Many conditions can cause jaw pain and headache. According to the American Academy of Head Neck and Facial Pain, or AAHNFP, approximately 1 in 8 Americans suffer recurring headaches that are severe enough to impair or prevent their activities of daily living. In some cases, headaches are caused by jaw conditions. Numerous structures within the jaw -- including teeth, bone and ligaments -- can generate simultaneous jaw pain and headache.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common cause of jaw pain and headache. According to the KidsHealth website, 20 to 30 percent of children grind or clench their teeth, although most kids outgrow this behavior. Some adults, especially adults experiencing significant stress, grind or clench their teeth, usually at night. KidsHealth states that many cases of bruxism go undetected and cause no adverse effects. In some cases, however, bruxism can cause jaw pain, headaches or ear aches. The sounds associated with bruxism may be bothersome to other family members too. In more severe and chronic cases, nighttime teeth grinding or clenching can wear down a person's tooth enamel, chip teeth, increase a person's tooth temperature sensitivity and cause extreme facial pain. According to KidsHealth, it's important to treat the underlying cause of bruxism.
TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, disorders can cause chronic jaw pain and headaches. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, or NIDCR, states that TMJ disorders or disorders of the jaw joint and chewing muscles fall into three categories: pain in the muscles that control jaw function, internal damage or derangement of the TMJ and arthritic conditions. According to the NIDCR, it is common for a person with TMJ problems to have more than one of these disorders. Common signs and symptoms associated with TMJ disorders include headaches, pain that radiates from the jaw into the face or neck, jaw muscle stiffness, decreased jaw joint range of motion and clicking, popping or grating of the jaw during mouth opening or closing. A person with a TMJ disorder may also notice a change in his bite or the way his upper and lower teeth fit together.
Head and Face Trauma
Head and face trauma can cause simultaneous jaw pain and headache, depending on the severity of the injury and structures involved. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a head injury is any trauma that causes scalp, skull or brain injury. In some cases, head trauma is accompanied by face trauma, such as a broken or dislocated jaw. Among the most common causes of head and face trauma are motor vehicle accidents, falls and physical assault, along with accidents that occur at home, work, outdoors or during sports. Common signs and symptoms associated with head and face trauma include jaw pain, headaches, distorted facial features, skull fractures, facial bruising and swelling, impaired vision or hearing, irritability, clumsiness, slurred speech, blurred vision and a stiff neck. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that spinal cord injuries may also accompany head and face trauma.
