Are Your Headaches Coming from Your Teeth? Surprising Links You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you’re dealing with constant headaches, your teeth or jaw might be part of the problem — and you might not even know it. Many people don’t realize that dental issues can cause or worsen headaches, especially when jaw joints and muscles are involved.
At Rockwall Oral Surgery, Dr. Kevin Pollock and his team help patients get to the root of chronic headaches that other treatments can’t solve.
How Dental Problems Trigger Headaches
Your mouth and jaw muscles are closely connected to your head, neck, and face, so it makes sense that issues in one area can cause pain elsewhere. Here are a few common ways dental problems can lead to headaches:
1. TMJ Disorders
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a hinge for your jaw. When it’s strained, misaligned, or inflamed, it can cause tension and pain that radiates to your temples, ears, or neck — resulting in frequent headaches.
2. Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Many people grind or clench their teeth at night (also called bruxism) without even realizing it. Over time, this puts constant pressure on the jaw muscles and joints, leading to morning headaches or tension headaches during the day.
3. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that are stuck under the gums or pressing against other teeth can create jaw pressure and pain that spreads to the head.
4. Tooth Infections
Sometimes a deep cavity or abscess can cause facial pain that feels like a headache or sinus pain. If left untreated, it can get worse — or even spread infection to nearby areas.
How to Tell If Your Teeth Are the Culprit
If you have headaches along with any of these signs, your mouth might be to blame:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Clicking or popping when you open your mouth
- Facial pain that doesn’t improve with usual headache treatments
- Recent wisdom tooth pain or swelling
- Broken, cracked, or sensitive teeth
What You Can Do
If you suspect your headaches could be dental-related, don’t wait — a simple exam can provide answers. Dr. Pollock will examine your teeth, jaw joints, and bite to find the source of the problem and recommend the right treatment, whether that’s a night guard, a TMJ procedure, or tooth removal if needed.
Get Relief at Rockwall Oral Surgery
No one should have to live with constant headaches — especially when the solution might be right in your mouth.
Ready to get to the root of your pain? Call Rockwall Oral Surgery at (469) 757-4433 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation today.
