Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?
August 26, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, wisdom teeth can potentially cause headaches, although it’s not the most common symptom associated with wisdom teeth issues. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that usually emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. These teeth can sometimes cause various symptoms and problems as they come in, due to factors such as impaction or misalignment.
Here’s how wisdom teeth could be related to headaches:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to emerge properly, leading to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pressure and discomfort in the surrounding jaw and gum tissue. This discomfort might radiate to other areas of the head, potentially causing headaches.
- Jaw Misalignment: Wisdom teeth issues can affect the alignment of the jaw. Problems with jaw alignment can lead to muscle tension and strain in the jaw and surrounding areas, potentially resulting in headaches.
- Sinus Pressure: Upper wisdom teeth, especially when impacted, are close to the sinuses. Issues with upper wisdom teeth could potentially lead to sinus pressure, which might be perceived as a headache.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Wisdom teeth problems, such as pain or discomfort, could potentially trigger teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep. Bruxism can cause jaw pain and tension, which can lead to headaches.
- TMJ Dysfunction: TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction involves problems with the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. Wisdom teeth issues might contribute to TMJ problems, which can cause various symptoms, including headaches.
It’s important to note that while headaches can be associated with wisdom teeth issues, there are many other potential causes of headaches as well. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe headaches, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. A dentist or oral surgeon can assess the condition of your wisdom teeth and determine if they might be contributing to your headaches or other symptoms.