To put it mildly, a headache can be a nuisance, but compared to a migraine, it’s a leisurely walk in the park. If you regularly suffer from migraines, you’re probably very familiar with the splitting head pain, the nausea, and the sensitivity to light. While migraines can have a variety of causes, one of the most surprising ones stems from oral bacteria. According to research conducted at the University of San Diego, many people who consistently suffer from migraines also have a significantly higher level of a certain kind of oral bacteria in their mouths. Does this mean that the solution to your migraines could lie with your Lincoln dentist? Read on to find out more about this surprising discovery.
Your Head and Your Stomach
This may come as a shock to you, but your body is simply filled to the brim with bacteria. Before you rush to the shower, just know that much of this bacteria is essential for your body to maintain a natural balance. Your mouth, for example, has many types of bacteria that actually help break down the food you eat, making it easier for you to digest. The question you’re probably asking by now is, “How does this actually relate to migraines?”
According to the research mentioned above, the bacteria that was so prevalent in migraine sufferers’ mouths was actually Rothia mucilaginosa and Haemophilus parainfluenza. These are two nitrate-reducing strains of bacteria that are naturally found in the mouth, and when a person eats nitrate-rich foods such as bacon, chocolate, or leafy greens, they transform these nitrates into nitrites. Nitrites can cause the blood vessels to dilate, and this in turn can increase the blood flow in your head so much that it develops into a migraine. Nitrites are often prescribed by doctors to treat heart disease, and one of the common side effects actually is, you guessed it, migraines.
What Should I Do?
So if you’re suffering from migraines, what should you do with this information? The best way to maintain the right balance of bacteria in your mouth is to simply take care of your teeth. Namely, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss, and see your family dentist in Lincoln at least twice each year. This consistent hygiene will control the levels of negative bacteria in your mouth that can cause common dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, as well as migraines. Fortunately, it really is that simple, and it could possibly go a long way in helping you avoid those terrible headaches.
About the “Dentist Near Me”
Dr. Chris Haag is a dentist based in Lincoln, NE with 25 years of experience, and he currently runs his own practice, Pioneer Greens Dentistry, with his wife, Dr. Claire Haag. Together, they serve local families providing a wide variety of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. They constantly seek out new knowledge so they can better serve and educate their patients every day.
If you’d like to learn more about the article you just read, you can contact them through their website, or call (402)417-0513.