Contact

When Oral Health Problems Cause Headaches

If you wake up each morning with consistent headaches, we can help determine if oral health problems are the reason. While you may think of stress, poor sleep, or sickness as the primary causes of head pain, unaddressed dental issues can also contribute! When you understand that your dentist may be able to resolve your headaches, you can receive valuable relief. Because problems that start in one area of the body can trigger pain elsewhere, uncovering the connection between your teeth and head can explain your problem.

How Dental Problems Can Cause Your Headache

There are various ways in which dental problems trigger pain throughout your head. Muscle tension from pain in your jaw could spread throughout your neck, shoulders, and head. An untreated cavity can eventually lead to painful sinus infections, causing pain throughout your face and head.

Another leading cause is dental misalignment or a “bad bite.” When the chewing surfaces of your teeth cannot meet properly, you may begin straining your jaw to try to correct the misalignment. A bad bite can be caused by many problems which require individual treatments. These include:

  • Missing teeth
  • Damaged restorations
  • Overbite
  • Underbite

Teeth Grinding

One of the most common reasons for headaches associated with your oral health is chronic teeth grinding. Also known as bruxism, this condition can create tension headaches as you strain the muscles that move your jaw. When you attend a dental appointment, we can check your teeth for signs of wear and tear and provide treatment. We can create a custom oral guard to protect your smile and relieve tension in your head at the same time.

If you experience any of these issues, let us know so we may evaluate your jaw and bite. If you have yet to discover the cause of your headaches, please speak with our team.