I’ve been getting debilitating migraines. I’ve been to doctor after doctor, including a neurologist. None of them can find the cause. I’ve heard that amalgam fillings can cause migraines but only holistic dentists believe that. Is that accurate? Does that mean there’s a chance this can be solved?
Anna
Dear Anna,
Holistic Dentists Consider the Whole Body
There are actually two dental issues which can lead to migraines. We’ll start with your specific question about holistic dentists first. The beauty of a holistic dentist is their consideration of the whole body, not just your teeth. As far as the cause of migraines, yes, there are studies which seem to indicate that the mercury in amalgam (silver) fillings can cause migraines.
Both a holistic dentist and a mercury-free dentist would be willing and qualified to switch out your silver fillings for composite (white) fillings. The reason I say qualified is you need a dentist who knows how to do a sanitary amalgam removal, which keeps you from inhaling any mercury vapors or swallowing any bits of the filling.
Another Migraine Cause Solved by Dentists
Many people don’t realize that migraines can be a symptom of TMJ Disorder. See if you can find a holistic dentist with a great deal of TMJ expertise as well. This way you can check both issues at once. That’s not an easy combination to find, but it can save you from having to go to two different dentists to have both issues looked at.
If it turns out you do have TMJ, a good dentist will start with the least invasive treatments. If you run into a dentist suggesting a full-mouth reconstruction please contact me again. I’ll certainly recommend you get a second and possibly third opinion before moving forward, but I’ll also tell you what type of training the dentist you choose to do that type of treatment needs to have.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.