Can a Toothache Cause a Headache? Let’s Unpack the Connection

A nagging toothache is frustrating enough, but what happens when that tooth pain begins radiating through your jaw, into your temple, or behind your eye? You may be wondering: can a toothache cause a headache? The answer is yes, and the relationship between dental issues and headaches is more intertwined than you might think.

This article explores the different ways toothaches and headaches are linked, the causes behind them, and what you can do to find relief. If you’re struggling with both tooth and head pain, understanding this connection can be the first step toward effective treatment.

How Are Toothaches and Headaches Connected?

To understand the link, it helps to look at how our nerves work. One of the main culprits is the trigeminal nerve, which controls sensation in your face, including your teeth, jaw, and eyes. Since this nerve has branches across your face and into your skull, dental pain can sometimes be felt as a headache.

This is known as referred pain, where discomfort in one part of the body is felt in another. So when your tooth is inflamed or infected, it can trigger headaches, particularly tension headaches or severe headaches that radiate from the jaw or behind the eyes.

Common Dental Issues That May Cause Headaches

Let’s explore specific dental problems that can cause headaches or worsen head pain.

1. Tooth Infection or Abscess

A tooth infection—especially an abscessed tooth—can lead to throbbing pain in your tooth, jaw, and temple. An abscessed tooth occurs when a bacterial infection creates a pocket of pus near the root, often causing severe tooth pain. This pain can travel through the trigeminal nerve and result in a severe headache.

If the infection spreads, it may lead to serious medical complications, such as cavernous sinus thrombosis, a rare but life-threatening condition involving blood clots in the cavernous sinus (a large vein at the base of the brain).

2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth often grow sideways or get stuck under the gum. This can cause jaw pain, swelling, and frequent headaches. Pressure on the surrounding jaw muscles or nerves can lead to persistent headache pain, especially if inflammation spreads to nearby tissues.

3. Teeth Grinding and Jaw Disorders

Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ or TMD) can put pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull. This pressure causes tension in the jaw and temples, resulting in tension headaches or even migraines.

Temporomandibular joint disorder is often associated with symptoms like clicking when opening the mouth, jaw locking, and facial and eye movements becoming painful.

4. Tooth Decay and Cracked Teeth

While not always as dramatic as an abscess, untreated tooth decay, cracked teeth, or a cracked tooth can expose nerve endings, triggering both tooth pain and head pain. The discomfort may seem mild at first, but can become increasingly intense, especially when chewing or exposed to cold.

 

 

Sinus Infections and Toothaches: Another Confusing Overlap

Sometimes the connection runs in the opposite direction. Sinus infections—especially those affecting the upper sinuses—can cause pressure on your upper teeth, mimicking a toothache. This kind of sinus pressure can also lead to a sinus headache, creating confusion about the root cause of your pain.

If you’re experiencing discomfort in your upper or lower jaw alongside congestion or facial tenderness, a sinus infection might be to blame.

How to Know If Your Headache Is Dental-Related

It’s not always easy to tell whether your headache is coming from a dental issue or something else. However, here are a few signs that your toothache and headache are connected:

• You feel throbbing pain that starts in a tooth and spreads to your jaw, temple, or ear
• The headache worsens when you chew, bite down, or apply pressure to a tooth
• You have jaw pain or tightness, particularly upon waking
• There are visible signs of dental issues, like gum tenderness, swelling, or tooth sensitivity
• You’ve had recent dental infections, trauma, or untreated tooth decay

When both a toothache and a headache appear together repeatedly, they may share the same cause.

When to Seek Help

It’s tempting to ignore the occasional headache or wait out a mild toothache, but untreated dental issues can lead to serious problems. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s best to consult a dental professional or medical provider:

• Persistent pain in your jaw or temple
• Signs of a tooth infection, like swelling, pus, or fever
• Pain that interferes with sleep or daily life
• A severe headache that comes on suddenly
• Symptoms that worsen over time

Even if the symptoms seem mild, catching symptoms early can prevent complications and preserve your dental health.

How a Dentist Can Help

If your dentist suspects your toothache and headache are related, they’ll examine your teeth, gums, and bite. Possible treatments might include:

• A root canal for an abscessed tooth
• Tooth extraction for impacted wisdom teeth
• Night guards to manage teeth grinding
• TMJ therapy to relieve jaw pain and improve oral health
• Treatment for gum disease or infections

Prompt treatment of dental problems not only relieves pain but also helps restore a healthy smile.

Home Remedies for Short-Term Relief

While waiting for professional care, here are a few things you can try at home to ease the pain:

• Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
• Rinse with warm salt water to reduce swelling
• Avoid chewing on the affected side
• Practice relaxation techniques if tension headaches are involved

Remember, these are only short-term solutions. Long-lasting relief requires addressing the root cause.

Preventing Future Toothaches and Headaches

Good dental habits can go a long way in preventing toothaches and headaches linked to dental issues. Here are some simple steps:

• Brush and floss daily to reduce the risk of tooth decay
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams
• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
• Avoid chewing ice or hard objects that can cause cracked teeth
• Maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent gum disease and mouth infections

Protecting your oral health doesn’t just prevent cavities; it may also help reduce frequent headaches and other discomforts.

Final Thoughts

So, can a toothache cause a headache? Absolutely. The mouth and head are intricately connected through nerves and tissues. An abscessed tooth, an impacted wisdom tooth, or even chronic teeth grinding can all trigger headaches or intensify existing ones.

If you’re suffering from both tooth and head pain, don’t wait to get help. Seeking care from a dental professional can uncover the underlying issue and guide you toward lasting relief. Your comfort, health, and peace of mind begin with a clear diagnosis and a little help from your trusted dentist.

References:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/link-between-toothache-and-headache-4590314

https://www.oral-b.co.in/en-in/oral-health/conditions/teeth-sensitivity/does-toothache-trigger-headaches

https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/migraine-tooth-pain

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/can-a-migraine-and-tooth-pain-be-related