Yes, a toothache can often lead to headaches. This happens because the trigeminal nerve, which connects your teeth, face, and brain, can transmit pain signals from your mouth to your head. Conditions like tooth infections, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and teeth grinding can all trigger headaches, especially when left untreated.

Can Toothache Cause Headache?

Toothaches and headaches are among the most common types of pain disorders experienced by adults in the United States. But what many people don’t realize is that these two issues are often interconnected. If you’re dealing with both a toothache and a headache, you might be facing more than a coincidence.

Understanding how a toothache can cause a headache requires a look into nerve connections, anatomy, and how the body responds to inflammation, pressure, and infection.

And yes — in many cases, can toothache cause headache is not just a question, but a clinical reality supported by dental and neurological science.

What Is a Toothache?

A toothache is a type of dental pain that can range from mild discomfort to severe pain around a specific tooth or group of teeth. Common causes of toothache pain include:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Cracked teeth
• Abscessed tooth
• Impacted wisdom tooth
• Tooth infection
• Poor dental hygiene

Many of these conditions irritate the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

How Toothache Can Cause a Headache

The connection lies in the trigeminal nerve — one of the most complex nerves in your head. It controls facial and eye movements and provides sensation to:

• Teeth
• Gums
• Jaw
• Other facial structures

When this nerve is irritated by dental infections, cavities, or inflammation, it can lead to referred pain — pain that starts in one area but is felt elsewhere. That’s why many people feel headache pain or even severe headaches when they’re dealing with toothache pain.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can a toothache cause a headache?” — the answer is often yes, especially when the dental issue affects the trigeminal nerve.

 

Common Dental Problems That Trigger Headaches

1. Tooth Infection or Abscessed Tooth

An infected tooth or abscessed tooth causes throbbing pain, facial swelling, and often a severe headache. Left untreated, this infection can spread to the upper or lower jaw and even the cavernous sinus — a dangerous area near the brain. This may result in cavernous sinus thrombosis, a life-threatening blood clot.

2. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Unconscious teeth grinding, especially during sleep, can strain jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint, triggering tension headaches, jaw pain, and even neck pain.

Signs you may be grinding your teeth:

• Waking up with a sore jaw
• Ear pain or facial tightness
• Worn or chipped teeth

3. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder affects the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When inflamed, it can cause throbbing pain, difficulty chewing, and headaches that feel like muscle tension around the temples or behind the eyes.

4. Gum Disease & Tooth Decay

Advanced gum disease or tooth decay can irritate nerves and contribute to chronic dental pain and headache symptoms, especially when affecting multiple teeth.

Referred Pain and the Trigeminal Nerve

The trigeminal nerve also explains how referred pain works. While the origin of pain may be in the mouth, the brain interprets it as coming from the head, eyes, or even the ears. That’s why toothaches and headaches often occur together. In many documented cases, a toothache can cause a headache through these interconnected nerve pathways.

Other Conditions That Link Toothache to Headache

• Trigeminal neuralgia: A chronic condition where the trigeminal nerve misfires, causing severe facial pain that can mimic tooth pain or headache pain.
• Sinus infection: Can press on upper tooth roots, causing upper teeth pain and a sinus headache. This may also result in facial pressure, nasal congestion, or difficulty swallowing.

When Toothache Pain Leads to Serious Complications

Some untreated dental issues can cause more than discomfort. A spreading tooth infection may lead to:

• Persistent pain in the head, ear, or jaw
• Dizziness, nausea
• Sinus pressure and headaches
• Rarely, a serious underlying issue like a blood clot in the cavernous sinus

If you feel both a headache and toothache that’s persistent or getting worse, don’t wait.

Think your toothache may be triggering a headache?
Book an appointment with Dr. Syra Hanif at Manhattan Medical Arts for a complete evaluation.

How to Relieve Toothache-Related Headaches

While you wait for care, these may reduce pain:

• Use over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Apply cold compress on your jaw or temples
• Rinse with warm saltwater
• Use clove oil on the sore area (short-term)
• Rest and stay hydrated

But don’t rely on self-care alone — see a dental professional to treat the root cause.

Having severe pain in both your jaw and head?
Schedule an online or in-person visit with Manhattan Medical Arts

How to Prevent Dental Problems That Lead to Headaches

Maintaining good dental health helps reduce risk of both dental issues and head pain:

• Brush twice daily and floss
• Avoid sugary or acidic foods
• Get regular checkups with a dental professional
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
• Manage stress (a trigger for teeth grinding and tension headaches)

And remember — consistent habits that support oral health also play a major role in preventing related headaches.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

You should consult a healthcare provider or dentist if you experience:

• Headaches and toothache pain for more than 48 hours
• Fever or facial swelling
• Trouble eating or sleeping
• Any symptoms that suggest a serious underlying issue

Need relief from both dental and head pain?
Book your appointment now at Manhattan Medical Arts in Manhattan, NY

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FAQs about Can Toothache Cause Headache

– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.