Headaches and toothaches: both are incredibly common, and sometimes, they even seem to happen at the same time. But how do you know if a throbbing tooth is the real headache cause, or just a coincidence?
It’s definitely possible for dental problems to trigger headaches. When your oral health suffers, inflammation of blood vessels and nerve irritation can spread pain beyond your mouth.
This article will explore the connection between headaches and toothaches. We’ll look at potential causes and offer solutions to help you figure out what’s going on and how to find relief. It’s not always easy to tell whether your headache cause is actually toothache, but this guide should help you find answers.
The trigeminal nerve and referred pain
Toothaches can sometimes trigger headaches because the trigeminal nerve connects your teeth to your face and head. Irritation or inflammation of this nerve can cause what’s known as referred pain.
The role of the trigeminal nerve
The trigeminal nerve is a major cranial nerve responsible for sensation in your face and for motor functions like biting and chewing. Because this nerve branches out across much of your head, face, and jaw, pain in one area can be felt in another.
Understanding referred pain
Referred pain is when you feel pain in a location that’s different from the actual source. For example, pain from a tooth abscess can radiate to your ear, your jaw, or even your temple, mimicking a headache.
How dental problems can cause headaches
Sometimes, a headache can be caused by a problem that starts in your mouth. Here’s how dental issues can trigger head pain:
Common dental issues
Cavities and tooth decay can cause infections that spread pain to other parts of your head. Gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, can do the same thing.
If you have a cracked or damaged tooth, the underlying dental issue can irritate the nerve in the tooth, causing what’s known as referred pain in your head.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
TMJ disorders involve misaligned jaw joints or problems with the muscles surrounding the jaw. This misalignment can lead to headaches, along with jaw pain and clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, puts a lot of strain on your jaw muscles, and that strain can radiate to your head, causing tension headaches. It can also cause pain in your teeth.
Sinus Infections and Dental Pain
Your sinuses are very close to your upper teeth. The maxillary sinuses, in particular, sit right above the roots of your upper back teeth. Because of this proximity, sinus infections can sometimes feel like toothaches, and toothaches can sometimes feel like sinus infections!
When your sinuses are inflamed, the pressure can radiate to your teeth, especially your upper molars. But oral infections can also spread to the sinuses.
It’s important to figure out whether the pain is coming from a sinus infection or a real dental problem so you can get the right treatment. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor or dentist.
Recognizing the Signs: Differentiating Dental Headaches
If you’re experiencing a headache and are trying to figure out if it’s related to a dental issue, here are some things to consider:
Localized Pain and Sensitivity
Dental headaches tend to cause pain around the jaw, temple, or mouth. You may also have jaw pain, facial pain, tooth sensitivity, TMJ issues, and dental pain that seems to be happening at the same time as your headache.
If your teeth feel especially sensitive to heat, cold, or pressure, it’s possible your headache is related to a dental problem. See a dentist to get it checked out.
Identifying TMJ and Bruxism-Related Symptoms
If you have jaw pain, clicking, or popping sounds in your jaw joint, it could be a sign of TMJ disorder.
Morning headaches and jaw stiffness are common symptoms of bruxism or teeth grinding.
Dental Pain Synchrony
If your headache gets worse when you bite down or clench your jaw, it’s worth exploring whether a dental issue is to blame.
Clenching or grinding your teeth can make both tooth and head pain feel worse.
When to Seek Immediate Care: Emergency Warning Signs
Sometimes, a headache and toothache combo is a sign of something serious. Don’t wait to see a doctor or dentist if you experience:
- Severe, unbearable pain
- Significant facial swelling, which could mean a serious infection
- High fever
- Breathing difficulties
- Sudden confusion
In rare cases, dental infections can lead to cavernous sinus thrombosis, a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Management and Treatment Options
The best way to deal with a headache and toothache combo is to treat the underlying cause. Here are some options you can try, beginning at home.
Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
For mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can often take the edge off. You can also try applying a cold compress to the painful area, whether it’s your face, jaw, or forehead.
Professional Dental Treatments
If a cavity or infection is to blame, your dentist might recommend a filling or root canal. For bruxism, a night guard can protect your teeth while you sleep. If TMJ is causing the pain, TMJ therapy might be in order.
Medical Interventions
If you have a sinus infection or dental abscess, your doctor or dentist might prescribe antibiotics. In cases of severe nerve pain like trigeminal neuralgia, neurological interventions might be necessary.
How to prevent dental headaches
Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid these types of headaches.
- Brush and floss every day. Good dental hygiene is the first line of defense.
- See your dentist twice a year. Regular checkups can prevent problems or catch them early.
- Wear a mouthguard. If you grind your teeth, a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect you.
- Reduce stress. Stress can make you clench your jaw and grind your teeth, so find ways to manage your stress.
In Summary
The link between your dental health and headaches is easy to miss, but it’s important for effective pain management. A problem with your teeth or jaw could be the reason you’re experiencing head pain.
That’s why it’s so important to see a dentist or other healthcare professional as soon as you can to find out what’s causing your tooth and head pain. And by taking good care of your teeth and gums, managing stress, and keeping up with regular dental appointments, you can prevent dental problems from turning into headaches.
If you’re dealing with tooth and head pain, a dentist can help you figure out the cause. Sometimes, you may also need to see a doctor or other healthcare provider to get the right diagnosis and treatment.