What Does a Bruxism Headache Feel Like?
Bruxism headaches are a type of headache caused by teeth grinding, or bruxism. These headaches can be quite painful and may feel like a dull throbbing sensation in the forehead, temple, or jaw area. They can also cause a sensation of tightness in the neck and shoulders. Bruxism headaches can range from mild to severe and may last for several hours or even days.
People with bruxism often experience tension-type headaches that are accompanied by muscle tenderness in the face, neck, and shoulders. The pain is often worse upon waking up in the morning and when clenching your jaw during activities such as eating or talking.
What causes bruxism?
Bruxism can occur during the day or at night while sleeping, and it is often caused by stress or anxiety. Other causes of bruxism include misalignment of the teeth or jaw, recreational drug use, excessive caffeine intake, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, and certain medications. People who have had facial injuries are also more likely to experience bruxism. In rare cases, it may be caused by medical conditions such as Huntington’s disease.
How to Tell if Your Headaches are a Jaw Issue
If you’re suffering from frequent headaches, it may be worth considering that they could be related to jaw issues. Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) is one of the most common causes of headaches and it can cause significant pain and discomfort. Knowing how to tell if your headaches are a jaw issue will help you get the right treatment.
The first sign that your headaches might be caused by teeth grinding is if you experience them during or after periods of intense concentration. Many people clench their jaws when concentrating, which can trigger the onset of a headache. Additionally, if your jaw feels tight or sore then it’s likely that this is also causing your headaches.
Bruxism Treatment
If you suffer from bruxism, one of the first steps is to make sure that you have a well-fitting mouth guard to protect your teeth while sleeping or during stressful times when you’re more likely to grind them. A dentist can measure your mouth and create a custom-fitted guard for you. It’s important to wear it every night while sleeping in order to prevent further damage to the teeth, or any other symptoms.
In addition to wearing a mouth guard, there are other ways to reduce the symptoms of bruxism. Stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises, yoga, and meditation can help reduce stress levels and thus lessen the risk of grinding your teeth. Regular exercise has also been known to reduce stress levels. If you think that your bruxism is caused by certain medications, speak to your doctor about changing them or reducing their dosage. If misalignment of the jaw or teeth is a factor in your bruxism, then orthodontic treatment may be necessary. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to relax the muscles around the jaw and help prevent teeth grinding at night.
