What Does the Pain Feel Like?
The first step in understanding the connection between a toothache and headache is to know what the pain feels like. If you’re experiencing a throbbing sensation in your head, preceded by a toothache, then it’s likely that the two pains are linked. The pain may be nearly constant and felt all over your head or concentrated in certain areas. It’s also possible to experience a dull ache that comes and goes. So, can a toothache cause a headache?
Can a Toothache Cause a Headache? Common Causes
There are a few different types of toothaches that can cause headaches. The first is when the nerves in the tooth are inflamed. This can be caused by an infection or by traumatic injury to the tooth.
The second type of toothache is when the muscles that control the jaw are tight or spasming. This can be due to stress, TMJ, or bruxism (teeth grinding).
The third type of toothache is referred pain, which means that the pain is coming from another source but is being felt in the teeth. This can be caused by sinus infections, ear infections, or even migraines. Other causes of toothache that may lead to a headache include:
- gum disease;
- tooth decay;
- cavities;
- cracked teeth.
Infected Tooth and Headaches
How can a toothache cause a headache? An infected tooth is a tooth that has become inflamed due to bacteria. This can happen because of decay, an injury, or gum disease. The infection causes the tissues around the tooth to become swollen and irritated. This can lead to a headache because the inflammation puts pressure on the nerves in the area.
Symptoms of an infected tooth include pain, swelling, redness, and drainage. The pain is often throbbing and can be severe. It may be constant or come and go. Infection in the tooth can often lead to fever, as well as headache.
Teeth-Body Connection
It is not a secret that dental health plays a major role in the overall health of our bodies. Poor dental hygiene can cause a number of problems, including cavities, gum disease, and even heart disease. So it should come as no surprise that dental health can also affect the health of our heads. So, how can a toothache cause a headache?
How Is a Headache Related to Toothache?
How can a toothache cause a headache? The pain from a toothache and headache can feel very similar because they both involve the largest nerves in your head. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensation in your face, teeth, and sinuses. When these nerves are irritated or inflamed, they can cause a throbbing sensation that radiates throughout your head. In some cases, the pain from a toothache can even refer pain to other areas of your head, such as your temples or behind your eyes.
Treatment for Headaches Caused by Toothache
As you can see, the answer to the question “how can a toothache cause a headache” is quite complex, and the treatment requires solving the underlying condition causing the headache.
If your toothache is caused by an infection, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics. If your toothache is due to decay, your dentist will fill the cavity. If your toothache is caused by a cracked tooth, your dentist may recommend a crown or root canal.
In some cases, over-the-counter pain medication can help to relieve the pain from a headache. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are both effective at reducing inflammation and pain. If your headache is severe, your dentist may recommend a stronger pain medication.
If you’re experiencing a throbbing sensation in your head, preceded by a toothache, then it’s likely that the two pains are linked.
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause. Treatment for a headache caused by a toothache will vary depending on the underlying condition. However, in most cases, treatment will involve addressing the dental problem.
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