Globally, 40% of all adults experience headaches at least once a year, and about 4% of people deal with them for at least 15 days each month. You may already know that stress, lack of sleep, or diet is to blame, but have you ever considered your teeth may be a cause for headaches and migraines?
Dental problems can trigger headaches and migraines. Issues like missing teeth, teeth grinding, and jaw joint disorders put extra strain on your muscles and nerves. This strain can cause pain that spreads to your head.
If you have frequent headaches and nothing seems to help, your teeth might be the reason. The good news is that fixing dental problems can reduce or even stop these headaches. Treatments like dental implants, bite adjustments, and TMJ therapy can bring relief.
Let’s discuss how dental issues can cause headaches and what you can do to feel better.
Key Takeaways
- Dental problems can cause headaches and migraines.
- Issues like TMJ disorders, teeth grinding, and missing teeth can strain your jaw and nerves, leading to pain.
- Missing teeth can throw off your bite. This creates tension in your jaw, which can lead to headaches and discomfort in your neck and shoulders.
- Tooth infections can trigger headaches. If you have throbbing pain, swelling, or sensitivity, an infection may be the cause.
- Dental implants can help. They restore your bite, prevent jaw strain, and support jawbone health, which may reduce headaches.
How Dental Issues Can Trigger Headaches and Migraines
One of the biggest links between teeth and headaches is the trigeminal nerve. This nerve controls the feeling in your face, jaw, and parts of your head, as well as helping with chewing. If something irritates this nerve, like misaligned teeth, grinding, or jaw problems, it can send pain signals that lead to headaches or migraines.
Another thing to note is that your bite affects how your jaw moves. If you have missing teeth or misaligned teeth, your jaw may shift in an unnatural way. This can strain the muscles in your face, neck, and even shoulders. Over time, this constant strain can lead to tension headaches.
Think of it like bad posture. If you sit in a bad position for too long, your back and shoulders start to hurt. The same thing happens with your jaw when your teeth don’t line up properly. The muscles overwork, causing pain that spreads to your head.
Common Dental Problems Linked to Headaches and Migraines
Not all headaches come from stress or lack of sleep. Sometimes, the problem starts in the mouth. Here are some of the most common causes.
TMJ Disorders & Headaches
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. It helps you chew, talk, and move your mouth. But when this joint is inflamed or misaligned, it can cause pain that spreads to your head.
Many people with TMJ disorder also clench their teeth without realizing it, which makes headaches worse.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) & Tension Headaches
Do you wake up with a headache or sore jaw? You might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night. This habit, called bruxism, puts too much pressure on your jaw muscles. Over time, this tension can trigger tension headaches.
Bruxism often happens during sleep, so many people don’t know they do it. If your teeth look worn down or you often wake up with headaches, talk to a dental specialist. A night guard can help protect your teeth and relieve pressure on your jaw.
Tooth Loss & Jaw Misalignment
Your teeth help keep your jaw balanced. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth shift to fill the gap. This can change your bite alignment, making your jaw work harder than it should. The extra strain can cause headaches, especially if the imbalance leads to TMJ problems.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can restore balance and prevent jaw strain that leads to headaches.
Wisdom Teeth & Migraines
Wisdom teeth can cause problems even if they don’t fully erupt. If they grow in at an angle or stay trapped under the gum, they put pressure on nearby teeth and nerves. This can cause jaw pain, inflammation, and headaches.
If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, removing them can help relieve pain and prevent future headaches.
Dental Infections & Root Canal Headaches
A deep cavity or infected tooth doesn’t just cause tooth pain. It can also lead to headaches, especially if the infection spreads. When bacteria reach the nerve inside your tooth, it causes inflammation. This pressure can radiate to your jaw, face, and head, leading to persistent headaches.
Infections don’t get better on their own. If you have these symptoms, see a dentist as soon as possible.
How Dental Implants Can Help Relieve Headaches and Migraines
Your teeth work together to keep your bite even. When a tooth is missing, the nearby teeth shift to fill the space. This can throw off your bite alignment, making your jaw work harder.
This is where dental implants come in. Implants replace missing teeth and keep the rest of your teeth in place, restoring a balanced bite, reducing stress on your jaw and preventing headaches.
Let Us Help You Fix Your Dental Problems!
If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, your teeth or jaw might be the hidden cause. Issues like missing teeth, TMJ disorders, grinding, and infections can put extra strain on your muscles and nerves, leading to chronic pain. The good news is that the right dental treatment can help relieve or even eliminate these headaches.
At Hanna Dental Implant Center, we provide solutions like dental implants to restore balance to your mouth and reduce jaw tension. Plus, with same-day dental implants, you don’t have to wait months to get relief.
If headaches due to oral health issues are interfering with your life, it’s time to take action. Schedule a consultation with us now to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my headache is from my teeth?
If your headache comes with jaw pain, teeth grinding, or stiffness near your ears, it could be related to your teeth. Other signs include waking up with headaches, pain when chewing, or discomfort in your temples. If your bite feels uneven or you have missing teeth, your jaw muscles may be working harder than they should, leading to headaches. A dental specialist can check if your teeth or bite are causing the problem.
Can you get a migraine from a bad tooth?
Yes, a bad tooth can trigger migraines. Tooth infections, untreated cavities, and misaligned teeth can irritate the trigeminal nerve, which is linked to migraines. Jaw tension from grinding or TMJ issues can also cause pain that spreads to your head.
How long do dental headaches last?
Dental headaches can last hours or even days, depending on the cause. If they come from teeth grinding or TMJ issues, they may be ongoing until the problem is treated. Headaches from infections may get worse over time if left untreated. Once the underlying dental issue is fixed, headaches should improve or go away completely.
How do I tell If I have a tooth infection?
A tooth infection can cause throbbing pain, swelling, and sensitivity to hot or cold. You may also notice bad breath, a foul taste, or a pimple-like bump on your gums. In severe cases, swelling can spread to your face or jaw, and you may have a fever or feel unwell. If you have any of these symptoms, see a specialist immediately. Tooth infections don’t go away on their own and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
