Misaligned teeth can contribute to headaches. While headaches have many potential causes, a connection exists between dental alignment and head pain. Understanding this relationship can help identify a potential source of discomfort.
Understanding the Connection
The link between misaligned teeth and headaches often involves the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect the jawbone to the skull. Improper alignment places uneven stress on these joints and the surrounding muscles and nerves. This constant strain can cause muscles in the jaw, face, and head to become overworked and tense.
Muscle tension from a misaligned bite can radiate pain throughout the head, often manifesting as tension-type headaches. The trigeminal nerve, controlling sensation in the face and jaw muscles, can also become irritated or compressed due to jaw misalignment, contributing to headache pain. These headaches can sometimes mimic the severe throbbing pain associated with migraines.
Common Dental Issues that Contribute
Several dental conditions can contribute to jaw strain and headaches. Malocclusion, an improper bite where upper and lower teeth do not fit correctly, is a frequent culprit. This misalignment forces jaw muscles to exert extra effort, leading to chronic tension.
Bruxism, the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, particularly during sleep, is another significant factor often exacerbated by misaligned teeth. This habit places substantial pressure on the TMJ and surrounding muscles, leading to pain that can spread to the head. Specific types of malocclusion, such as an overbite (upper teeth significantly overlap lower teeth), underbite (lower teeth protrude past upper teeth), or crossbite (some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth), also contribute to uneven pressure and stress on the jaw system.
Accompanying Symptoms
Headaches stemming from dental issues are often accompanied by other indicators of jaw dysfunction. A common symptom is pain or tenderness in the jaw, especially when opening or closing the mouth, chewing, or speaking. Many individuals also report clicking, popping, or grating sounds from the jaw joints during movement.
Difficulty chewing or a noticeable change in how teeth fit together can also point to a dental origin for headaches. Earaches without an underlying infection are frequently reported, as the TMJ is close to the ear and inflammation can refer pain to this area. Pain may also extend beyond the jaw and head, affecting the neck, shoulders, or areas like the temples or behind the eyes.
Seeking Professional Guidance and Solutions
If you suspect your headaches link to dental issues, consulting a dentist and possibly a medical doctor is a sensible first step. A dentist can examine your bite, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles to identify underlying dental problems. Diagnostic methods may include a dental examination, X-rays, or other imaging to assess the TMJ and teeth alignment.
Treatment aims to alleviate jaw strain and correct dental issues. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can shift teeth into proper alignment, correcting the bite and reducing jaw stress. Occlusal splints or night guards, custom-made mouthguards, prevent teeth grinding and clenching, cushioning the bite and allowing jaw muscles to relax. Physical therapy can improve jaw mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce tension. Stress management techniques can also help reduce unconscious clenching that exacerbates dental-related headaches.