31 Strange Causes of Headaches That Have Nothing to Do With Dehydration
25. Excessive or Vigorous Chewing

Constantly chewing gum, gnawing on pen caps, or eating very tough or chewy foods can overwork your jaw muscles and contribute to tension headaches. This repetitive motion puts strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles, leading to fatigue and pain that can radiate to your temples and forehead. If you suspect this is a trigger, try limiting gum chewing, opting for softer foods when possible, and consciously relaxing your jaw throughout the day.