7 Ways a Toothache Can Cause a Headache & Solutions

Have you ever experienced a throbbing toothache that turns into a headache?

Well, complex neural networks and shared facial muscles are to blame for this. These nerves transmit pain from the tooth to other body regions, including the head.

The pain usually affects one side of the face. According to Dr. Olga Dolghier from Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, toothache-related headaches are an early indicator of health issues that can become complicated if they remain undiagnosed. 

Toothache and Headache

Toothache related can occur because of the following: 

I- Trigeminal Nerve 

The trigeminal nerve, the largest cranial nerve, is responsible for sensation and mobility of the face. There are three major branches of this vein including:

• Ophthalmic
• Maxillary
• Mandibular nerves.  

This major nerve sends pain signals to the brain from the mouth and facial region. Many dental problems can trigger trigeminal nerves, sending pain signals to the brain.

Pain signals travel through the nerve pathway, affecting other areas and triggering headaches. 

Suggested Read: 10 Differences Between Good and Bad Teeth: Causes and Impact

II- Referred Pain

Sometimes, a tooth-pain-stimulated headache is just confusion that occurs when pain in one part of the body is perceived as pain in other regions. This is one possible explanation of how a toothache turns into a headache and involves complex neurophysiological mechanisms. 

Pain in teeth can be mistaken as pain in the jaw, temple, ear, etc., despite none of the locations being the source. Then, referred pain may affect other regions, such as the head or neck, because of the complicated trigeminal nerve network. 

III- Jaw Related Pain

In other cases, jaw-related problems, such as teeth alignment issues and jaw joint disorders, can also result in strain and tension. This can trigger tension-related headaches that accompany jaw pain. 

IV- Muscle Strain

Oral muscles can get strained when extra pressure is exerted, which could also trigger headaches. One of the prominent causes of facial muscle straining is common dental problems. Other causes may include lifestyle choices, habits, medical conditions, and injuries.

V- Sinus Pain

Another possible explanation behind toothache-related headaches is sinus issues. Sinus problems can also result in pain that can be confused with a toothache because of the location of sinus pain. 

As we know, sinus pain often results in headaches, so sometimes sinus-related headaches can be perceived as toothache-related headaches.

7 Signs that Your Headache is Triggered by Toothache

Toothache-related headache is easily differentiated as it has some apparent signs and symptoms. The following are the signs that suggest that some dental problem triggers this throbbing head pain:

1. The location of head pain is near the jawline, temples, or behind the eyes
2. Pain gets severe as you try to chew and bite
3. Headache is accompanied by jaw stiffness and jaw popping 
4. Toothache and headache come with teeth sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures
5. If your headache is severe in the morning
6. Your headache is localized rather than a whole-head headache
7. If dental pain remedies relieve both toothache and headache.

If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately seek help from a medical professional to determine the underlying cause and begin treatment. 

7 Common Dental Problems Trigger Headache

Here are some common dental troubles that bring along a headache, leaving you in a miserable state:

1- Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth occurs when a pus-filled pocket appears in a tooth after it becomes infected by bacteria. The severity of an abscess can vary, as the infection may extend to only teeth, gums, or even bones. Headache is one of the common symptoms of tooth abscess.

2- Cracked Teeth

Some people get tooth-related headaches from cracked teeth. This is simply a crack in the teeth’ surface because of chewing on hard foods or teeth grinding.

3- Damaged Dental Filling

Dental fillings are a regular dental procedure used to treat damaged teeth. Depending on the material chosen, they require frequent replacement.

A damaged dental filling can irritate nerves, increase sensitivity, or damage the teeth beneath, triggering toothache-related headaches. 

4- Tooth Decay

A decaying tooth is a major cause of head pain linked to dental issues. Tooth decay results from nerve irritation, sensitivity, and pressure exertion. 

5- Jaw Related Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull. A structural problem, alignment, or swelling of the TMJ can trigger pain in the surrounding regions, triggering toothache-related headaches. 

6- Alignment Troubles

Sometimes, common teeth alignment troubles such as underbite, overbite, and crossbite are prominent causes of head pain. This occurs because misaligned teeth increase the pressure exerted while chewing or biting, triggering the nerve responsible for the sensation of head pain. 

Suggested Read: 10 Reasons Why Your Teeth Hurt When You Bite

7- Wisdom Tooth Problem

Impacted wisdom teeth or wisdom tooth cavities are common dental problems that can initiate pain in the oral cavity and head. 

Quick Pain Relief Solutions for Toothache-Related Headache

As discussed earlier, headaches triggered by tooth pain get better as the toothache settles. The following are some quick solutions to get rid of this pain. 

1- Heat or Cold Applications

Apply a heating and cooling pad to the affected area for immediate pain relief. The hot and cold compresses limit the sensation of pain and provide quick relief.

Suggested Read: 5 Remedies to Kill Tooth Pain Nerve in 3 Seconds Permanently

2- OTC Painkillers 

OTC painkillers are the easiest way to overcome throbbing toothache and headaches. You can follow the 3-3-3 toothache rule, where you take a painkiller three times a day for three consecutive days to relieve pain. 

3- Saltwater or Hydrogen Peroxide Rinses

Rinse your mouth with saltwater or 3% diluted hydrogen peroxide to immediately relieve the pain. 

4- Clove Oil

Apply clove oil on the affected site to relieve the pain.

5- Gentle Massage

Gently massage the pain site with your fingers to release muscle tension.

Preventing Toothache Related Headache

Toothache-triggered headaches can be challenging and affect your daily life activities. While you look for the cause and find some quick relief solutions, don’t forget to visit your dentist if your symptoms persist. 

Also, it’s always better to take a preventive approach to avoid such problems. For this, follow good oral hygiene practices and make wise choices.