Headaches and oral health aren’t typically mentioned in the same conversation, but there’s a link between your teeth and head pain. If you have a toothache and a headache, you may be experiencing referred pain from tooth decay. Other causes include wisdom teeth complications, teeth grinding, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
You can prevent tooth decay with good dental hygiene, such as getting regular dental exams and cleanings from your dentist. If you’re experiencing a dental concern, such as toothaches and headaches, be sure to talk to your dentist. There are treatments available.
How Teeth & Headaches Are Connected
The relationship between dental health and headaches lies in complex bodily networks involving nerves.
The Trigeminal Nerve
The trigeminal nerve is a large nerve in your head that is responsible for sending sensory information between your face and the brain. On each side of the head, this nerve has three main branches, and it enables you to chew your food. It also gives you sensation in your face, teeth, and gums and is believed to be linked to migraines.
Referred Pain
Referred pain happens when a problem in one part of your body manifests as pain in another. The teeth and the head share nerve pathways, and problems like tooth decay and gum disease can lead to sensations like headache. Some people even seek treatment for migraines or tension headaches without realizing their dental health might be at the root of the issue.
Tooth decay can lead to a dental abscess or tooth infection if it’s not treated promptly. It’s important to seek help for a tooth infection as soon as possible because complications can be serious, even life-threatening. You may have a tooth infection if you experience:
- Extreme toothache
- A bad taste in the mouth and/or bad breath
- Fever
- Pain when eating
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling in the jaw, neck, and gums
If you have a swollen jaw, get medical attention right away, especially if it’s accompanied by a fever or you have difficulty opening your mouth.
You can take steps to prevent tooth decay by:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day
- Wait 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth
- Eating and drinking fewer sugary foods and beverages
- Staying hydrated
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are another common contributor to headaches. These third molars can cause oral health issues as they emerge. If there’s insufficient space in your mouth, your wisdom teeth can become impacted, leading to improper alignment, pressure on neighboring teeth, or even tooth decay.
These complications can manifest as head pain. Sometimes, removing problematic wisdom teeth is necessary, but the surgery itself may also result in headaches. If you think you may require wisdom teeth surgery, discuss pain management options with your dentist.
Other Reasons for Headaches and Toothaches
Although tooth decay is linked to headaches, it’s not always the cause. Other health conditions that may produce similar symptoms include teeth grinding, temporomandibular joint disorder, and sinus infections.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding is another type of referred pain. Symptoms of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, include:
- A dull headache that feels like it’s behind your eyes or around your head
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
- Clicking sounds in your jaw
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Pain in the jaw and shoulder
- Signs of wear on the teeth
Bruxism can be caused by many things, from stress and depression to medication side effects and neurological conditions. Many treatments are available for bruxism depending on the cause, from better sleep hygiene to night guards, physical therapy, and medications.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) happens when the joints connecting your jaw to your skull are not aligned properly. This can result from teeth grinding or jaw injuries. Symptoms of TMD include:
- A headache that begins near your ear and radiates to your jaw, neck, or temples
- Clicking and popping noises when you yawn, chew, or open your mouth
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Sore jaws that may be worse in the morning when you wake up
Treatments for TMD range from practicing how to relax your jaw muscles and using warm or cold compresses to surgery in serious cases. Dentists can help by taking X-rays to better understand the issue, treating dental problems, or referring you to a specialist.
Book an appointment at Belman Dental Centre if you have symptoms of TMD.
Other Conditions
Other conditions that may cause toothache and headache include a sinus infection, trigeminal neuralgia, and cavernous sinus thrombosis, which is a medical emergency. Call your dentist if you have any concerning symptoms.
If you experience toothaches and headaches, getting a proper diagnosis can take time as many causes may be possible. Ask your healthcare provider how to best manage your pain in the meantime. Possible solutions include taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or using cold compresses.
Dental Care at Belman Dental Centre
At Belman Dental Centre, we appreciate how interconnected oral health is with your overall well-being. Our team strives to serve patients in a way that’s positive and empathetic, and we believe in offering long-term solutions. From general dentistry to restorative dentistry and extractions, we want you to feel comfortable and confident in your smile.
If you’re experiencing headaches, toothaches, or other oral health concerns, book an appointment with us today.