Yes, a migraine can make your teeth hurt. This sensation arises from the complex network of nerves in your head and face. This article explains how migraines can lead to tooth pain, how to distinguish it from a dental problem, and when to seek professional help.
Understanding the Migraine-Tooth Pain Link
The connection between migraines and tooth pain stems from the trigeminal nerve. This nerve transmits sensations from your face, including your teeth, gums, and jaw, to your brain. During a migraine attack, the trigeminal nerve can become activated or irritated. When overactive, it sends pain signals that the brain misinterprets as originating from the teeth.
This phenomenon is known as “referred pain,” where pain is felt in a different part of the body than its true source. The trigeminal nerve has three main branches extending across the face, including areas near the teeth. Inflammation or abnormal nerve activity during a migraine can cause this radiating pain, making multiple upper teeth ache. This pain needs to be addressed by treating the migraine itself, not solely the teeth.
Telling the Difference: Migraine or Dental Issue?
Distinguishing between tooth pain caused by a migraine and pain from a dental problem requires careful observation of symptoms. Migraine-related tooth pain affects multiple teeth, often in the upper jaw, and does not involve sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure on an individual tooth. This pain is accompanied by other common migraine symptoms, such as a throbbing headache, sensitivity to light or sound, and nausea. The pain improves as the migraine subsides.
In contrast, tooth pain from a dental issue is localized to a specific tooth and triggered by chewing, biting down, or exposure to hot or cold temperatures. You might notice visible signs of decay, swelling in the gums around the affected tooth, or a bad taste in your mouth. Dental problems like cavities, gum disease, or cracked teeth cause toothaches.
Other conditions can also cause tooth pain that might be confused with migraine or dental issues. Sinus infections, for example, cause pressure and aching in the upper teeth because their roots are close to the sinus cavities. Sinus pain affects several upper teeth and may include congestion, facial pressure, or fever. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, affecting the jaw joint, can also result in pain spreading to the teeth, jaw, and head, with symptoms like jaw clicking or tenderness.
When to Consult a Professional
If you experience tooth pain that is persistent, worsens over time, or is severe enough to disrupt daily activities, seek professional medical or dental attention. First, consult your dentist to rule out any underlying dental problems like cavities, gum disease, or infections. A dental examination can determine if the pain originates from a tooth; if no dental cause is found, your dentist may suggest seeing a medical doctor.
Seek professional help if the tooth pain is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever, swelling in your face or jaw, or pain not relieved by migraine treatments. If your pain is sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like, especially when triggered by light touch, it might indicate a different neurological condition like trigeminal neuralgia, requiring evaluation by a neurologist. Proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is important for effective management and relief.