Headaches

A lot of teeth problems can lead to permanent headaches. Tension headaches result from muscle strain, or contraction. Headaches from dental stress are a type of muscle tension headache it may be from on one or both sides of your head, it may surround your head as if a steel band were wrapped around it. The pain feels like a dull, non-throbbing ache. Tension headaches are usually relieved by aspirin.

Specific signs which indicate that the headache may have a dental origin include:

• Pain behind the eyes
• Sore jaw muscles or "tired" muscles upon awakening
• Teeth grinding
• Clicking or popping jaw joints
• Head and/or scalp painful to the touch
• Clicking or popping jaw joints

Did you know that your bite can cause you headache as well?

eventually the muscles which control your jaw and hold your head upright are very complex. Many people do not realize that every time they swallow, their upper and lower teeth must come together in a firm way to brace the jaw against the skull. We swallow over 2000 times each day and night! If your bite is unstable, as from poorly aligned teeth or even a missing tooth, the muscles must work harder to bring the teeth together. Most people take a vacation from work when they tire out-but your jaw muscles never get a break! The overworked muscles become strained. When muscles are under constant strain, they eventually become painful.