Can frequent headaches signal a dental problem?

Frequent headaches can be frustrating at best and debilitating at worst. They can interfere with your day-to-day routine and limit your functioning.

Many people may not think to mention persistent headaches to their Dallas County dentists, but this problem can signal an underlying dental issue. A dentist can conduct a thorough examination, including x-rays, to diagnose the cause of your headaches.

If a dental problem is at fault for your headaches, your dentist can then provide you with treatments that will address the problem.

Temporomandibular joint disorders are often the culprit for orofacial pain and headaches. TMJ disorders are a collection of problems with the jaw joint and/or the muscles that facilitate its full range of motion. Stress can exacerbate TMJ disorders, so this may be a concurrent concern that needs to be resolved.

Interventions for TMJ disorders (which may also limit the frequency of headaches) include over-the-counter painkillers, stress management techniques, or—in particularly complex cases—surgery.

An oral infection, such as an abscess, can also cause headaches and facial pain. A headache may indicate that the infection in spreading, which presents a serious situation that needs prompt treatment, such as draining the abscess or extracting the tooth.

Do your headaches occur most often in the morning? This may be a sign of sleep apnea, which may also have its roots in misaligned jaws or improper positioning of oral structures during sleep. An appliance that holds the tongue and jaws in the right place at night may be an effective solution.

Morning headaches may also signal bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding. As with TMJ disorders, stress can be a major factor in bruxism, which can be treated when a patient wears a mouthguard at night. Stress management techniques can also be useful for patients with bruxism.

If you’ve been plagued by headaches but haven’t been able to pinpoint the cause, consult with our team of skilled dental practitioners for a thorough evaluation. It’s quite possible that a dental or oral health concern is the cause of your headaches.