Toothache refers to the pain in and around your tooth and is caused when the nerve in the root of a tooth or its surroundings is irritated. Many studies show that there is a connection between toothaches and headaches.
Toothache can be caused by tooth decay, broken filling, gum disease, infection, cavities, and cracked teeth. Poor oral hygiene can also be a major cause of teeth and oral problems. But does toothache cause a headche? Well, the reasons for toothache may vary but if it is left untreated, it can cause headaches and other symptoms. It might cause immense pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and more.
Both toothache and headaches are unbearable. Headaches cause pain in the head, neck, or face, and the intensity of the pain varies. Headaches are comparatively bearable when compared to migraine. An irritation to the trigeminal nerve due to toothache paves the way for headaches and migraines.
Could A Toothache Lead To A Headache?
Toothache likely leads to headaches and even migraine, if untreated. The trigeminal nerve is a nerve that provides sensation to the face, including teeth and gums and when you have a toothache, this nerve gets irritated.
This triggers headache and if this is untreated, it can also lead to migraine. The trigeminal nerve plays a major role in the development of migraines, so a slight irritation of this nerve can cause headaches.
Since toothache and headaches are related, they might lead to migraine. Having a migraine can be annoying and painful. It causes a throbbing one-sided headache along with nausea and vomiting. So, it is better to treat toothache at the earliest to avoid further consequences.
What Is Referred Tooth Pain To Your Head?
Referred toothache is a pain one experiences in the other parts of the face and the brain misinterprets it as a pain in the tooth. You might experience discomfort but the tooth might not be the source of pain.
For example, you might have a toothache on the left side of your mouth but also feel pain in the right ear. This is called referred tooth pain. You might misunderstand the pain somewhere else in the body as the pain in your tooth.
Toothache or other dental problems might cause pain in your head. It is true that toothache can sometimes cause pain in the head, but it might also indicate an underlying health condition. So, if you notice that the pain in the head is persistent, seek medical help.
Underlying Conditions Causing Toothache And Headache
A toothache may be caused by various reasons such as tooth decay, infection, cracked or damaged teeth, broken filling, gum disease, cavities, and injury. Bad bites, teeth grinding, and clenching are other causes of toothache and headache.
Just like toothache causes a headache, oral problems like gum disease and tooth decay can cause pain in the head too. Also, missing a tooth or the teeth not lining up correctly can cause the jaw muscles to strain.
They might have to work harder to bring top and bottom teeth together. This may result in headaches or migraines. Some people might develop headaches caused by nerve pain from tooth damage.
What Can You Do About It?
You can apply a cold compress on the side of the face to relieve toothache and on the head and neck for migraine or headaches. Massaging the temples is also advised to relax the head, face, and jaw muscles.
Using ice packs and heating pads are the most common and effective ways to relieve toothache and headaches. Also, there are painkillers but also take them after talking with a healthcare provider. Keep yourself hydrated and get enough rest to ease headaches and toothache fast.
For toothache, you can try salt water rinse, mouthwash, tea tree oil, peppermint tea, clove, guava leaves, and garlic. You can relieve headaches through exercise, acupuncture, proper sleep, firm pressure, stress management, massage, caffeine, herbal tea, and relaxation techniques.
When To See Your Healthcare Provider?
If you experience a new or notice persistent toothache and headache, see a dentist to get the right treatment. Seeking medical help will make it easier to figure out the underlying cause of the problem. You should take immediate action if you have a toothache, along with swollen eyes and neck, or fever and chills. If you delay the treatment, the toothache or headache may get worse.
Tips To Prevent Toothache
Practicing good oral hygiene is the key to preventing toothache and other dental problems. You can prevent toothache by following these methods:
- Brushing twice daily
- Flossing daily
- Using an anti-bacterial mouthwash
- Regular dental checkups
- Limiting sugary foods and drinks
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoid eating acidic foods before bed
- Follow a healthy diet
- Clean the tongue
Ensure you clean your mouth after eating food. Also, if we don’t brush properly, it can lead to plaque buildup. Eat healthy foods and limit eating sugary foods.
Have regular checkups and consult a dentist if you notice or experience cavities, tooth decay, toothache, bleeding gums, or an infection.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that toothaches and headaches are connected. While toothaches may be caused by various reasons, headaches are caused by untreated oral problems. The trigeminal nerve is a nerve that provides sensation to the face, including teeth and gums and when you have a toothache, this nerve gets irritated. This triggers headache and if this is untreated, it can also lead to migraine.
An irritation to the trigeminal nerve is what causes headaches. Headaches caused by toothache can be treated at home by applying a cold compress on the side of the face to relieve toothache and on the head and neck for migraine or headaches. Also, massaging the temples is advised to relax the head, face, and jaw muscles. Ensure you consult with a healthcare professional before taking painkillers and other medications to ease pain.
If you notice that toothache or headaches persist, seek medical help immediately. Consult a dentist to understand the underlying cause of the problem and to get the right treatment. To prevent toothache and other oral conditions, maintain proper oral hygiene. Brush twice daily, floss every day, have oral checkups, use a mouthwash, limit sugary foods and drinks, drink enough water, and follow a healthy diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a tooth infection or tooth problem is not treated, it might lead to headaches. One may experience a throbbing pain in the head or neck along with nausea and vomiting.
A rotten tooth can cause a headache if left untreated.
Sometimes toothache goes away on its own within a day or two but if the condition is serious, it might not go away and you will need medical help.
The headaches will go away on their own after treating the underlying cause of dental problems.
Untreated tooth conditions might cause dizziness as the infection spreads.
Toothache likely leads to headaches and even migraine, if untreated.
