Yes, it’s possible that headaches are caused by your teeth! Some people who have recurring headaches have been diagnosed as having TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible (a.k.a. the lower jaw) to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can cause significant pain and impairment. Possible problems are jaw clicking, headaches, sinus problems, and even loss of hearing!
Repetitive unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth, as well as various other conditions related to the teeth or jaw, are known to contribute to a majority of TMJ cases.
Diagnosis for this condition requires an examination by a dentist or physician who has advanced training and expertise in the area of head and neck pain. Come visit Dr. Mak or Dr. Iwagami if you have symptoms like the ones listed above; you might be just an appointment away from being headache-free!
