Can Bad Teeth Cause Headaches? Here’s What You Need to Know

Can bad teeth cause headaches? Yes, they can—and more often than people think. While most headaches are blamed on stress, poor sleep, or dehydration, dental problems can also be a hidden cause. Tooth decay, infections, misalignment, and jaw issues can all lead to head pain. In this blog, we’ll break down how oral health connects to headaches, what symptoms to look out for, and how to find relief—possibly by visiting a Newport Beach dentist at Watson, Niven, Skahen - Comprehensive, Restorative, & Esthetic Dentistry.

The Connection Between Teeth and Headaches

Your mouth, jaw, and head are all closely connected by a system of nerves and muscles. When something goes wrong in your teeth or gums, it can send pain signals through:

• The trigeminal nerve (main nerve for face and jaw)

• The jaw joints and muscles, known as TMJ

• Infected or damaged teeth that radiate pain to the temples

That’s why even a small dental issue can lead to a big headache.

Dental Problems That Can Cause Headaches

Let’s look at the most common dental issues that may trigger head pain:

1. Tooth Infections or Abscesses

An infected tooth (especially one with an abscess) creates pressure and inflammation that can lead to throbbing head pain.

Signs include:

• Severe toothache

• Swelling near the jaw or cheek

• Pain that spreads to the side of the head

• Fever or bad taste in the mouth

If not treated, the infection can worsen and cause even stronger headaches.

2. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Clenching or grinding your teeth—especially at night—puts pressure on your jaw, head, and neck muscles.

You may experience:

• Morning headaches

• Jaw soreness

• Worn-down teeth

• Clicking jaw sounds

A dentist may suggest a night guard to stop grinding and reduce headaches.

3. TMJ Disorders

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) connects your jaw to your skull. If it becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can cause headaches, especially near the temples or behind the eyes.

Symptoms include:

• Pain while chewing

• Popping sounds in the jaw

• Limited jaw movement

• Earaches or pressure

A professional dentist can help diagnose TMJ problems and suggest the right treatment.

4. Bad Bite or Misaligned Teeth

When your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, it puts extra stress on your jaw muscles. This can cause tension headaches over time.

Orthodontic treatment or bite adjustment may be needed to correct the issue.

Other Warning Signs to Watch For

If your headaches come with the following, the cause might be dental:

• Persistent tooth or jaw pain

• Facial swelling

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods

• Clicking or locking jaw

• Pain when chewing or yawning

Ignoring these signs can lead to long-term problems and more severe headaches.

How to Get Relief from Dental Headaches

Here are some tips to reduce pain and prevent future dental-related headaches:

• Maintain good oral hygiene (brushing twice a day, flossing daily)

• Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid jaw tension

• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth

• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and early treatment

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Signs

So, can bad teeth cause headaches? Absolutely. Dental problems like infections, grinding, TMJ issues, or poor alignment can all trigger pain that spreads to your head. If your headaches are frequent and you also notice oral symptoms, it’s time to visit a dentist. Taking care of your teeth might just be the solution to your headaches.