We all might have heard our elders saying if you toothache then you may also have a headache. And that may be true in most cases. Toothache itself is extremely painful when it comes along with a headache it can be a nightmare. Let’s look at the connection between tooth pain and headache.
Can tooth pain cause headache?
A toothache can sometimes lead to a headache. Various dental issues, such as cavities, an impacted wisdom tooth, or a cracked tooth, can cause tooth pain. If left untreated, this pain may extend to the head and even the eyes. In some cases, it can trigger a throbbing headache or migraine, often affecting one side of the head and accompanied by nausea, and sensitivity to sound or light.
Experts explain that the connection between a toothache and a headache lies in the trigeminal nerve, a major cranial nerve. This nerve is responsible for sensations in the face, including the eyes, lips, gums, and teeth. When a toothache, it can irritate the trigeminal nerve, potentially triggering a migraine or headache. Seek the best dental hospital in Coimbatore if you’re facing severe dental pain.
What is known as the tooth pain to your head?
Just a toothache can lead to headache, other dental issues like tooth decay or gum disease can also cause pain that spreads to the head. This happens because pain from one area can be felt in another, a phenomenon known as referred pain. The nerves connecting the teeth and facial structures to the brain through the trigeminal nerve can become irritated, leading to headaches or migraines. If you often experience migraines along with toothaches or other dental problems, it’s best to consult a doctor for further advice.
What are the possible dental conditions that can lead to headaches?
Complications with root canal:
Headaches can sometimes occur as a complication of root canal treatment. Issues are more likely when the procedure is done by an inexperienced dentist or if the equipment breaks. Severely curved canals may not be fully treated, and complications like canal perforation or over filling can also arise. Infections from the procedure may lead to dizziness, and in some cases, certain pain medications given after the treatment can cause headaches.
Temporomandibular joint disorder and Bruxism:
Teeth grinding (bruxism) and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) are two common dental issues that can lead to frequent headaches. These problems are often caused by jaw issues or muscle strain, usually due to an injury to the joint. Injuries from the sports, whiplash, or even keeping your mouth open too long during a dental visit can contribute to TMJ.
If you often wake up with a headache that fades soon after getting up, you might be grinding your teeth at night. In addition to the dental issues already mentioned, headaches or dizziness can also be caused by common problems like a tooth infection, abscess, or cavities.
What are the symptoms of toothache?
If you are anywhere between 2 and 70 chances are you have felt a toothache before, if not, then you are lucky. A toothache can range from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing pain in or around a tooth. Common symptoms include sensitivity to hold or cold, pain while chewing, swelling around the tooth, and a lingering pain that spreads beyond the affected area. In some cases, a toothache may also come with an earache due to the close connection of the nerves in the area.
A toothache can sometimes be accompanied by fever or chills, which are a sign of an infection. If you have these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible, as untreated dental infections can lead to serious complications.
The intensity and type of toothache can vary depending on the cause, which could be anything from cavities and gum disease to abscesses or impacted teeth. Sometimes, jaw issues like TMJ disorder or even tension in your shoulders can create pain that feels like a cavity or an abscess, but it’s actually nerve pain being misdirected to your gums.
What are the symptoms of headache?
Who hasn’t experienced a headache at some point? Like toothaches, headaches can come with various symptoms, including a constant ache, sensitivity to light or noise, pain that can be dull and throbbing or sharp and intense. The pain may be localized to one area, to the front of the head, the temples, or even the entire head.
While most headaches are harmless, it’s important to be cautious if you experience sudden, severe pain or if it worsens over time.
What is the importance of dental health?
Many things can trigger a headache, vision problems, loud music, and even bad sleeping positions, but dental health is often overlooked as a possible cause. And maintaining healthy teeth and gums isn’t just about preventing cavities and gum disease, it can also help reduce the risk of headaches.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to issues like cavities and infections, which may cause both toothaches and headaches. Additionally, grinding or clenching your teeth (often due to stress or misalignment) puts extra pressure on the jaw and teeth, which can lead to headaches.
Important Takeaway:
Toothaches are common, but when they come with headaches, they can affect more than just your mouth. Pain relief may require medication, but if the discomfort lasts more than a day or two or becomes severe to disturb the day-to-day life. Since dental health is closely related to headaches, treating the root cause can help you feel better and back to a pain-free life. Reach out to a Best Dental Doctor In Coimbatore to get the best care for your teeth.
