Does clenching your teeth give you headaches?

Answer 1

It absolutely can! Your 4 muscles of mastication (chewing) are the masseter, medial and lateral pterygoids, and the temporalis muscle. Clenching uses the actions of the masseter, medial pterygoid and the temporalis to close the jaw. These muscles can become tender and strained with excessive clenching. Grinding (a protrusive or side to side motion) would be achieved by the lateral pterygoid, which attaches directly to the disc within your TMJ. TMJ pain can be referred to the head and neck as well. I hope that helps!