An abscessed tooth can be a source of headaches. A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, forming at the root of a tooth or in the gums. This infection and the body’s response can lead to pain extending beyond the tooth, potentially manifesting as a headache.
How an Abscessed Tooth Causes Headaches
A dental abscess begins when bacteria invade the tooth’s pulp, the innermost part containing nerves and blood vessels, often through a cavity, chip, or crack. This leads to inflammation and pus accumulation, creating pressure within the tooth or surrounding gum tissue. The localized pain can be severe and throbbing.
The proximity of dental structures to cranial nerves, particularly the trigeminal nerve, explains how a tooth infection can cause headaches. The trigeminal nerve is a large facial nerve responsible for sensation in the face, teeth, jaws, and temples. When an abscess irritates or inflames its branches, pain signals can be interpreted as originating elsewhere, leading to referred pain in the head, jaw, neck, or ear. Pressure from swelling, especially from an upper tooth infection near the maxillary sinuses, also contributes to headaches. Additionally, the body’s systemic inflammatory response to infection can cause general unwellness and headaches.
Other Symptoms to Look For
Beyond a headache, other signs can indicate an abscessed tooth. These include a persistent, throbbing toothache that worsens with chewing or pressure, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
Swelling in the face, cheek, or jaw is common, as are tender, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck. Some may experience fever, general unwellness, or fatigue. If the abscess drains, a bad taste in the mouth or foul breath can occur.
When to See a Dentist
If you experience a headache with tooth pain or other abscess symptoms, prompt dental attention is necessary. Dental abscesses are serious bacterial infections that will not resolve on their own. While pain might temporarily subside if the abscess ruptures, the underlying infection remains and can spread.
Seeking immediate professional care is important to prevent further complications. Emergency dental care is especially important if symptoms worsen rapidly, involve severe facial swelling, or lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary to manage the infection effectively.
Why Prompt Treatment is Essential
Leaving an abscessed tooth untreated carries health risks. The infection can spread from the tooth to other body parts, including the jawbone, neck, and distant areas like the brain or bloodstream. This spread can lead to serious conditions like cellulitis (a skin infection) or, in severe cases, sepsis (a life-threatening systemic response to infection).
Untreated abscesses can also result in significant pain, damage to surrounding teeth, and bone loss. Chronic infection can impact overall health. Professional dental intervention is the only way to resolve the infection, alleviate symptoms, and prevent further health issues.