Surprisingly, there is a distinct connection between oral health and headaches but generally these issues should arise prior to visiting your dentist, rather than afterwards. The most common dental issues that can cause headaches or migraines include:
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ): This tends to occur when the modified ball and socket joint that connects your upper and lower jaw doesn’t function correctly. Severe headaches, a clicking sound, and tender jaw muscles are common TMJ symptoms, and you should visit your dentist as soon as you become aware that there may be an issue.
Teeth grinding: The cause of teeth grinding is different for each person; it can be caused by stress, misaligned teeth or nerve and muscle damage in the face. Symptoms may include grinding sounds whilst sleeping, morning headaches, tight jaw muscles and cracked or damaged teeth. If you become aware of any of these symptoms, visit your dentist for a proper diagnosis.
Cavities or infections: Infection and inflammation can both play a role in headaches. This is especially true for sore teeth that have been left untreated, as new or worsening headaches can often be a sign that the infection has spread. It’s important that you book into see your dentists sooner rather than later, to ensure that the issue doesn’t worsen.