Headaches have many causes, and a surprising connection exists between oral health and head pain. A rotten or infected tooth can indeed be a source of headaches.
How a Rotten Tooth Can Cause Headaches
A rotten tooth, often resulting from untreated decay or infection, can irritate surrounding nerves and tissues, leading to referred pain in the head. The trigeminal nerve plays a central role. This nerve transmits sensations from the face, teeth, jaw, and nasal cavity to the brain. When a decayed or infected tooth causes inflammation, it can irritate branches of the trigeminal nerve, leading to pain perceived as a headache.
This is known as referred pain, where discomfort is felt away from its source. An untreated tooth infection or abscess can cause pressure and inflammation that radiates along nerve pathways, extending to the jaw, temples, ears, or neck. Dental issues can also impact adjacent structures like the sinuses. An infection in an upper tooth, especially molars, can spread to the maxillary sinuses, causing pressure and pain that mimics a sinus headache. The body’s response to infection can also lead to muscle tension in the jaw and surrounding areas, contributing to tension-type headaches.
Identifying Headache Symptoms Linked to Dental Issues
Headaches from a dental problem often have specific characteristics. They might present as a throbbing or constant pain, often localized to one side of the head, radiating to the temple, ear, or jaw. This pain can be particularly noticeable when chewing or speaking.
Accompanying dental symptoms are important. These include tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting or chewing, or a persistent bad taste. Swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth or gums, and sometimes facial swelling, may also be present. In severe cases, a fever might develop, indicating a spreading infection.
Addressing the Root Cause
To resolve headaches caused by a rotten tooth, addressing the underlying dental issue is essential. A professional dental examination is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. The dentist can identify the source of infection or decay and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Common treatments include fillings for smaller cavities, root canal therapy for deeper decay or infection affecting the tooth’s pulp, or extraction if the tooth is beyond repair. These procedures remove infected tissue and alleviate pressure and inflammation that contribute to headaches. If an infection is present, antibiotics like amoxicillin or penicillin may be prescribed to control bacterial spread, though they are often used with a dental procedure rather than as a standalone treatment.
Preventing Future Occurrences
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing tooth decay and future headaches linked to dental issues. Regular brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque and prevents cavities. Flossing daily helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth, areas toothbrushes cannot reach.
A balanced diet that limits sugary foods and drinks is also important, as sugar contributes to acid production that erodes tooth enamel. Routine dental check-ups and cleanings, typically twice a year, allow dentists to identify and address potential problems early, before they escalate into more severe conditions that could lead to headaches.