31 Strange Causes of Headaches That Have Nothing to Do With Dehydration

21. Clenching Your Jaw: The Unnoticed Tension

Young hispanic woman standing outdoors feeling toothache holding hand on cheek jaw has dental. Photo Credit: Envato @jm_video

Many people unknowingly clench their jaw or grind their teeth at night—a condition called bruxism. This creates tension in the jaw muscles, leading to tightness in the head and neck, which can trigger persistent headaches. Bruxism is often linked to stress and anxiety, but it can also be a result of misaligned teeth or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction. Using a nightguard, practicing jaw relaxation exercises, and avoiding excessive gum chewing can help relieve tension and prevent jaw-related headaches.

BACK
(21 of 33)
NEXT
BACK
(21 of 33)
NEXT

MORE FROM HealthPrep

    MORE FROM HealthPrep

      OpenAI Playground 2025-05-13 at 10.55.45.png

      MORE FROM HealthPrep