Headaches and Jaw Pain: Understanding the Possible Role of Your Bite
Discover how your bite alignment may be causing your headaches and jaw pain, and how orthodontic treatment can help.
Do you suffer from recurring headaches that seem to have no clear cause? The answer might be in your mouth. At Dr. David Benguira's Orthodontic Center, we frequently see patients whose head and neck pain is directly related to their bite.
The Connection Between Bite and Headaches
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in your body. When your bite is misaligned, the muscles that control jaw movement must work overtime, which can lead to:
- Tension headaches
- Migraines
- Facial pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
Types of Malocclusion That Cause Headaches
Deep Bite (Overbite)
When upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth, the jaw is pushed back, stressing the TMJ.
Crossbite
Misalignment between upper and lower dental arches causes uneven muscle tension.
Open Bite
When front teeth don't touch, back teeth bear excess pressure during chewing.
Warning Signs
You might have a bite-related headache if you experience:
- Headaches upon waking
- Pain that worsens with chewing
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Facial muscle fatigue
- Ear pain without infection
How Orthodontics Can Help
By correcting your bite alignment, orthodontic treatment can:
- Reduce muscle tension
- Properly position the TMJ
- Distribute chewing forces evenly
- Eliminate compensatory movements
Our Diagnostic Approach
At our center, we use 3D imaging (CBCT) to analyze:
- TMJ position and condition
- Muscle tension patterns
- Occlusal contacts
- Airway space
Treatment Options
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:
- Braces or aligners to correct alignment
- Night guards for bruxism
- Therapeutic Botox for muscle tension
- Collaboration with TMJ specialists
Conclusion
If you suffer from unexplained headaches, your bite could be the culprit. A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation can identify whether malocclusion is contributing to your pain.
Schedule a free consultation at Dr. Benguira's Orthodontic Center to explore how we can help relieve your symptoms.
