Headaches and facial pain · Sandgate, North Brisbane
Headaches and Facial Pain Linked to the Jaw
Recurring headaches, facial pain and neck pain are sometimes connected to the jaw joints, the jaw muscles or night-time clenching and grinding. We look at how these areas work together to help work out whether the jaw is playing a part.
- Adults and children
- Non-surgical options
- We work with your GP
- No referral needed to book
Headaches have many causes
We look at whether the jaw is involved, and may suggest seeing your GP as well.
How we assess →Craniofacial pain
Head and facial pain we assess
Craniofacial pain is a complex and often misunderstood area. Many patients first come to us for jaw problems, but their symptoms can be part of a wider pattern of head, face and neck pain.
Primary headaches
Including migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches.
Facial pain
Pain around the face, temples or jaw, including facial neuralgias.
Musculoskeletal pain
Pain and tightness in the jaw, face and neck muscles.
TMJ pain and dysfunction
Pain, clicking or limited movement in the jaw joints.
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Pain on waking
Waking with jaw ache, facial tightness or head pain.
A combination
Many people have more than one of the above at the same time.
Why see us about headaches?
How the jaw can be involved
Clenching and grinding (bruxism) place extra load on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, which can lead to pain in the jaw, head, face and neck.
Bruxism is common, but it is not normal. One cause that is often overlooked is sleep-related breathing problems, so we consider sleep as part of the picture.
Clenching and grinding
Repeated strain from bruxism can tire the jaw muscles and contribute to head and facial pain.
Teeth grinding →Sleep and breathing
Night-time grinding may be linked to how you breathe during sleep, which is worth checking.
Snoring →Other causes considered
Headaches and facial pain have many possible causes. We may suggest seeing your GP, and refer when another professional is better placed to help.
Your assessment
What to expect at your appointment
We aim to understand the cause before discussing any options.
Your history
Where your pain is, when it happens, what makes it better or worse, and any treatment so far.
Examination
We examine jaw movement, the jaw joints, the jaw and neck muscles, your bite and your teeth.
Imaging when indicated
A 3D CBCT scan may be used to look at the jaw joints when it is clinically indicated.
Next steps
We explain what we found and the options that may help, including referral to your GP or another professional.
When to seek urgent medical care
Call 000 or seek urgent medical care for jaw or facial pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or pain spreading to the arm, or for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing.
Who you will see
Assessment with Dr Andrew Bachour
Dr Andrew Bachour has advanced training in treating chronic pain of the head and neck, including primary headaches and migraines, and in sleep-related breathing disorders.
Meet Dr Andrew Bachour
Dr Andrew Bachour
Principal Dentist
BDSc (Hons, UQ). Master's degrees in Sleep Medicine and in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics. General dentist registered with Ahpra (DEN0000972458).
Questions
Headache and facial pain questions
Can jaw problems cause headaches?
Sometimes. Strain on the jaw joint and muscles, including from clenching or grinding, can contribute to pain in the jaw, head, face and neck. Headaches have many possible causes, so we may also suggest seeing your GP.
What is craniofacial pain?
Craniofacial pain is a broad term for pain in the head, face and jaw. It can show up as chronic head and facial pain, recurring headaches, migraines, jaw discomfort and neck pain.
Should I see my GP as well?
Yes, it is a good idea. Headaches and facial pain can have many causes, and we work alongside your GP and refer when another professional is better placed to help.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book an assessment without a referral by calling (07) 3269 2064.
Can you guarantee my headaches will stop?
No. Results vary. Our aim is to understand whether the jaw is playing a part and to discuss options that may help.
Wondering if your headaches relate to your jaw?
Call our Sandgate clinic to book an assessment with Dr Andrew Bachour.