Reviewed by Dr. Jared Nabeta, General Dentist (DDS)
Many people experiencing frequent head pain automatically assume they are suffering from migraines. However, not all head pain is neurological. Bruxism, ongoing clenching or grinding of the teeth, is a common but often overlooked cause of headache that can closely mimic migraine headache symptoms.
Bruxism headaches are typically muscular in origin. They develop from sustained overactivity of the masseter and temporalis muscles, which are responsible for chewing and jaw movement. When these muscles remain tense for prolonged periods, especially during sleep, they can trigger pain that radiates into the temples, forehead, ears, and even the neck.
Unlike migraines, bruxism headaches usually do not involve nausea, vomiting, or significant sensitivity to light and sound. The pain is often described as dull, aching pressure rather than throbbing. One key distinguishing feature is that pain increases with jaw movement, chewing, or clenching. Pressing on the jaw muscles may reproduce symptoms.
Migraine headaches, in contrast, are a neurological disorder. Migraine headache symptoms typically include moderate to severe throbbing pain, often one-sided, accompanied by nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. Migraines may last 4 to 72 hours and can be disabling.
Treatment approaches differ significantly. Bruxism treatment focuses on reducing muscle overactivity. Night guards may protect teeth, but they do not stop clenching force.
Some patients have both migraine and bruxism patterns. In these mixed cases, addressing both the neurological and muscular components is essential for complete migraine care.
Accurate diagnosis ensures patients receive the right treatment for migraines or bruxism-related pain rather than ineffective remedies. If headaches are accompanied by jaw tension or dental wear, bruxism may be contributing to the problem.
If you live in Burlington, Ontario and experience morning headaches with jaw tension, bruxism may be contributing to your migraine symptoms.
To book a consultation, call Nabeta Dentistry at (905) 639-6701 or request an appointment online at NabetaDentistry.com/appointment-request. Dr. Jared Nabeta, General Dentist, assesses jaw pain and TMD, including headache related to TMD. Treatment for migraine is offered only for migraine diagnosed by a physician, alongside the patient’s physician. Read about jaw clenching and TMD assessment at our Burlington office.