Many chronic headaches and migraines are caused by involuntary night-time teeth clenching. This leads to hyperactivity of the trigeminal nerve, which can trigger migraine and tension headaches.

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWire) -- 02/28/2014 --Dr. Gregory Dale and Dr. David Platt, Gladstone Family Dental Group, aid patients who suffer from migraine pain, tension-type headaches, jaw problems such as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) and bruxism (teeth grinding) with the NTI Supression System. The NTI Suppression System is a small removable plastic resin appliance custom fitted by Dr. Dale or Dr. Platt and is worn over the front teeth at night to prevent contact of the posterior teeth. “It is key that the molars and canine teeth do not touch anything in order to sufficiently reduce jaw clenching,” says Dr. Dale.

Migraine headaches can be debilitating to patients that suffer from them. About 30 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. It is most common among people age 25 to 55, though it can affect children and teens as well. Migraine headaches are about three times more prevalent in women than men; roughly one in five women and one in 16 men suffer from migraines. “The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days,” remarks Dr. Platt.

Dr. Dale says, “Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches among adults. They are commonly referred to as stress headaches.” Tension headaches are usually felt on the sides of your head as pain or pressure, as tightness around your forehead that may feel like a “vise grip,” an aching pain at your temples or the back of your head and neck. A tension headache may appear periodically or daily. An episodic tension headache may be described as a mild to moderate constant band-like pain, tightness, or pressure around the forehead or back of the head and neck. The pain is usually throbbing and affects the front, top, or sides of the head. Although the pain may vary in intensity throughout the day, the pain is almost always present.

Jaw disorders such as TMD may benefit from the NTI-tss as a result of not being able to grind your teeth while sleeping. “It is a non-surgical, non-drug custom-fitted device approved by the Food and Drug Administration that attaches to the patient’s upper or lower teeth, suppressing the muscle contraction intensity and is only worn when sleeping,” comments Dr. Platt.

Teeth grinding is at the heart of these headaches and jaw disorders; by not allowing the teeth to come together when sleeping can prevent or lessen the intensity of pain. The factors that contribute to bruxism may be jaw misalignment, crooked or missing teeth, sinus problems, sleep disorders, or a side effect of some antidepressants. Emotional factors, such as suppressed anger or having a Type A personality, may also exacerbate stress and bruxing. The NTI-tss can mitigate the misery that these factors cause. Dr. Dale states, “If you have any of these symptoms, call your dentist and get the help you need.”

About Dr Dale
Dr. Dale completed his undergraduate studies at William Jewell College and received his dental degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry. He started in private practice in 1987.

About Dr Platt
Dr. Platt completed his undergraduate studies at San Diego State University and then went on to receive his dental degree at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He then completed his general practice residency with the United States Navy.