If you’re dealing with frequent headaches, you might not immediately think about your teeth. But dental issues, including clenching, grinding, and misaligned bites, can often trigger tension headaches or migraines. Understanding the connection between your oral health and headaches could help you find relief.
Here’s how dental problems may be causing your pain—and what you can do about it.
The Connection Between Teeth and Headaches
Your jaw and teeth are closely linked to the muscles and nerves in your head. When something isn’t right in your mouth—like grinding, clenching, or an uneven bite—it puts extra strain on these muscles and joints. Over time, this strain can lead to tension headaches, migraines, or even pain in your neck and shoulders.
For many patients, the issue begins with bruxism (teeth grinding) or TMJ disorders. Grinding and clenching place excessive pressure on your jaw, which can irritate the trigeminal nerve—the nerve responsible for sensation in your face. When irritated, this nerve can cause headaches, jaw pain, and facial discomfort.
How an NTI Device Can Help
The NTI device—short for Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition—is a small but powerful tool for relieving jaw tension. Unlike traditional mouthguards that cover all your teeth, the NTI device focuses solely on your front teeth.
By preventing excessive clenching and grinding, it relaxes jaw muscles, reduces pressure on the trigeminal nerve, and helps stop headaches before they start. It also shields your teeth from damage, making it a dual-purpose solution for comfort and protection.
When to Talk to Your Dentist
If you experience frequent headaches, jaw pain, or notice that you grind your teeth at night, it’s time to speak with your dentist. Headaches caused by dental issues can often be treated effectively with solutions like the NTI device or other TMJ therapies.
Find Relief With Corvallis Dental Group in Corvallis, OR
At Corvallis Dental Group, Dr. Jason Thomas Greyslak and Dr. Rose Greyslak are dedicated to helping patients find relief from headaches linked to dental issues. Whether you’re struggling with teeth grinding, jaw pain, or frequent migraines, we’re here to provide expert care.
Contact our office in Corvallis, OR, to schedule a consultation and learn more about how the NTI device or other treatments can help you live headache-free.
