The Link Between Headaches & Bite Misalignment

Linking ( Mal Occlusion) Bad Bites to Headaches

Misaligned teeth or dental arches can result in numerous problems, with headaches being one of them. Malocclusions such as underbites, crossbites, open bites, and overbites can lead to jaw pain, muscle tension, and head pain. But how exactly does this misalignment trigger headaches?

When your teeth don’t align properly, your jaw can’t relax when your mouth is closed. With malocclusion, your jaw muscles are perpetually tense, resulting in tension headaches, jaw pain, uneven tooth wear, or even fractured teeth.

Your jaw and head are connected by a network of muscles, nerves, and joints. A misaligned bite forces your muscles to exert extra effort when closing your mouth, chewing, or bringing your teeth together. This additional strain can cause muscle tension and headaches.

Types of Malocclusion That May Cause Headaches:

• Overbite: An overbite occurs when your upper teeth significantly overlap the lower ones. While a slight overbite is normal, a severe overbite, known as a deep bite, can cause front teeth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and facial tension.

• Underbite: Contrary to an overbite, an underbite happens when the lower teeth protrude in front of the upper ones. This condition can cause jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, chewing difficulties, and may even contribute to sleep apnea.

• Overjet: Often confused with an overbite, an overjet is when the upper front teeth extend noticeably past the lower ones, sometimes referred to as "buck teeth." This type of misalignment increases the risk of injury to the top front teeth and can lead to jaw joint pain.

• Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth rest inside the lower teeth. It can appear at the front or back of the mouth and lead to asymmetric jaw development in children, and jaw pain, TMJ issues, and chewing difficulties in both kids and adults.

Teeth Grinding and TMJ Headaches

These types of malocclusion can lead to teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, which often occurs during sleep. Grinding may be an unconscious attempt to correct the bite but places significant pressure on the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), causing TMJ dysfunction, headaches, jaw pain, and muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or ears.

If you frequently experience headaches from teeth grinding, it’s a strong indication to contact us at The Brace Place for a complimentary initial consultation.

Addressing Malocclusion to Alleviate Headaches

Dr. Amy will assess:

• Jaw and teeth alignment
• Uneven tooth wear
• Jaw pain or clicking sounds
• Chewing or biting difficulties

Should we identify malocclusion, like an overbite, as the cause of your persistent headaches, orthodontic treatment could significantly alleviate your discomfort. Braces and clear aligners not only enhance your smile but also help correct bite misalignments and eliminate associated headaches.

Say Goodbye to Malocclusion-Induced Headaches

If you suspect malocclusion is behind your headaches, All Natural Dentistry is ready to assist. With over 20 years of expertise in orthopedic alignment of the jaw and bite correction, Dr. Amy combines modern technology and personalized care to provide effective treatment.