The Hidden Cause of Headaches That Many People Don't Suspect

Morning headaches, a feeling of a "clenched" jaw, and characteristic clicks when opening the mouth may indicate not just fatigue or stress. Russian orthodontic specialist Irina Kornilina warns that the true cause may be hidden in wisdom teeth, which can disrupt the entire balance of the jaw system.

Wisdom teeth - third molars that erupt last, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Due to the evolutionary reduction in the jaw of modern humans, they often lack space for proper growth. As a result, they can tilt, press against adjacent teeth, or remain inside the gum, causing serious consequences even without visible symptoms.

"Many patients don't even suspect that their headaches, clicks when opening the mouth, nighttime teeth grinding - these are consequences of hidden pathology in wisdom teeth growth," explains the leading Russian orthodontist.

From the perspective of modern dentistry, wisdom teeth represent not just "extra" teeth, but a potential source of serious bite disorders, jaw position issues, and imbalance of the entire facial muscle system.

"Incorrect positioning of wisdom teeth disrupts the harmony of the entire dental system, which, in turn, affects posture, sleep quality, and even the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract," emphasizes the expert.

The masticatory muscles begin to work with overload, tension develops in the temples and neck area, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) may develop. This is accompanied by crunching, clicking, pain, and limitation of jaw movements.

An interdisciplinary approach becomes particularly important in treatment: orthodontists work in close cooperation with therapists, orthopedists, and ENT doctors. Such teamwork allows not just to eliminate external symptoms, but to more deeply understand and address the root cause, especially in complex cases with pain syndromes and joint dysfunction.

Even if wisdom teeth don't hurt, warning signs may include: frequent headaches; tension in the temples and jaw; feeling of "stiffness" when opening the mouth; nocturnal bruxism (involuntary teeth grinding); crowding of front teeth; pain in the neck and shoulder girdle.

In such cases, a panoramic X-ray (OPG) or computed tomography should be done to assess the position of wisdom teeth and the degree of their influence on adjacent teeth.

Removal of wisdom teeth is an individual matter. If they grow properly, don't interfere with the bite, and don't cause inflammation, they can be left in place. But if the "eights" are dystopic (improperly positioned, for example growing at an angle to other teeth) or impacted (not fully erupted and remaining partially or completely in the gum), an orthodontist may recommend their removal - especially before starting orthodontic treatment.

"We don't remove wisdom teeth 'just in case,' but if they become an obstacle to a stable result - their removal is justified. Our task is not just to straighten teeth, but to create a stable, functional system for life," emphasizes the specialist.