Approximately one in eight Americans suffer from headaches. Experts estimate that 75 percent of all headaches are caused by muscle tension, which may be related to the bite. Headaches also can be caused by clenching jaw muscles for long periods of time. Signs that may indicate a headache of dental origin include:

• Pain behind the eyes
• Sore jaw muscles or "tired" muscles upon awaking
• Teeth grinding
• Clicking or popping jaw joints
• Head and/or scalp is painful to the touch
• Earaches or ringing in the ears
• Neck, shoulder or back pain

• Dizziness

Updated: November 2008