Answer: Your headache could be caused by your jaw and teeth clenching. Here’s why:
When you think of a headache, you probably think about pain on the top or the side of your head. What we do not think of is that our jaws may be to blame. Clenched teeth are a common cause of many headaches or migraines. These are often referred to as dental headaches.
How does clenching teeth cause headaches?
The joint that connects your jaw to your skull is called the temporomandibular joint, or the TMJ for short. As with any joint, the TMJ has muscles connecting to both sides of it, allowing it to open and close, giving you the ability to talk and chew. It is these very muscles that could be the cause of your headaches.
When you grind or clench your teeth, the muscles involved are tightened. This tightening can result in pain which is transmitted or deferred to other places in your head, ultimately causing a headache like sensation. If this is severe or chronic, it can also be referred to a migraine.
How to avoid a clenched teeth headache
To ease or even avoid a dental headache, you will want to make sure that you keep your TMJ muscles from becoming tight and sore. This can be achieved through chiropractic treatment, basic stretching, and massage. You should also consult with your dentist to make sure that improperly aligned teeth or other dental diseases are not contributing to your pain.
If you have been suffering from headaches, or even migraines, make sure that you consider that it could be a dental headache. If you are unsure, make sure you seek out professional help, and find the relief that you deserve.
