TMJ and Headaches: What Your Jaw Might Be Trying to Tell You
If you've been battling stubborn headaches and can't figure out the cause, your jaw might be the missing piece. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are more common than many realize—and they’re often linked to daily head pain, facial tightness, or even earaches. The TMJ is the hinge that allows your jaw to move. When it becomes strained or misaligned—whether from stress, teeth grinding, or bite issues—it can trigger a cascade of tension through the head, neck, and face. That often results in what many describe as “mystery headaches.” Signs Your Headache Might Be TMJ-Related: Dull, aching pain around the temples Jaw clicking or locking Morning headaches from overnight clenching Neck and shoulder tightness Tooth wear or bite imbalance The good news? TMJ-related headaches are treatable. Dentists trained in TMJ therapy use tools like custom night guards , bite alignment therapy , and lifestyle counseling to reduce pressure on the jaw joint and ease related...
