Ever wonder if the headache you get after going to the dentist is normal? Although uncomfortable, this can be a common occurrence and usually isn’t a cause for concern.
Headaches from Stress
Research has shown that around one-third of Americans view the dentist as a stressful event and 3% have dentophobia (fear of the dentist) and avoid going completely. If someone is dealing with a high level of stress or anxiety leading up to their dental appointment, this could cause a tension headache.
Tension headaches typically present with pain on both sides of your head. Many people report that it feels like something is being tightened around their heads and that it hurts more when they move or touch the affected area.
Headaches due to tension should go away after a few hours, but you can do some relaxation methods to help ease the discomfort. If you choose to take an over-the-counter painkiller, be sure to contact your dentist before taking anything to ensure this medication won’t affect your upcoming dental appointment.
Headaches from Teeth Grinding
Some people start to experience headache pain due to stress-related grinding of the teeth. Many people who are under pressure, or feeling stress or anxiety grind their teeth.
This can occur without knowing you’re doing it. The repetitive movement affects the jaw muscles, and the pain can travel to other parts of the head and cause headaches or even migraines.
If you find yourself grinding your teeth, speak to your dentist about this issue. Without proper treatment, teeth grinding can lead to other issues, like gum disease.
Headaches from Muscle Spasms
Trismus, or muscle spasms, is a condition that causes severe tension in the muscles around your jaw. In rare cases, this can occur after a visit to the dentist, during which your jaw is open for a long time, or after dental surgery.
If you have a slight muscle spasm, you’re likely to get better after a few hours. However, if you have a severe case of trismus and cannot open your jaw, contact a doctor for medical intervention.
Headaches After an Operation
Dental surgery can be a traumatic event for your body, so it’s not surprising that some people get a headache afterward. Usually, the pain caused by a dental extraction or similar kinds of operations gets better after a few hours and disappears completely within days. In the meantime, patients can take over-the-counter painkillers, put hot or cold compresses on their heads, and get plenty of rest.
Headaches from Sinusitis
A sinus infection happens when the sinuses become swollen. The most common symptoms are pain and tenderness on your forehead, cheeks, and eyes, a blocked nose, toothache, a high temperature, bad breath, and a reduced sense of smell. You might also notice green or yellow mucus coming from your nose.
Usually, sinusitis is caused by a cold or flu virus, but it can result from a dental infection. If you’re experiencing an infection and are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to complete the treatment, even if the infected area starts to feel better.
Incomplete antibiotics can prolong the infection and cause additional issues, like sinusitis and headaches.
Headaches After Anesthesia
People who need general anesthesia often experience a headache when they first wake up. Often, the pain gets worse when the patient sits or stands, but it disappears almost completely when they lie still.
For this reason, we recommend that you rest for several hours or days after you’ve had an invasive dental procedure. Typically, people feel better and can resume activities that require sitting or standing within two to three days.
Headaches Indicating Dental Issues
Sometimes, headaches indicate an issue with your teeth. If you’ve tried seeing a family doctor and taking pain medication, and your headache keeps returning, book an appointment with your dental professional. Your pain might be related to grinding of the teeth, a cavity, or advanced gum disease. The dentist will examine your teeth and do imaging studies to diagnose any dental issues causing your pain.
Preventing Dental Issues
The best way to prevent issues with your teeth is to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush your teeth with a soft, dentist-recommended brush at least twice a day, and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen the teeth. It’s also important to floss once a day, preferably in the evening before you go to bed.
Whenever you can, avoid tobacco, alcohol, and excessively sugary foods, which cause damage to your teeth and speed up decay. Always brush your teeth as soon as possible after consuming these substances. To catch issues early and prevent serious problems, visit your dentist and dental hygienist once a year. Regular appointments allow us to identify small cavities and the beginnings of gum disease so they don’t get an opportunity to spiral out of control.
How to Minimize Your Risk of Headaches
Speak to us about your concerns related to dental treatments. We work with a wide range of patients, and we’re happy to accommodate your unique needs to the best of our ability.
If you experience stress or anxiety leading up to your dental appointment try relaxation techniques or meditation. This can help prevent tension headaches and can even help patients overcome their fear of the dentist in the long run.
We can recommend certain types of medications to people who are prone to getting headaches. While we typically don’t prescribe medications, you can talk to your doctor to see if medication is a good option to ease your headaches.
People can get a headache after dental work for many reasons including stress, teeth grinding, or having an operation. Usually, this goes away after a few hours, so it is nothing to worry about. If you’re concerned about going to the dentist or you’ve had a bad experience in the past, give us a call and we would be happy to speak to you about your concerns.
Are You Searching For A Martinsburg Area Dental Office For You Or Your Family?
If you’re searching for an experienced dentist please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
