Nagging dental problems can be a headache. But sometimes, a trip to your dentist can make your head throb, too. While hard stats on dentist-induced headaches are hard to come by, “getting a headache after dental work or a dental cleaning is not uncommon,” says Alla Al-Habib, MD, a neurologist with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.
The Anxiety Factor: Dental Visits Make You Anxious
Many people have anxiety about going to the dentist. In fact, about 36 percent of people in the U.S. have a fear of dental treatment, per the Cleveland Clinic. This anxiety alone can leave your head throbbing in pain. “Stress and anxiety associated with dental visits can cause tension headaches,” Dr. Al-Habib says.
Poor Sleep, Added Stress
Poor sleep could come into play, too. If anxiety keeps you awake the night before your dentist appointment, that could lead to a tension headache later in the day, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Unconscious Teeth Clenching: A Subtle Culprit
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious during your visit, you may clench your teeth, sometimes without realizing it, per the Mayo Clinic. You may do it while in the waiting room, before the hygienist does your cleaning or once your cleaning or procedure is over. This can “strain your jaw muscles, resulting in a headache,” Dr. Al-Habib says.
Jaw Strain: The Consequence of Holding Wide
When you’re at the dentist, you often have to keep your mouth open wide for long periods of time. But holding this position for a while can strain your jaw and cause the surrounding muscles to spasm, leading to a headache. “The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, and excessive strain on this joint can cause tension headaches,” Dr. Al-Habib says. These headaches often feel like a tight band squeezing around your head, and you might also notice your jaw feels sore or fatigued.
Numbing Meds: The Uncommon Culprit
In rare cases, the numbing medicine dentists use on your mouth before a filling, crown application, or other procedure can cause a headache. Around 2 percent of people get a headache after receiving an oral numbing medicine for dental work, according to a December 2021 review in the Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. These medicines often have ingredients like norepinephrine, which can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure that can cause a headache, Dr. Al-Habib says.
When to See a Doctor About a Headache After Dental Work
You likely don’t need to worry about a brief or mild headache after seeing the dentist. In fact, for some people, even a rough cleaning (like to scrape tartar off your teeth) can cause your gums to hurt, resulting in jaw and head pain. But if your headache lasts a week after dental work (or even just 48 hours), is accompanied by pain, dizziness or vision changes or is interfering with daily activities, Dr. Al-Habib suggests you call your doctor. You may have another issue that needs to be treated.
Understanding why dental visits might trigger headaches empowers you to take proactive steps for a more comfortable experience. From managing anxiety to being mindful of teeth clenching, addressing these factors can make your next dental visit headache-free.
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.