Yes — and this is one of the most common and underdiagnosed causes of chronic headaches, particularly morning headaches that improve as the day goes on. If you regularly wake up with a headache that fades by midday, bruxism is a very likely culprit.
How Grinding Causes Headaches
The masseter muscle — the primary muscle you use to clench your jaw — is one of the strongest muscles in the body relative to its size. When you grind your teeth at night, these muscles can contract at high force for hours without you being aware of it. This sustained muscle contraction creates a buildup of lactic acid and trigger points in the muscle, producing a dull, tension-type headache that is typically felt around the temples, behind the eyes, and in the forehead.
Bruxism-related headaches are usually worst in the morning because that's when the muscles have been working the hardest through the night. By mid-morning, the muscles begin to relax and the headache fades.
Other Symptoms of Bruxism
If headaches are caused by grinding, you'll often also notice: worn, flattened teeth or edges, cracked or chipped teeth or fillings, a sore, tight jaw first thing in the morning, clicking in the jaw joint, sensitive teeth (especially in the morning), and disrupted sleep for you or your partner (the grinding sound can be very loud).
What to Do
The solution is a custom-fitted night guard. Unlike high-street night guards, a dental night guard is precisely moulded to your teeth, comfortable to wear, and designed to reduce the pressure on your jaw joints and muscles while you sleep. Within a few weeks of consistent use, most patients report a significant reduction in morning headaches and jaw soreness. It's one of the most straightforward and effective treatments in dentistry.
If any of this sounds familiar, book an assessment with us. The sooner we take a look, the simpler the treatment is likely to be. Call the practice on 01323 723757 or book online at www.meadsdental.com.