A tooth infection can cause pain that radiates to the eye. This is known as referred pain, where discomfort is felt in an area distant from the actual source. When a tooth becomes infected, inflammation and pressure can irritate nerves supplying sensation to the face and head, leading to pain in seemingly unrelated areas like the eye.
The Connection
Eye pain from a tooth infection involves the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). This nerve is responsible for facial sensation and chewing. It has three main branches: the ophthalmic nerve (V1) serving the eye and forehead; the maxillary nerve (V2) covering the upper jaw, teeth, and cheek; and the mandibular nerve (V3) supplying the lower jaw, teeth, and tongue.
Pain signals from an infected tooth, especially in the upper jaw, travel along the maxillary branch. Due to the branches’ interconnectedness, the brain may misinterpret these signals, perceiving pain around the eye (supplied by the ophthalmic branch). Inflammation and pus from a dental abscess can also spread through fascial planes and sinus cavities, anatomically close to the orbital region, contributing to referred pain or direct involvement.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Eye pain from a tooth infection may manifest as a dull ache, throbbing sensation, or sensitivity behind or around the eye. This discomfort often accompanies other signs of an underlying dental issue. Common tooth infection symptoms include persistent, severe toothache worsening with hot or cold temperatures or chewing pressure. Swelling in the face, cheek, or jaw is also common, along with tenderness in the lymph nodes beneath the jaw or neck.
Other signs include a foul taste, bad breath, or a pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth (an abscess). A fever can also develop, signaling infection spread. While eye pain can be a symptom, it is usually accompanied by these more direct dental indicators.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing eye pain linked to a tooth infection involves a comprehensive dental examination. The dentist assesses the affected tooth and gums, often utilizing dental X-rays. X-rays reveal hidden decay, bone loss, or abscesses at the tooth’s root not visible during a visual inspection. In some situations, a panoramic X-ray or CT scan might be used for a broader view of the jaw, sinuses, and other facial structures to pinpoint the infection source.
Treatment aims to eliminate the bacteria source and alleviate symptoms. Antibiotics may be prescribed to control infection spread, especially with facial swelling, fever, or if the infection has spread beyond the immediate tooth. However, antibiotics alone are often insufficient to permanently resolve the infection, as they may not effectively reach the infected pulp inside the tooth. Definitive treatment involves a dental procedure like a root canal, which removes infected pulp and cleans the tooth’s interior, or tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. Treating the underlying tooth infection usually resolves the referred eye pain.
Prevention and Seeking Professional Care
Preventing tooth infections involves consistent oral hygiene. Brushing teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are fundamental steps to remove food particles and plaque, which lead to decay and infection. Regular dental check-ups, typically every six months, are also important. During these visits, dentists identify early signs of dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, and provide professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that at-home brushing cannot.
If a tooth infection is suspected, or if eye pain occurs with dental symptoms, seek professional dental or medical attention promptly. Untreated tooth infections can lead to widespread problems, including spread to the jawbone, sinuses, or, in rare but severe cases, to other body parts like the brain or bloodstream. Ignoring symptoms can escalate infection severity and lead to more complex health complications.