The link between headaches or migraines and your teeth

Did you know that the headache or migraine you commonly experience could be due to a dental problem? Sometimes there can be a connection between headaches, migraines and your teeth, and having frequent headaches or migraines could be a sign of an unknown dental condition or bad bite.

Common issues that can cause a headache are:

Teeth grinding and clenching (Bruxism) – This dental issue can be caused by stress or misaligned teeth, resulting in muscle or gum inflammation that may trigger headaches and migraines. Usual signs of teeth grinding include a sore jaw, dull recurrent headache, tender teeth, tongue indentations, a clicking noise when opening the mouth, and issues with opening and closing the mouth. Grinding and Clenching can also damage fillings and crowns, chip or break the tooth and cause flattened and sensitive teeth.

TMJ Disorder – TMJ is the common term for the temporo-mandibular joint. It is on both sides of the head at the point where the jawbone meets the skull. The temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is used during talking, eating or swallowing. If this joint becomes displaced or is overworked it can cause severe tension headaches, as well as sharp pain in the jaw. TMJ Disorder is most often caused by incorrect shaped teeth from either fillings, crowns or your natural mis-shaped teeth or bite issues.

• Bad bite – if you’re missing a tooth or your teeth don’t line up correctly, your jaw muscles may need to work harder to bring your top and bottom teeth in line. If left untreated, this can cause TMJ Disorder and eventually headaches or migraines.
• Toothache – this is one of the main causes of a headache or migraine. Almost all headaches and toothaches are detected by one of the largest nerves in the head, the trigeminal nerve. If the toothache is left untreated, it can cause other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound.