It’s National Migraine Week: Learn the Connection Between Oral Health & Migraines

Migraines and your oral health may not be an instant association many think of off hand. But, oral bacteria and migraines may be connected, according to a recent study. Certain kinds of bacteria increase nitric oxide in the bloodstream, which can launch a migraine. Also,  along with oral bacteria, other oral issues can trigger migraines like:

1. Malocclusion (bad bite).
2. Grinding or clenching the teeth.
3. Tooth decay and gum disease.

During National Migraine Week, learn more about this common condition that affects more than 36 million people in the United States, experience migraines.

Migraines Necessitate Some Attention (And Education)

A migraine is not just another headache.  It’s not just a really bad headache. It’s a complicated neurological disease. And, it’s not just head pain that afflicts sufferers.  Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to touch, sound, light, odors, abdominal pain and mood changes can occur, too. 

And, what many don’t realize is that migraines don’t always have head pain. Some migraines–referred to as silent migraines or migraine auras–have all the common symptoms of a migraine minus the head pain. A migraine aura is a recurrent attack that features temporary visual, sensory and/or speech/language symptoms. 

Adults with migraines tend to get attacks more frequently, but migraines in children are no less disabling, seriously impacting a child’s quality of life and sense of security. 

Migraines Commonly Affect Kids and Teens

The stats on migraines in kids may surprise you. In fact,  research shows that  kids as young as 18 months old have had migraines. Also, about 10 percent of school-age children suffer from migraine.  And, approximately 28 percent of adolescents between the ages of 15-19 years are affected by it. Half of all migraine sufferers have their first attack before the age of 12, reports the Migraine Research Foundation. 

The Link Between Oral Bacteria and Migraines

The American Society of Microbiology Journal published results in 2017 that showed: “For the first time a potential link between bacterial nitrate, nitrite, and nitric oxide reducers and migraines, by reporting their higher abundances in the oral cavities of people with migraines than in the oral cavities of those who do not suffer from migraines.”

In other words, people who suffer from migraines have more of certain bacteria in their mouths than others. Specifically, certain microbes are tasked with processing nitrates in the foods you eat so they can be converted into nitric oxide in the bloodstream. This process widens blood vessels and boosts circulation. Migraine sufferers have an abundance of the microbes that break down nitrates contained in certain foods (some leafy green vegetables, processed meats, hot dogs, ham and bacon, alcohol and chocolate). Too much of these bacteria makes the nitrates break down more quickly which causes blood vessels in the brain to dilate which can launch a migraine. 

Brush and Floss – Still Best Way to Combat Oral Bacteria

While having too much of this migraine-triggering bacteria is dangerous, not all oral bacteria is bad.  In fact, some bacteria is necessary for good health. 

But bacteria that is linked to migraines and cavities needs to be avoided and eliminated. The best way for this, in addition to avoiding nitrate-heavy foods, is to brush and floss regularly to rid your mouth of bacteria. 

Another option if you don’t have a toothbrush handy is a xylitol gum brand. One study showed how chewing a xylitol gum reduced the amount of harmful oral bacteria by 75 percent.  

While it is true that regular brushing and flossing won’t necessarily keep migraines away, working to keep dangerous bacteria in your mouth is a start.

Call to Make an Appointment Today to Learn More

If your child suffers from migraines, call to make an appointment with Dr. Botero to rule out certain oral issues that may be contributing. Bites that don’t fit properly can cause headaches along with grinding or clenching the teeth, tooth decay and gum disease. 

Dr. Botero and our child-friendly dental team look forward to caring for your children’s smiles. We are pleased to provide complete dentistry for your children, allowing us to meet all of their dental needs and goals for healthy smiles that last a lifetime. 

Dr. Botero invites you to experience the difference a warm and caring team with experience working with children can provide for you and your children. Enjoy a unique and comfortable dental experience designed to put your children at ease and bring a healthier and happier smile back into your life.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at 813-576-0200.