Reviewed by Dr. Brett Broda
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Reading time: four minutes
A persistent headache can have many causes, but in some cases, the source may be dental. Infections inside a tooth can irritate nearby nerves and create pressure that radiates into the jaw, face, and head.
Table of Contents
How Tooth Infections Can Lead to Head Pain
The trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation to the face, connects your teeth, jaw, and parts of your head. When a tooth becomes infected, this shared nerve pathway can cause pain to radiate beyond the tooth itself. This is known as referred pain.
Infection inside the tooth creates pressure and inflammation, which further irritate surrounding nerves and contribute to head pain. In some cases, a tooth infection headache may feel similar to a sinus or tension headache, which can make the exact cause difficult to identify without a dental exam.
Dental Conditions That Can Cause Headaches
Headaches can sometimes be linked to underlying dental or jaw-related issues, not just tooth infections. Other conditions may contribute to head pain as well:
- Bruxism: Pressure on the jaw muscles from teeth grinding or clenching can lead to tension headaches, muscle fatigue, and enamel wear.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder: Problems with the jaw joint can cause pain that radiates to the temples, neck, and behind the eyes.
- Dental infection and abscess: Infections can create pulsating pain that spreads through shared nerve pathways to the head.
- Periodontal disease: Chronic gum inflammation may contribute to inflammatory responses linked to headaches.
- Impacted teeth: Teeth that cannot fully erupt can create pressure and discomfort in the jaw and head.
- Malocclusion: An uneven bite can strain facial and neck muscles, leading to tension headaches.
- Sinus infections: Whether from a tooth or not, sinus infections can cause pressure and headaches.
How to Tell if It Is a Sinus Infection or Tooth Infection
Tooth infections and sinus pressure can cause similar symptoms, especially in the upper teeth. In some cases, both conditions can occur at the same time, which can make it more difficult to tell the difference.
With a tooth infection, the discomfort is usually isolated to one specific tooth. The pain often worsens with pressure or chewing and may be accompanied by swelling or gum tenderness around the affected area.
With sinus infection, discomfort may be felt across multiple upper teeth at once. It is often linked to congestion or other nasal symptoms, and the pain can change with head position, such as when bending forward or lying down.
When to See a Dentist
If a headache is related to a tooth infection, the underlying issue will not resolve without treatment.
See your dentist if you experience:
- Ongoing headache with tooth pain
- Swelling in the face or gums
- Pain that continues or worsens over time
- Fever or signs of infection
Early evaluation can help prevent the infection from spreading and reduce the risk of more serious complications.
How to Manage Toothaches and Headaches
If you are experiencing tooth pain along with a headache, at-home care may provide temporary relief, but will not resolve the underlying cause if an infection is present.
You may be able to reduce symptoms by:
- Keeping the area clean
- Avoiding chewing on the affected side
- Using over-the-counter pain relief as directed
- Applying a cold compress to reduce inflammation and ease pressure
Personalized Care for Tooth Pain
At Broda Family Dental, Dr. Broda takes a thorough approach to diagnosing dental pain and related symptoms like headaches. He will examine your teeth and use advanced imaging when needed to identify whether an infection is contributing to your discomfort.
Our team focuses on personalized care and clear recommendations, so you understand the cause of your symptoms and the best path forward.
Schedule a Dental Exam in Boulder, CO
We are always accepting new patients! To book an appointment at our dental office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 442-6141 or visit us at 777 29th St, Unit 300, Boulder, CO 80303.
FAQ
Can a tooth infection feel like a migraine?
Yes, in some cases a tooth infection can cause pain that radiates into the head and mimics migraine symptoms. However, dental infections are usually accompanied by localized tooth pain or sensitivity.
How do I know if my headache is from a tooth?
If your headache occurs alongside tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, a dental cause may be involved. A dental exam is the most reliable way to determine the source.
Will antibiotics stop a headache caused by a tooth infection?
Antibiotics may help control the infection, but they do not remove the source of infection. Dental treatment is usually required to fully resolve the problem.
Can a tooth infection spread to the head?
If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to surrounding tissues. An infection in your head is never a good thing. In some rare cases, infection can lead to more serious life threatening complications. Early diagnosis and treatment is important.
