NTI Migraine and TMJ Treatment

Waking up with a migraine or a tension headache can be a nuisance at best or debilitating at worst. Though the underlying cause for morning migraines and tension headaches can be complex or unclear, grinding or clenching the teeth, especially during sleep, is often the culprit.

Known as bruxism, grinding or clenching your teeth places strain on the joints and nerves that connect your lower jaw to your skull. Alongside contributing to inflammation, damage, and stress of your jaw joints and facial muscles, bruxism can also disrupt your quality of sleep. Poor sleep quality is a common trigger for migraines and headaches.

Significantly, bruxism is also believed to overstimulate the trigeminal nerve—the large cranial nerve responsible for facial movement and sensation. The trigeminal nerve is believed to play a role in most migraine headaches.

Alongside contributing to migraines, tension headaches, and the side effects of poor sleep, bruxism can cause an array of undesirable symptoms. If you or your child is experiencing any of the following, contact Harris Dental to learn about your options for long-lasting bruxism relief.

Potential Symptoms of Bruxism

• Morning headaches
• Fatigue
• Facial pain
• TMJ (jaw joint) pain or stiffness
• Earaches
• Worn-down teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth or fillings

Migraine and Tension Headache Relief with NTI-TSS

If you suffer from chronic migraines and tension headaches, relief may be as simple as oral appliance therapy. Known as NTI-TSS (nociceptive trigeminal inhibition tension suppression system, or NTI for short), this specialized oral appliance is placed between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep. Custom-made of comfortable and high-quality plastic, NTI gently pushes your lower jaw forward and keeps your back teeth from touching and grinding against each other.

NTI allows the muscles of your face and jaw to relax, preventing your trigeminal nerve and facial structures from becoming overworked. When NTI is used consistently, this relaxation response is linked to a better night’s sleep, fewer dental problems, and fewer migraines and tension headaches.