to muscle soreness, tension headaches, and migraines. Addressing bruxism is crucial in relieving these headaches and improving overall oral health.

What other symptoms can accompany headaches?

Many symptoms can accompany headaches, including:

• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Jaw pain
• Facial pain

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of headache. After a comprehensive dental exam, medical history review, and diagnostic services, Dr. Wilk can design a personalized treatment plan to relieve your headaches. 

What are the treatments for headaches?

Dr. Wilk offers many oral appliances, minimally invasive procedures, and other treatments to relieve headaches, including:

• Mandibular advancement device (MAD) 
• Tongue-retaining device (TRD)
• Botox®
• Lifestyle adjustments
• Medication

Denver Sleep Apnea delivers a comprehensive approach to treating the underlying causes of headaches. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.