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Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?

  • June 15, 2024
  • 294 Views

If you’re wondering why your wisdom teeth are causing headaches, you’re in the right place for answers. When wisdom teeth start coming in, they often bring along unwelcome guests like headaches.

Why does this happen? These third molars usually don’t have enough room, which can make your jaw feel tight and uncomfortable. This discomfort can sometimes spread to your head, causing those throbbing headaches.

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    Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?

    Wisdom teeth often erupt without enough space, crowding their neighbors. This pressure can lead to persistent tension headaches, which feel like a constant squeeze around the head.

    Impacted wisdom teeth, those that fail to fully emerge, can further irritate the gums, leading to swelling and pain that can radiate beyond the mouth, including headaches.

    Headaches caused by wisdom teeth can be worse in the mornings due to nighttime teeth grinding or clenching, a reaction to the irritation. This nighttime activity increases jaw tension, leading to headaches upon waking.

    Questions About Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches? ?

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    5 Types of Headaches Caused by Wisdom Teeth

    Here are the five types of headaches that can be caused by the eruption of wisdom teeth:

    • Tension Headaches
      Wisdom teeth crowding for space can cause tight jaws and lead to dull, aching headaches.
    • Migraines
      The stress and pain from wisdom teeth can sometimes trigger full-blown migraines, with intense throbbing pain (often on one side of the head), light and noise sensitivity, and even nausea.
    • Cluster Headaches (Less Common)
      These are characterized by severe burning or piercing pain, usually around or behind one eye or on one side of the face. While less common, wisdom teeth issues can be blamed for this type of headache.
    • Sinus Headaches
      When wisdom teeth mess with your upper jaw, they might cause pressure and pain in your sinuses. This headache feels like fullness around your cheeks, eyes, and forehead, often worse when bending forward.
    • Referred Pain Headaches
      Sometimes, pain from wisdom teeth travels (referred pain) to other head areas, causing a more general headache.

    Migraine Symptoms

    Some of the most common migraine symptoms are:

    • Severe Headache: Migraines cause intense pain that interferes with daily activities.
    • Nausea and Vomiting: Many migraine sufferers experience nausea and vomiting during an attack.
    • Sensory Sensitivities: Light, sound, and even smells can become bothersome or even painful during a migraine.
    • Throbbing or Pulsing Pain: The headache pain in migraines is often described as throbbing or pulsing.
    • One-Sided or Bilateral Pain: Migraine pain can affect one or both sides of the head.

    The Bottom Line

    Got a headache? It could be because of your wisdom teeth. These late-erupting molars can cause pain and pressure, leading to headaches.

    But wisdom teeth aren’t the only headache culprit. Problems like teeth grinding or even a misaligned bite can also be to blame.

    Have unexplained headaches or worries about your oral health? Our experienced dentists at LifeLine Dental – Emergency and Family Care can help! We diagnose the cause and create personalized treatment plans. Call (281) 409-3777 to schedule an appointment today!

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    The Bottom Line

    Got a headache? It could be because of your wisdom teeth. These late-erupting molars can cause pain and pressure, leading to headaches.

    But wisdom teeth aren’t the only headache culprit. Problems like teeth grinding or even a misaligned bite can also be to blame.

    Have unexplained headaches or worries about your oral health? Our experienced dentists at LifeLine Dental – Emergency and Family Care can help! We diagnose the cause and create personalized treatment plans. Call (281) 409-3777 to schedule an appointment today!