Teeth grinding can cause headaches, but often the grinding is a sign of an underlying issue of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull, and sometimes this joint is displaced or has undergone trauma, in which case it will produce a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. One symptom of TMJ is tooth pain that may occur along with a headache.
Headaches can result when the TMJ is subjected to excessive pressure. This pressure can be caused by:
- Tooth grinding
- Jaw clenching
- Misaligned bite
Stress can cause you to grind your teeth or clench your jaw while you sleep. These behaviors will put pressure on the TMJ, as well as the muscles and nerves surrounding the joint. The pressure results in a headache. A bad bite, such as an overbite, can cause TMJ tension as well.
Persistent and severe cases of TMJ may benefit from oral and maxillofacial surgery to reposition or repair the jaw.
Constant headaches could also be a sign that you need wisdom teeth extraction. Impacted wisdom teeth will continue to grow in the wrong direction, and the movement caused by the incorrect direction of growth can result in jaw pain and headaches.
An experienced oral surgeon in Washington, D.C., Dr. Daria Hamrah can answer all of your questions about TMJ and tooth-related headaches. Please contact NOVA SurgiCare today to schedule a consultation.