What is gum disease?
periodontitis ( periodontitis) is an inflammation or infection in the supporting tissue of teeth, often caused by the buildup of bacterial plaque. If not properly cleaned, plaque will harden into tooth enamel, causing irritation and gingivitis, according to Only my health.
The two most common forms of gum disease are:
gingivitis: In the early stages, it often causes redness, swelling, and bleeding gums.
periodontitis: If more severe, it can cause gum loss, tooth loss, and deeply affect the jaw bone structure.
The link between gum disease and headaches
According to Dr. Srijon Mukherjee (Dental Science Consultant, Fortis Anandapur Hospital, India), inflammation and infections caused by gum disease can affect the nerves and facial muscles, thereby causing or worsening headaches.
Some mechanisms for headaches related to gum disease include:
Whole-body inflammatory response: inflammation caused by gums can trigger pain-causing intermediates, affecting pain perception and causing migraines.
Marrow and tooth decay: Prolonged discomfort of gingivitis can cause patients to grit their teeth, strain jaw muscles and cause tension headaches.
Warning symptoms of gum disease
If you often have headaches with the following signs, consider checking your oral health:
Red, swollen or bleeding gums
Prolonged bad breath
Gums drop, teeth shake
Lumps from gums or between teeth
Painful chewing and biting
How to treat and prevent?
Dr. Mukherjee recommends:
Brush your teeth properly: At least 2 times/day with a soft toothbrush, use a gentle toothbrush 2-3 times/week.
Regular dental check-ups: every 6 months to clean tooth plaque and detect problems early.
Do not arbitrarily use dental firms too strong because they can damage gums.
Seek medical attention if the headache is persistent and does not subside even after taking medication or accompanied by oral symptoms.
