Could Your Teeth Be Causing Your Headaches?

Issues with your teeth, gums and the way your upper jaw aligns with your lower jaw can also cause issues. There could also be issues with the muscles that move your jaw, and this can be aggravated by grinding your teeth at night time or clenching your jaw when you are stressed.

Thankfully, there is always a solution to these issues. Problems with your bite can be addressed through orthodontic treatment (braces) or by addressing problems like bruxism (teeth grinding). In this guide, we’re exploring some of the common causes of headaches linked to your oral health and how you can safely address this issue.

What is the TMJ?

The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the joint that allows you to open and close your jaw. It’s an interesting joint as it also allows you to slide your jaw forward and backwards and left to right, so it doesn’t purely hinge. Issues with this joint are known as TMD, or temporomandibular disorder.

The joint is located close to the ear, so it can cause earache, headaches, shoulder tension and even back ache. It can also cause vision problems and dizziness.

How do problems with your teeth cause headaches?

The most common reason that teeth can cause headaches is when you have issues with your bite. Your bite is the way that your upper and lower jaw fit together. Signs of an incorrect bite could include:

• Teeth that are heavily worn or constantly breaking

• Teeth that are tender to bite on or may ache constantly

• Loose teeth or receding gums can be made worse by an incorrect bite

• The TMJ, which connects your lower jaw to your skull, may click, grind or cause you pain

• You may experience ringing or buzzing in your ears

• You might have difficulty opening and closing your mouth

• Headaches and migraines, especially in the morning

• Sinus pain and pains in your neck and shoulders

If you have noticed any of these issues, it could be time to book an appointment with your dentist. They will carry out an examination of your mouth and jaw to determine if your bite is to blame. They may also take X-rays of your teeth to better understand how your dental structures fit together.

If you think you may be suffering from any of these problems you should contact your dentist at Benfleet Dental Centre and book an appointment for a routine dental appointment. The dentist will be able to examine your teeth and can determine whether they can treat you or whether you need to be referred to a specialist.

What is the treatment for jaw problems?

There are several different treatments available including:

• Temporary changes to your diet – switching to a soft diet can help to relieve pressure on your jaw while you address other issues. Your dentist can advise you if you need to make changes to your diet.

• Physiotherapy exercises – a combination of corrective exercises and heat therapy may all be able to reduce the stress put on the TMJ.

• A bite guard – if you are clenching or grinding your teeth a bite guard can help to protect your teeth. Instead of wearing your teeth down you can wear the bite guard down and it can then be replaced as required. Wearing a mouth guard at night time can help to prevent grinding that leaves you with a headache in the morning.

• Tooth adjustment – if it is suspected that you suffer from an incorrect bite, the dentist may create an appliance to hold your teeth in the position where your muscles are relaxed, this may be worn all day or just at night. If this improves your symptoms you may want to consider having your bite altered permanently using teeth straightening procedures.

• Teeth replacement – replacing missing teeth using bridges, dentures or dental implants can help to rebalance your bite and give your TMJ equal support from both sides.

• Adjusting your dental restorations – sometimes the restorations designed to improve your bite can cause issues. Fillings, bridges and crowns can also lead to changes in your bite that could become painful. Your dentist can investigate to see if your dental restorations are causing issues with your jaw alignment.

• Removing an old retainer – if you had braces earlier in life and have been fitted with a permanent retainer, this could be causing issues with your bite that lead to headaches. Your dentist may recommend removing the bonded retainer and switching to a removable retainer worn at night time to keep your teeth in the correct alignment.

Headaches linked to tooth decay

If your bite is not to blame, a headache could be linked to tooth decay. You might be experiencing something known as referred pain. This is when pain in one area is felt in another area. If you have an infection in the pulp of your tooth, you might experience this as a headache, which can make it more difficult to diagnose.

If this is the case, you might have to arrange a root canal treatment to address the infection and restore the tooth. Root canal treatment gets a bad reputation for being uncomfortable, but you will be numb throughout the procedure. Once the infection has been removed, you’ll also be free from pain.

Final thought on alignment issues

It is believed that 1 in 4 people suffer with some symptoms caused by an incorrect bite. If you’re worried that your bite is causing headaches, it’s worth visiting your dentist to find out more.

If you would like to find out more about whether your teeth could be causing your headaches, do not hesitate to call Benfleet Dental Centre on 01702 557766 and one of the team would be happy to assist you.