Can Clenching Teeth Cause Headaches? 

Ever wake up with a pounding headache and wonder why? It might not be stress, dehydration, or lack of sleep. There’s a surprising habit—often unnoticed—that could be the real culprit. Can clenching teeth cause headaches? The answer may change the way you think about your daily discomfort. Before you reach for painkillers, there’s something you need to know.

Visit your primary care physician for help with clenching headaches.

How Does Clenching Teeth Lead to Headaches?

Clenching your teeth might seem harmless at first, but when it becomes a regular habit, it can trigger a series of physical issues, including headaches.

This happens because clenching creates excessive tension in the jaw muscles, especially the temporalis and masseter muscles. That tension spreads to nearby nerve endings, which signal pain to the brain. As the tension builds or persists, the pain can spread and show up as a tension-type headache.

The headache results mainly from the strain placed on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding muscles. This joint is meant for short-term chewing activity—not for holding tension for hours on end.

Beyond headaches, other symptoms may appear. Spotting early signs and reducing jaw tension during the day can make a big difference. Learning how to consciously relax your jaw, recognizing tension-prone moments, and using professional techniques when needed can help reduce how often and how severely these headaches occur.

What Is Teeth Clenching and What Causes It?

Teeth clenching or grinding, known as bruxism, is a condition where a person puts pressure on their teeth without realizing it—during the day or while asleep. This habit often goes unnoticed but can lead to serious health effects if not addressed.

Bruxism doesn’t have a single cause. It’s influenced by a mix of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Below are the most common triggers:

Common Triggers

• Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress, job pressure, or personal worries.
• Mental health issues: Conditions like depression or ADHD can increase risk.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea or other disruptions can trigger nighttime bruxism.
• Genetics: Some people may have a family tendency toward bruxism.

Lifestyle-Related Factors

• Alcohol and tobacco use: Can increase jaw muscle tension.
• Caffeine and stimulants: Can disturb the nervous system and worsen symptoms.
• Medications: Some drugs, especially antidepressants, may lead to bruxism.
• Dental misalignment: Poor bite alignment can lead to unconscious teeth grinding.
• Sleep posture: Positions that pressure the jaw can make bruxism worse.

Many don’t realize they have bruxism until physical symptoms appear. In many cases, a dentist is the first to spot signs during a routine checkup.

How Teeth Clenching Affects Jaw Muscles

Bruxism has a direct effect on jaw muscles. This repeated clenching creates constant muscle tension, leading to issues far beyond the mouth.

Muscle Tension and Pain

One of the earliest signs is muscle pain in the jaw. These muscles become sensitive, stiff, and sore—especially in the morning after nighttime clenching.

Limited Movement

In severe cases, muscle tension can lead to spasms that restrict mouth opening. This partial lock, known as trismus, can make simple actions like speaking, eating, or yawning difficult.

Muscle Fatigue

Overusing the jaw muscles leads to pain, fatigue, and weakness. The jaw may feel “tired,” and discomfort can build throughout the day if the habit goes unchecked.

Spotting how bruxism impacts jaw muscles can help identify symptoms early and guide effective treatment before complications develop.

The Connection Between Jaw Tension and Headaches

Continuous jaw tension can lead to persistent headaches—even when you’re unaware you’re clenching your teeth. The connection between these symptoms is more common than many realize and directly linked to long-term muscle overload.

Frequent clenching builds steady tension in the chewing muscles and TMJ. When this becomes chronic, the discomfort spreads, leading to tension headaches.

These headaches often feel like a tight pressure around the head—especially near the temples, at the back of the neck, or behind the eyes.

Recognizing this link makes it easier to address the real cause of the pain. With the right approach, this type of headache can often be reduced significantly.

How Bruxism Can Cause Referred Pain

Bruxism doesn’t just affect the jaw. It can lead to pain in other parts of the body through a process known as referred pain—when discomfort is felt somewhere other than where it starts.

In this case, the pain starts in the jaw but spreads outward.

Ear	Pain without infection; often confused with ear problems
Head	Tension headaches near the temples, forehead, or eye area
Neck & Shoulders	Muscle tension that radiates from the jaw to these areas
Face	Pressure or pain in the cheeks and jawline

This pain has a muscular origin. Too much strain in the jaw muscles or TMJ can activate nearby or connected muscles. Because these muscles work together, a problem in one can throw off the entire system.

Recognizing referred pain helps treat bruxism more effectively. By pinpointing the jaw as the root cause, it’s possible to avoid misdiagnoses and find more targeted relief.

Preventing Headaches from Teeth Clenching

Reducing headaches caused by bruxism involves a blend of professional care and healthy daily habits. One of the most effective tools is a night guard, which eases jaw pressure during sleep and protects teeth from wear.

Relaxation practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can also help. These methods ease built-up stress and muscle tension, which often trigger bruxism.

Lifestyle changes play a big role too. Getting enough sleep, following a balanced diet, and managing stress all support better jaw health. Regular dental checkups help monitor your condition and guide the best treatment options to prevent both clenching and the headaches it can cause.

Sources:

• Zaproudina, N., Rissanen, A. P. E., Lipponen, J. A., Vierola, A., Rissanen, S. M., Karjalainen, P. A., … & Närhi, M. (2018). Tooth clenching induces abnormal cerebrovascular responses in migraineurs. Frontiers in neurology, 9, 1112.
• Samami, M., Najar-Karimi, F., Eghbali, B. B., Sanati, A. H., & Rad, A. H. (2024). Oral and dental health status in patients with chronic headache. BMC oral health, 24(1), 1057.