While tooth pain itself does not directly cause diarrhea, there are several indirect connections that can lead to digestive upset. The body’s response to severe pain, the medications often taken for dental discomfort, and the systemic effects of an untreated dental infection can all contribute to changes in bowel function. Understanding these links can help clarify why some individuals experience diarrhea alongside their toothache.
How the Body Reacts to Pain
Severe pain, such as that from an acute toothache, triggers the body’s stress response. This physiological reaction involves the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can significantly influence various bodily systems. One notable effect is the redirection of blood flow away from the digestive organs towards muscles, the heart, and the lungs, preparing the body for perceived danger.
This shift in blood flow can slow down or disrupt normal digestive processes. The gut-brain axis, a complex communication network between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, plays a role in these responses. Stress can alter gut motility, potentially leading to either increased speed, which manifests as diarrhea, or decreased speed, resulting in constipation.
Medications That Affect Digestion
Medications commonly used to alleviate tooth pain can also induce digestive issues like diarrhea. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, are taken. These medications can irritate the stomach lining and disrupt protective enzymes, potentially causing side effects like stomach pain, heartburn, ulcers, and diarrhea. Taking NSAIDs with food can help mitigate some of these gastrointestinal effects. Prolonged use or high doses of NSAIDs increase the risk of these complications.
When tooth pain stems from an infection, antibiotics are often prescribed. Antibiotics target and eliminate harmful bacteria, but they can also disrupt the beneficial bacteria residing in the gut, which are essential for healthy digestion, potentially leading to antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In some cases, this disruption allows for the overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria like Clostridioides difficile, which can cause severe diarrhea and inflammation in the intestines.
Infection and Your Gut Health
A severe dental infection, such as an abscess, can extend beyond the oral cavity and impact overall systemic health. If left untreated, bacteria from the infection can enter the bloodstream (bacteremia) and spread throughout the body. This systemic spread can trigger a widespread inflammatory response, which may contribute to general feelings of illness, including fever and digestive upset.
Oral pathogens can also migrate directly to the gut, disrupting the gut microbiome. Swallowing pus or bacteria from an oral infection can directly irritate the digestive tract, leading to inflammation and symptoms like diarrhea.
When to Seek Care
It is important to seek professional help for persistent tooth pain and accompanying digestive issues. You should see a dentist if your tooth pain:
Lasts longer than two days.
Does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers.
Is accompanied by swelling in your face or jaw.
Includes fever.
Causes pain when biting.
Leads to difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing.
These symptoms can indicate a spreading infection requiring prompt dental intervention.
For diarrhea, consult a healthcare provider if it lasts more than two days, or if you notice signs of dehydration such as increased thirst, dizziness, or reduced urination. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Severe abdominal pain.
Blood in your stool (which may appear black or tarry).
Vomiting blood.
A fever of 102°F or higher.
Extreme weakness.
These symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition needing urgent assessment.