Experiencing toothache causing headache is not as uncommon as you might think. The link between tooth pain and a severe headache is often overlooked, but many people suffering from one may experience the other. It is important to understand why toothache can lead to headache pain, the possible causes, and how to address it. Whether it’s a tooth infection, dental problems, or another underlying issue, this connection can be concerning and uncomfortable. This blog’ll explore the relationship between tooth pain and headaches, investigate the causes, and discuss the best treatment options.

Why Does Toothache Cause Headache?

It may seem strange that a toothache could lead to a headache, but the connection is real. The trigeminal nerve, responsible for facial sensations, plays a significant role in this phenomenon. Dental pain, particularly from an infected or abscessed tooth, can lead to referred pain that radiates to other parts of the head, including the temples, eyes, and forehead. This is one of the key reasons a toothache can sometimes feel like a severe headache.

1. The Trigeminal Nerve and Referred Pain

The fifth cranial nerve is the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensations from the face to the brain. It is divided into three branches, which control the upper jaw, lower jaw, and the areas around the eyes and forehead. Because the trigeminal nerve is so widespread, a pain signal from an infected tooth can cause pain to be felt in other areas of the head. This is called pain, which often explains why a headache might accompany a toothache. For expert eye care and support, visit Armadale Eye Clinic to address any concerns related to ocular discomfort and overall eye health.

When the tooth pain becomes severe, particularly from a tooth infection or abscessed tooth, the trigeminal nerve sends pain signals that may manifest as headache pain. For example, if the toothache is on the upper jaw, the pain might radiate to the temple, eyes, or forehead, mimicking a sinus or tension headache.

2. Jaw and Muscle Tension

Another factor that links toothache to headache is tension in your jaw muscles. When you have tooth pain, especially from tooth decay or gum disease, you may unknowingly start clenching or grinding your teeth, a condition known as bruxism. This creates pressure on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to headache pain.

Toothache and headache can often be intertwined with TMJ disorders. These disorders cause pain in the jaw muscles that can spread to the head, neck, and even the ears. The constant tension in your jaw muscles can lead to tension headaches, which are often felt as a dull, persistent ache around the head or neck.

3. Sinus Pressure and Infections

The sinuses are very close to the upper teeth, especially the molars. A tooth infection can sometimes affect the sinus cavity, especially if there’s an issue with the upper teeth or impacted wisdom teeth. An infection in the upper jaw can lead to sinusitis (a sinus infection), causing pain in the sinuses, which may also feel like a headache. Sinus infections can lead to throbbing pain, which is similar to the discomfort caused by a toothache.

Common Causes of Toothache Leading to Headache

Several conditions may cause a toothache, causing a headache. Let’s explore the common causes in more detail:

1. Tooth Infection

One of the most common causes of toothache-related headaches is a tooth infection. A tooth infection, such as an abscessed tooth, occurs when bacteria enter the tooth pulp and cause inflammation. This infection can lead to intense tooth pain, and the pain signals can travel through the trigeminal nerve and manifest as a severe headache. The infection may also cause other symptoms, such as gum disease, swelling, and tenderness around the affected tooth.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease (or periodontal disease) can also cause a toothache that causes a headache. When the gums are infected or inflamed, they can create tension in the jaw and lead to referred pain. Gum disease can also weaken the support of the teeth, causing pain in the affected areas that may radiate to other parts of the head.

3. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

People who suffer from teeth grinding (known as bruxism) often experience tooth pain and headache pain. Teeth grinding is commonly caused by stress or misaligned teeth and can put excessive pressure on the teeth and jaw, leading to tooth sensitivity and headaches. Clenching or grinding your teeth at night, while sleeping, or during the day can lead to tension in the jaw muscles, resulting in headaches and toothache symptoms.

4. TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders occur when there is an issue with the jaw joint, often causing pain in the jaw, face, neck, and head. A toothache and headache can occur simultaneously if the tooth pain is related to TMJ dysfunction. The jaw muscles and nerves are interconnected, and dysfunction in the jaw can lead to referred pain in both the tooth and the head.

5. Sinus Infection

A sinus infection can sometimes cause pain in the upper teeth, particularly if the infection is located near the maxillary sinus. The sinus infection can cause pressure and pain in the sinuses, which may feel like a headache or tooth pain. This can be especially problematic if you have an underlying tooth infection, as both can exacerbate each other.

6. Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess is a severe infection that affects the tooth’s root and can cause severe tooth pain and headaches. The abscess can lead to a swollen, painful area around the tooth, and the infection can spread to nearby tissues, causing pain to radiate to the head, face, or jaw. In some cases, an untreated tooth abscess can lead to more serious health complications, so it is important to seek treatment promptly.

7. Cracked or Broken Tooth

A cracked tooth can cause sharp pain when chewing or exposure to extreme temperatures. If the cracked tooth affects the nerve endings in the tooth pulp, it can lead to toothache and headache symptoms. The pain from a broken tooth may radiate to other areas of the head, causing headache pain to spread.

Symptoms to Look Out For

If you are experiencing toothache causing headache, it’s important to watch for the following symptoms that can help identify the cause:

• Throbbing or severe pain in the affected tooth and surrounding areas
• Headache symptoms, such as pain around the temples, forehead, or eyes
• Swelling or painful tenderness around the affected tooth
• Jaw pain or tension caused by grinding or clenching teeth
• Difficulty chewing or a sensation of discomfort in the mouth
• Sinus pressure or pain around the eyes and upper jaw

If you notice any of these symptoms, seeking professional dental care to address tooth and headache pain is important.

Treatment for Toothache and Headache

The treatment for toothache causing headache will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Some options for treatment include:

1. Visit Your Dentist

If your toothache is causing headache pain, it’s important to visit a dental professional who can identify the source of the issue. Your dentist in Chatswood at Boutique Dental Care clinic may recommend a root canal, cavity filling, or gum disease treatment depending on the diagnosis. Antibiotic or tooth abscess treatment may be necessary if the pain is related to a tooth infection.

2. Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can temporarily alleviate tooth and headache pain. However, they should be used in conjunction with professional treatment.

3. Teeth Grinding Treatment

If teeth grinding is causing your headache and tooth pain, your dentist may recommend a mouthguard to prevent damage to the teeth and relieve pressure on the jaw muscles.

4. Addressing TMJ Disorders

Suppose TMJ disorders are contributing to the pain. In that case, your dentist may refer you to a specialist who can provide treatment options such as physical therapy, mouth splints, or stress management techniques.

5. Sinus Treatment

If the pain is caused by a sinus infection, treating the sinus infection with decongestants, saline nasal sprays, or antibiotics can help alleviate both the headache and tooth pain.

6. Antibiotics for Infections

If you have a tooth infection or abscessed tooth, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

Conclusion

Toothache causing headache is a real and common issue many people face, and it’s important to understand the causes and symptoms to get the proper treatment. Whether the pain is caused by tooth infections, TMJ disorders, or teeth grinding, seeking treatment from a dental professional is key to relieving both the tooth pain and the accompanying headache pain. Don’t ignore the symptoms; timely treatment can help prevent further complications and improve your overall dental health. Always maintain good oral health and visit your Maroondah Dental Care dentist in Croydon, VIC regularly to avoid potential dental problems that could lead to headaches and other related issues.

References

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache#:~:text=Toothache%20occurs%20from%20inflammation%20of,have%20symptoms%20of%20a%20toothache.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toothache/