Dull headache at my temples on waking
You wake up and both temples ache. The pain is dull rather than sharp, and it sits just above and in front of your ears. It often eases over the next hour or two.
The main muscle you chew with runs right through that spot. If you clench or grind your teeth in your sleep, that muscle works all night. By morning it can feel tired and sore, much like a leg after a long walk.
Most people who grind have no idea they do it. A partner may hear it, or your jaw may feel tight when you first get up. Stress, broken sleep, alcohol, snoring, and some medicines are all linked to it.
When to see someone
See a doctor the same day if the headache comes on fast and hard, or brings fever, a stiff neck, or blurred vision. Book a visit if it grows worse over weeks, wakes you at night, or comes with weakness or numbness. See a dentist if your jaw locks, clicks, or hurts, or if your teeth feel loose, sore, or worn.
Below is a list of remedies people use for teeth grinding. Each one carries a grade for how strong the proof behind it is, with low grades meaning thin or mixed evidence. A grade is not advice, so talk with your dentist or doctor first.
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