Have you been suffering from frequent headaches? Pounding pain in your head can be debilitating. It can stem from a number of health problems, including issues with your teeth.
If you have been neglecting your dental health, you may have developed problems with your smile that created extensive symptoms, including headaches. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to see if your headaches could be caused by one of several dental concerns. Read on to learn about dental problems that may lead to recurring headaches.
Chronic Teeth Grinding
Grinding and clenching your teeth is a largely unconscious habit that can develop for a number of reasons, including stress. This action generates pressure as the top teeth grate against the bottom teeth.
The pressure can extend from the teeth to the jaw and then radiate through the facial muscles. The tension will cause muscles to tighten, which may lead to temporomandibular joint disorders or TMJ.
Not only can TMJ lead to difficulties in the jaw, but it can cause pain in the head, ears, and the rest of the face too. If you talk to your dentist about treating teeth grinding and TMJ, you can resolve chronic headaches and other symptoms linked to this disorder.
Your dentist may suggest stress relief activities that will address teeth grinding. They may also give you a custom-made mouthguard to wear as you sleep. This can cushion teeth and therefore the jaw and associated muscles against pressure stemming from teeth grinding and clenching.
Bite Problems
Teeth grinding is not the only cause of TMJ. Crooked, overlapping, or otherwise misaligned teeth may lead to bite problems. If you cannot close your mouth properly, you might have an unbalanced amount of pressure on your teeth when you perform an oral function.
These bite problems can lead to TMJ and therefore chronic headaches. Your dentist can help you straighten your teeth to amend your bite and get rid of the tension that causes these headaches. They can provide you with Invisalign aligners that will gradually reposition your teeth to create an even and beautiful smile.
Severe Tooth Decay
Many people have experienced cavities before, which can leave you with tooth sensitivity pain as it affects the outer layer of your tooth. If you do not receive prompt treatment for a cavity, the tooth decay can penetrate deeper into the tooth.
The decay can inflame the nerves of the tooth, which can mean you feel pain spread to your head too. Seek urgent care from your dentist for any signs of tooth pain to avoid this kind of severe decay.
While your dentist can treat cavities with a dental filling, they may need to protect a larger portion of your tooth after drilling away advanced decay. They can give you a dental crown to cover the affected tooth in this case. If a decayed tooth becomes infected, you may need root canal therapy to treat the tooth. This treatment will also conclude with a crown to shield the tooth.
Jaw Clenching During the Day
Many people clench their jaws when stressed or concentrating without realizing it. This constant tension can tire out your jaw muscles just like how your legs ache after running. The strained muscles can then trigger tension headaches that feel like a tight band around your head.
Try checking in with yourself throughout the day. You’re probably clenching if your teeth are touching when your mouth is closed. Simple awareness and relaxing your jaw can help prevent these headaches.
Missing Teeth and Headaches
When you lose a tooth and don’t replace it, your other teeth start shifting to fill the gap. This movement changes how your teeth fit together, putting uneven pressure on your jaw joints. It’s like walking with one shoe. Your body has to compensate in awkward ways.
These changes can lead to frequent headaches as your jaw muscles work overtime to adjust. Dental implants or bridges can restore proper balance and often stop these headaches.
Sinus Pressure from Infected Teeth
Your upper back teeth roots sit very close to your sinus cavities. If one of these teeth gets infected, the swelling can press on your sinuses. This can cause headache pain around your eyes and forehead that feels like a sinus infection.
You might notice the headache getting worse when bending over. Unlike regular sinus issues, this pain won’t go away with decongestants. You’ll need dental treatment to fix the infected tooth and relieve the pressure.
Old Dental Work and Headaches
Fillings, crowns, and bridges don’t last forever. When they wear out or break, they can change your bite just enough to cause problems. An old crown that’s slightly too high might make one tooth hit harder than others, straining your jaw.
Metal fillings that have expanded over years can push teeth out of alignment. If your headaches started after dental work or get worse when chewing, ask your dentist to check your restorations for proper fit. A simple adjustment might bring relief.
Don’t Let Dental Problems Fuel Your Headaches
If frequent headaches are disrupting your life, your oral health could be the hidden culprit. Whether it’s teeth grinding, a misaligned bite, or an untreated dental issue, our team can help pinpoint the cause and create a personalized solution to ease your pain. Don’t ignore the warning signs.
Schedule an exam with us today and take the first step toward a healthier smile and headache-free days. Call Claremont Dental Institute at (909) 277-6919 or book your appointment online anytime.