Can Grinding Teeth Cause Headaches? Everything You Should Know

A woman lying in bed with a headache

Can grinding teeth cause headaches? Yes, headaches are one of many symptoms associated with bruxism. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stop them. Many of our customers ask us, “Does bruxism cause headaches when you wear a custom night guard?” While results can vary from person to person, many have experienced life-changing results! 

If you've ever experienced the relentless throbbing of a headache from grinding teeth, you know how debilitating it can be. The pain, tension, and discomfort can disrupt your day and affect your overall well-being. While there are various causes of headaches, one lesser-known connection is the role that custom dental guards can play in providing relief.

Can grinding teeth cause headaches? If you’ve ever asked yourself this all-too-common question, this guide is for you. Join us as we explore the unexpected relationship between dental guards and headaches and how the right guard can alleviate headaches caused by bruxism.

Understanding the Connection

A woman lying on a couch with a headache

Headaches are a common ailment, and they can have multiple triggers. Stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, and even certain foods are well-known culprits. However, there's a surprising link between dental guards and headache relief, especially when the headaches stem from teeth clenching and grinding, a condition known as bruxism.

Bruxism’s Impact on Headaches

Bruxism is a condition characterized by the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep. Can grinding teeth cause headaches during the day? Yes, daytime bruxism can also cause headaches. Furthermore, both nighttime and daytime bruxism can lead to a host of dental issues, including chipped teeth and jaw pain. 

How does bruxism cause headaches? The connection between bruxism and headaches lies in the excessive pressure and tension generated by the clenching and grinding of teeth. When the muscles of the jaw are overworked, it can lead to discomfort that radiates upward, causing tension headaches. The pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can also result in jaw pain that extends into the head, contributing to headaches. 

The Role of Dental Guards in Headache Relief

A woman massaging her temples

Can grinding teeth cause headaches if you wear a dental guard? Custom-made dental guards are widely known as a simple yet effective solution to alleviate the headaches caused by bruxism. These guards, also known as night guards, are specially designed to create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the harmful effects of grinding and clenching. But how do they work, and why are they so effective in providing relief among those who get a headache from grinding teeth?

Cushioning Effect

Why does bruxism cause headaches? Often, they’re caused by the force generated by teeth clenching and grinding. Dental guards act as a cushion that stops the force. This cushioning effect not only protects your teeth but also helps reduce the tension on your jaw muscles and the TMJ. Can grinding teeth cause headaches when there’s protection in place? You’re significantly less likely to experience headaches and other symptoms.

Preventing Tooth Damage

The primary function of dental guards is to protect your teeth from the wear and tear caused by bruxism. By preserving your dental health, they indirectly contribute to headache relief by addressing the root cause of the problem. 

Relaxing Jaw Muscles

Dental guards encourage relaxation of the jaw muscles, as they don't have to constantly engage in clenching and grinding. This relaxation can alleviate the tension that often leads to headaches.

Proper Alignment

Dental guards promote proper alignment of the jaw, which can help alleviate the pressure on the TMJ, reducing the likelihood of jaw pain that contributes to headaches. Can grinding teeth cause headaches even if your jaw is properly aligned? Yes, but they’re much less likely to occur.

Why Choose Custom Dental Guards for Headaches

woman putting a custom nightguard in mouth

While there are over-the-counter dental guards available, they are often not as effective as custom-made options. Custom dental guards offer several advantages that make them the superior choice for addressing bruxism-related headaches.

Precise Fit

Can grinding teeth cause headaches if you wear a store-bought mouthguard? While you may be fortunate to achieve some relief, a custom-fitted night guard is a far more effective solution. After all, why does bruxism cause headaches? Often, they’re caused by misaligned jaws. Therefore, it’s very important that your dental guard fits your dental structure properly.

Custom guards are designed to fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. When it comes to dental guards for headaches, a precise fit is crucial. Ill-fitting over-the-counter guards can be uncomfortable and less effective in preventing teeth clenching and grinding. Custom guards, on the other hand, are tailored to your unique dental structure, ensuring a snug and secure fit.

Can grinding teeth cause headaches if you wear a custom dental guard? While there are no guaranteed solutions, countless people have had incredible results.

Material Quality

The materials used in custom dental guards are of the highest quality. They are not only durable but also comfortable to wear. Over-the-counter guards are often made from generic materials that may not be as durable or comfortable. When you choose custom-made dental guards, you can trust that the materials used are top-notch, providing both longevity and comfort.

Tailored to Your Needs

Bruxism varies in severity from person to person. Can grinding teeth cause headaches that are very mild? Yes, every individual is unique, and bruxism and its associated symptoms can range from mild to severe. 

Some individuals may experience light teeth grinding, while others may have a more serious condition. Custom guards can be specifically designed to suit the severity of your bruxism. This customization ensures that you get the right level of protection, making them highly effective in preventing teeth clenching and grinding.

Why does bruxism cause headaches even though you wear a night guard? You may simply need to choose a new night guard that better suits your unique needs.

Durability

Can grinding teeth cause headaches if your night guard is too flimsy or thin? Yes, quality matters.

Custom guards are built to last. When you invest in dental guards for headaches, you want a long-term solution that provides ongoing relief. Custom guards are crafted with durability in mind, ensuring that they can withstand the forces generated by bruxism over time. This longevity not only protects your dental health but also ensures that you continue to experience headache relief for an extended period.

Shop Custom-Made Dental Guards Now

a woman holding a nightguard

When it comes to obtaining custom-made dental guards for a headache from grinding teeth, Clear Comfort Night Guards stands out as a trusted and reputable provider. We offer a variety of custom night guards to suit your specific needs. 

Can grinding teeth cause headaches if you wear one of our custom night guards? We can’t guarantee relief, but our customers are consistently thrilled with the results. Just check our customer testimonials!

Why choose us? Our dental technicians have years of experience and expertise in crafting custom dental guards. We provide an easy ordering process, affordable prices, and a 45-day trial with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Contact us if you have any questions. Place your order today, and start managing your bruxism-caused headache effectively.

Ana Bagheri, an ambitious entrepreneur, immigrated to the United States in 2015 with a dream of establishing a successful company. With a PhD in business, she decided to pursue her passion for dentistry by attending dental school. From there, she deepened her skills by taking courses and working for various dental labs. In 2019, she opened/registered her own business, and by 2020, Ana’s dental lab was fully launched. The business served dentists by delivering thousands of custom night guards, dentures, crowns, bridges, and other dental appliances. Ana quickly learned that there was a lucrative niche in the market for custom-made night guards - which is when she shifted gears and launched her own website with these offerings in 2023. This strategic move marked the transition from her traditional dental lab to a direct-to-consumer business model. Clear Comfort Night Guards is an LA-based direct-to-consumer dental lab dedicated to making affordable custom night guards with premium medical-grade materials that are handcrafted by skilled dental technicians. The business prides itself on offering top-notch quality, swift turnaround times, and exceptional customer service.


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Clear Comfort Night Guards dental lab is located in Los Angeles County, California. Our lab has been servicing dentists for over 10 years by delivering thousands of perfectly fitted custom night guards, dentures, crowns, bridges, and other dental appliances.

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