Everybody has had at least one headache in their lifetime. Even though headaches certainly feel uncomfortable, millions of Americans experience more severe migraines or frequent headaches. But did you know that the answer to “Can Teeth Cause Headaches?” might be yes? Dental issues, such as teeth grinding or misalignment, can contribute to these painful episodes, highlighting the surprising connection between oral health and headaches.

Our J Street Dental Group in Sacramento wants to do its part during National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month by informing those around us about the potential connection between dentistry and these crippling headaches or migraines.

Understanding Headaches and Their Origins

Headaches can take many different forms, each with its own set of symptoms and underlying causes. Migraines are severe throbbing headaches that are frequently accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and, in some cases, visual disturbances. Tension headaches, the most common type, are characterized by a constant, dull ache around the head that is frequently caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension. Cluster headaches, while less common, are extremely painful and occur in cyclical patterns or clusters, typically around one eye.

While these headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, dehydration, or hormonal changes, dental problems are a lesser-known but significant cause. Dental pain, especially from periodontal disease, tooth decay, or misalignment, can result in a “referred headache.” This happens because the nerves in the teeth and gums are closely linked to the nerves in the head. When dental pain occurs, it can spread along these neural pathways, causing discomfort in the head rather than the mouth.

Dental Conditions Linked to Headaches

Periodontal Disease

An infection of the tissues holding your teeth in place is known as periodontal disease, additionally referred to as gum disease. If left untreated, it can result in bleeding, swelling, and tooth loss. But can headaches be brought on by periodontal disease? It can, indeed. Headaches may result from the gum disease’s extending inflammation. This is especially true if there is a significant infection that has spread beyond the gum line.

Tooth Pain 

Headaches can result from tooth pain, including pain from cavities, infections, and injuries. Severe pain may be the cause of migraines. A migraine with tooth pain can be caused by the trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation to the face and mouth. This nerve can also carry pain signals from a tooth to the head. Because of this link, tooth pain and headaches frequently feel similar, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.

Gum Pain

Headaches can result from gum pain, particularly upper gum pain. Due to the close connection between the nerves in the head and the gums, any infection or inflammation can result in a headache associated with gum pain. This is frequently observed following dental procedures or in situations where gum disease is present.

Headaches After Dental Procedures

Headaches are a common side effect of dental work, including crowns, fillings, and implants. These procedures can cause headaches and muscle tension because of the stress and strain they place on the teeth and jaw. For example, the pressure used during the fitting process of a dental crown may cause a headache afterwards. Similarly, the body acclimating to the new dental structure following dental implants may cause such  discomfort.

Is it a Migraine or a Headache?

Defining the difference between migraines and headaches can be tricky, since both conditions have very similar symptoms. While of course both are marked by some sort of pain in the head, whether that be throbbing pain or dull pain, there are several symptomatic differences between the two that can help distinguish one from the other.

Headache Symptoms

• Pain isn’t typically concentrated on only one side of the head;
• Pain doesn’t appear to worsen with activity;
• Usually has a more constant pressure sensation;
• No symptoms in other areas of the body.

Migraine Symptoms

• One side of the head tends to hurt more, although not always;
• Sensitivity to light and noise;
• Blurred vision;
• Nausea.

Diagnosing Dental-Related Headaches

Dental problems can be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms frequently mimic those of other conditions, making it difficult to determine the exact source of pain. For example, headaches accompanied by gum or tooth pain can easily be misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraines, leading people to overlook the potential dental cause. In addition, dental issues can cause pain in areas other than the mouth, such as the head, neck, or even the ears, worsening the diagnosis.

If you frequently experience headaches in addition to symptoms such as gum or tooth pain, or if you’ve recently had dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, or extractions, you should look into a possible dental cause. Even minor issues, such as a misaligned bite or mild gum inflammation, can cause significant discomfort, including headaches.

The Link Between Dentistry, Migraines, and Headaches

Even though the symptoms of headaches and migraines are most noticeable in the head, they may be triggered by something in the mouth. As weird as that may sound, it actually makes a lot of sense when considering the complex anatomy that surrounds and links to the head, including the mouth and jaw joints. That’s where the problems can begin.

Research has shown a promising correlation between a bad bite and headaches or migraines. When the top and bottom jaw joints (TMJ) don’t line up in a harmonious way, too much pressure is placed on the muscles in this area. Since everything in our bodies is interconnected, and these muscles happen to connect to the head, the pain that may be caused by a tired, worn out jaw muscle can find its way into the head, causing a headache or migraine. Bruxism, or chronic tooth grinding/clenching can have a similar effect.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience persistent headaches and dental pain, you should seek professional help. Early detection and treatment of dental problems can reduce complications and improve overall quality of life. For example, if you experience headaches after flossing or brushing, it may indicate gum disease, necessitating a visit to the dentist.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, seeking timely dental care, and consulting with professionals can all help prevent and relieve headaches caused by dental issues.

An appointment at our J Street Dental Group can help you evaluate your bite and look for signs of bruxism, which can cause headaches and migraines. We will then go over the most effective treatment options for you and make sure headaches and migraines don’t bother you again.

Give us a call today, we are always ready to help!