Headaches and Facial Pain

Headaches and facial pain can feel different for everyone — from a constant dull ache to sharper, more focused discomfort. It’s often felt around the jaw, temples, behind the eyes, or even into the neck and shoulders. You may also notice it worsens when chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth wide. These patterns can sometimes point to a jaw or dental-related cause, which is why the location and timing of the pain are so important.

We usually start by talking through your symptoms in detail, along with your medical and lifestyle history. A clinical examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw joints helps us look for signs of grinding, strain, or imbalance. If needed, we may use X-rays or 3D imaging to get a clearer picture. This helps us identify whether the issue is dental, muscular, or related to the jaw joint (TMJ), so we can guide you appropriately.

Treatment depends entirely on what’s driving your symptoms. This may include a custom night guard, bite adjustments, or simple changes to reduce clenching and grinding. Some patients also benefit from jaw exercises, stress management strategies, or supportive therapies to ease muscle tension. Often, a combination of approaches gives the correct long-term relief.

Yes — especially if your symptoms are severe, sudden, or come with things like vision changes, dizziness, or other neurological signs. Your GP can help rule out non-dental causes such as migraines or sinus-related issues. Working together allows for a more complete understanding of your symptoms. If you’re unsure, we can assess this during your visit and guide you through the most appropriate options.