Headaches can stem from many causes, such as stress, dehydration and lack of sleep. But can dental issues cause headaches?

Yes, dental issues may also be a factor in headaches. Problems, such as teeth grinding and clenching due to stress and anxiety, can place excess strain on facial muscles, leading to tension headaches and discomfort.

Read on to learn how dental problems may trigger headaches and what signs to watch for.

Can Dental Issues Cause Headaches? A Quick Overview

Dental issues, especially teeth grinding and clenching from stress or anxiety, can contribute to headaches. Other common culprits include: 

  • Bruxism (grinding)
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  • Untreated dental infections.

Headaches often occur because jaw and facial muscles are overworked, creating tension that radiates to the head. Managing the underlying dental issue usually reduces headache frequency and intensity.

How Oral Health Relates to Headaches

Our teeth, jaw and surrounding muscles are closely linked to the head and neck. When these structures are strained by dental problems, the discomfort often extends beyond the mouth and presents as headaches. Here are some of the most common dental issues that can contribute to head pain:

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching teeth, often triggered by stress, anxiety or even sleep disorders. This constant pressure strains the jaw muscles and surrounding joints, leading to tension headaches that are most commonly felt in the temples. Over time, bruxism can also wear down tooth enamel and increase tooth sensitivity.

Jaw Clenching

Unlike grinding, clenching involves holding the teeth tightly together, often without realising it. Many people clench their jaw during sleep or when concentrating. This prolonged muscle tension can radiate into the head and neck, creating a dull, persistent headache.

Bite Misalignment

When teeth don’t fit together properly, the jaw muscles are forced to compensate. This extra effort places unnecessary stress on the muscles and joints, leading to fatigue, soreness and headaches. Bite issues may also cause uneven tooth wear and increase the risk of jaw disorders over time.

TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull and is responsible for smooth jaw movement. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can cause a wide range of symptoms including headaches, jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth, and even earaches. TMJ disorders are a common but often overlooked source of chronic headaches.

Infections and Abscesses

Severe tooth decay, gum disease or untreated dental abscesses can spread pain to surrounding nerves and tissues. This type of referred pain often mimics sinus or tension headaches, making the underlying dental cause easy to miss. Prompt dental care is essential to resolve the infection and relieve associated head pain.

Signs Your Headaches May Be Dental-Related

Wondering if your headaches could be linked to dental problems? Look out for these signs:

  • Headaches are worse in the morning (a sign of nighttime grinding or clenching)
  • Jaw pain, stiffness or clicking when chewing
  • Earaches or pressure without infection
  • Worn or flattened teeth surfaces
  • Tooth sensitivity or pain
  • Facial tenderness, especially near the temples

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth booking a dental check-up to investigate further.

How to Treat Headaches Caused by Dental Issues

Treatment depends on the root cause, but common solutions include:

  • Mouthguards/Nightguards: Custom devices to protect teeth from grinding during sleep and reduce jaw strain.
  • Stress Management: Since grinding and clenching are often stress-related, relaxation techniques can help.
  • Orthodontics: Braces or aligners may correct bite issues that contribute to jaw strain and headaches.
  • TMJ Therapy: Treatments may include exercises, bite splints or medication to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Dental Care for Infections: Root canal treatment, fillings or extractions may be required to resolve infected teeth causing head pain.

Preventing Dental-Related Headaches

Preventative care is always the best approach. Here’s how you can lower your risk:

  • Visit your dentist every 6 months for routine check-ups.
  • Use a custom nightguard if you grind your teeth.
  • Practise stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or yoga.
  • Maintain good posture to reduce jaw strain.
  • Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens.

When to See a Dentist for Headaches

If headaches persist despite over-the-counter pain relief or occur alongside jaw pain, clenching or tooth sensitivity, it’s important to see a dentist. Ignoring the problem can worsen the issue, leading to more severe pain and long-term damage.

At Vivaldi Smile Artisans, we can identify whether your headaches are linked to dental problems and provide tailored treatment for lasting relief.

Wrapping Up

Dental issues don’t just affect your smile; they can also play a role in recurring headaches. Understanding the connection helps you recognise when pain may be linked to oral health, so you can seek the right care and relief..

The good news? With the right treatment, many dental-related headaches can be managed or resolved entirely. By addressing the root cause, you not only relieve pain but also protect your long-term oral health.

Book a Consultation with Vivaldi Smile Artisans Today

Suffering from persistent headaches and suspect your teeth or jaw may be the cause? Don’t ignore the signs. Call us on (02) 8252 7677 or visit our contact page to book an appointment today.

At Vivaldi Smile Artisans, we’ll help uncover the source of your headaches and provide a personalised treatment plan so you can enjoy lasting relief and a healthier smile.