Toothaches are more than just a source of discomfort. They can be far-reaching, sometimes causing unexpected issues like headaches. Many patients wonder whether their toothache could be responsible for the headaches they experience. This blog post explains how a toothache can indeed lead to a headache and explores the relationship between the two, as explained by Cranebrook dentists. Learn more about maintaining oral health with our top oral care tips in Marsden Park.

What Is a Toothache, and How Can It Affect Your Head?

A toothache is any pain or discomfort that originates in or around a tooth. It is often caused by an underlying issue such as tooth decay, infection, or damage to the tooth structure. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing, sometimes extending to the surrounding areas, including the jaw and head.

The connection between a toothache and a headache lies in how pain can be referred from one part of the body to another. Referred pain occurs when pain in one area of the body is felt in a different area. When a toothache is severe, it can trigger headaches, especially when the pain affects the nerves in the jaw and face, which are closely linked to those in the head. Regular dental visits can help identify issues early; explore our check-up and clean services in Marsden Park.

How Can a Toothache Lead to Different Types of Headaches?

Tooth pain doesn’t always stay localised to the area around the tooth. In some cases, it radiates outward, affecting other parts of the head. Different types of headaches can occur as a result:

• Tension Headaches: These are the most common type of headache linked to toothaches. The pain typically feels like a tight band around the head and can be exacerbated by jaw clenching or teeth grinding, both of which can be caused by dental problems.
• Sinus Headaches: An infection or inflammation in the upper teeth or gums can also affect the sinus cavities, leading to sinus headaches. This is particularly common when there is an abscess or infection in the upper teeth that is near the sinuses. Read more about sinus infections and dental issues.
• Referred Pain: Sometimes, tooth pain can lead to headaches simply because of how the brain processes pain signals. The brain may interpret the signals from the teeth as coming from the head, leading to discomfort in the forehead, temples, or even the neck.
• Migraines: Though less common, migraines can be triggered by severe dental issues, especially if the tooth pain is chronic or linked to conditions such as TMJ disorders.

What Are the Main Causes of Toothaches That Could Trigger a Headache?

Several dental conditions can lead to a toothache, and in turn, cause headaches. Below are some of the most common causes:

• Tooth Infection (Abscess): An untreated cavity or dental infection can lead to the development of an abscess. This infection in the tooth or gums can cause throbbing pain that spreads to the head.
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Teeth grinding or clenching, often caused by stress or misaligned teeth, puts pressure on the teeth and jaw, leading to both tooth pain and tension headaches.
• TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders: The temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull, can cause severe pain if it is misaligned or injured. This pain can radiate from the jaw to the head, leading to headaches. Learn about TMJ symptoms and relief.
• Sinus Infections: Dental problems in the upper teeth can impact the sinuses, particularly if the teeth roots are close to the sinus cavities. A sinus infection can lead to pain in the teeth as well as a headache.
• Tooth Decay: The buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth can lead to tooth decay, which can trigger a toothache. In some cases, the pain from decay can radiate to the head, especially if it affects the nerves. Discover our restorative dentistry services in Marsden Park for cavity treatment.

Is Tooth Pain Always Connected to a Headache?

Not every toothache leads to a headache. The type and severity of tooth pain play a large role in whether a headache will develop. Minor toothaches caused by sensitivity to hot or cold typically don’t lead to headaches. However, more severe or chronic pain, such as that caused by an abscess, TMJ disorder, or bruxism, is much more likely to cause a headache. For professional cleanings to prevent decay, check out comprehensive teeth cleaning.

What Other Symptoms Should You Look Out for in Case of a Toothache-Headache Connection?

If you experience both a toothache and a headache, it is important to be aware of other symptoms that might suggest a connection:

• Pain radiating from the tooth to the head: If the pain moves from the tooth to the forehead or temples, it could indicate that the toothache is causing the headache.
• Jaw pain: Toothaches are often accompanied by jaw pain or discomfort, particularly when chewing or speaking.
• Stiffness in the neck: Tension headaches caused by dental issues can result in a stiff or sore neck.
• Swelling around the tooth: Swelling in the gums or around the tooth can be a sign of infection, which could cause a headache. Learn about treating gum swelling.

When Should You Visit a Cranebrook Dentist for a Toothache-Related Headache?

If you are experiencing a toothache that is accompanied by a headache, it is important to visit a dentist. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to further complications, including the spread of infection or the worsening of a dental issue.

You should visit a dentist in the following situations:

• If the tooth pain persists for more than a few days.
• If the headache is severe or doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• If you experience swelling around the tooth or face.
• If you suspect you have a dental infection (abscess).
• If the tooth pain is affecting your ability to eat or speak properly.

Regular check-ups can prevent these issues. Read why Marsden Park residents need regular dental check-ups.

Can Treating Your Toothache Relieve the Headaches?

Yes, treating the underlying cause of the toothache often provides relief from the headaches. For example, treating a dental infection with antibiotics or draining an abscess can alleviate the pain and, in turn, reduce the headaches. Similarly, addressing teeth grinding through the use of mouthguards or treating TMJ disorder can stop the cycle of pain that leads to headaches. Explore our orthodontics services in Marsden Park for TMJ and bruxism solutions.

M&M Dental Care: Your Partner in Dental Health

At M&M Dental Care in Marsden Park, we offer comprehensive dental treatments to address the root causes of tooth-related headaches. Whether you’re dealing with a cavity, TMJ disorder, or bruxism, our team can help you find relief from both your tooth pain and headaches. Contact us today for a consultation to learn how we can assist with your dental and headache pain. Schedule your visit via our contact page in Marsden Park.

References

• Australian Dental Association (ADA) – www.ada.org.au
• “Referred Pain from Dental Problems” – Journal of Pain Research, 2021
• “The Connection Between Teeth and Headaches” – Australian Dental Journal, 2020

FAQs

1. Can a tooth abscess cause a headache?
   Yes, an untreated tooth abscess can lead to referred pain, which may result in a headache. The infection can spread and cause inflammation, affecting both the tooth and surrounding areas, including the head.
2. How do I know if my tooth pain is causing a headache or if it’s something else?
   If you experience pain radiating from your tooth to your head, along with jaw pain or swelling, it is likely that your toothache is causing the headache.
3. What treatments can Cranebrook dentists offer for tooth pain-related headaches?
   Cranebrook dentists can treat tooth infections, misaligned teeth, and TMJ disorders, which may relieve the headache associated with tooth pain.
4. Can teeth grinding (Bruxism) cause headaches?
   Yes, bruxism, or teeth grinding, can lead to tension headaches, as the constant pressure on the jaw can cause pain that radiates to the head.
5. Should I treat a tooth infection immediately to prevent a headache?
   Yes, if you suspect a tooth infection, it is important to seek immediate treatment from a dentist to avoid further complications such as headaches and other health issues.
6. Can my headache go away once my dental issue is treated?
   In many cases, yes. By addressing the dental issue causing the headache, such as an infection or misalignment, you can often find relief from the associated headache pain.