Headaches can be closely related to the condition of the maxillofacial system, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), teeth, muscles, and bite.
These structures are in a complex relationship with the nerves and muscles of the head and neck, so dysfunction in one area can cause pain in another.
The main causes of headache connection with jaw and teeth
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
- TMJ disorders, such as misalignment of the joint disc or inflammation, can cause pain that irradiates to the temples, forehead, back of the head, or even the ears.
- It is often accompanied by clicking in the joint and difficulty in chewing or opening the mouth.
Improper bite
- If the teeth do not close properly, the load on the muscles and joints is not evenly distributed. This can strain the muscles that support the jaw, causing pain that often resembles a headache.
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Night or daytime teeth grinding overloads the chewing muscles and joints, leading to fatigue and pain. Bruxism headaches are usually localized in the temporal region.
Overstretching of the masticatory muscles
- Constant muscle tension (such as from a habit of clenching your teeth) can cause myofascial pain, which is often felt as a dull headache.
Dental problems
- Cavities, pulpitis, or periodontal inflammation can cause irradiating pain that feels like a headache. For example, inflammation of the back upper teeth may “shoot” to the temples or forehead.
Improper neck position and posture
- Poor posture (e.g., “head forward”) leads to overstretching of the neck muscles, which increases stress on the TMJ and can provoke headaches.
How do you realize that the headache is related to the jaw and joints?
- The pain gets worse when chewing, talking or yawning.
- The headache is accompanied by clicking or crunching in the joint.
- The pain is centered in the temporal region or behind the ears.
- The pain is worse in the morning (a sign of nocturnal bruxism).
- There are other symptoms such as toothache, tension in the jaw or limited mouth opening.
What to do if the headache is related to the dentoalveolar system?
Make an appointment at DentalDate for an extensive gnathologist consultation.