Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: three minutes
Tooth infections do not always stay localized. In many cases, they can cause pain that spreads to the jaw, face, and head. If you have a persistent headache along with dental discomfort, the source may be an underlying tooth infection.
Table of Contents
- What Does a Headache From a Tooth Infection Feel Like?
- How Does a Tooth Infection Lead To Head Pain?
- Common Signs of a Tooth Infection
- How Tooth Infections Are Treated
- Emergency Dental Care at Clearwater Dentistry
- Dentist in Greeley, CO
- FAQs
What Does a Headache From a Tooth Infection Feel Like?
A headache caused by a tooth infection often feels like a deep, pressure-like pain that does not fully respond to typical headache relief. It may start near the affected tooth or jaw and spread to the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes.
Common characteristics include:
- A dull, throbbing ache that lingers
- Pressure in the face or around the sinuses
- Pain that worsens when biting or chewing
- Discomfort that radiates from the jaw to the head
- Headaches that occur alongside tooth pain or sensitivity
In many cases, the headache improves only after the dental infection is treated, since the source of the pressure and inflammation is still present.
How Does a Tooth Infection Lead To Head Pain?
A tooth infection (tooth abscess), develops when bacteria enter the inner part of the tooth and spread beyond it.
This infection can trigger head pain in a few different ways:
- Nerve irritation: Infection near the tooth root can irritate surrounding nerves, especially branches of the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the teeth, jaw, and face to the brain. Pain may travel along these nerve pathways and be felt in the head.
- Inflammation and pressure: Swelling increases pressure in nearby tissues. This added pressure can feel similar to a tension-type headache.
- Sinus infection: Infections in upper teeth can extend into the sinus cavity. This may create facial pressure and headache symptoms.
- Referred pain: The brain may interpret dental pain as coming from another area. This can make the headache feel separate from the tooth itself.
Common Signs of a Tooth Infection
Tooth infections often cause multiple symptoms that affect both the tooth and surrounding tissues.
Look for:
- Tooth pain that is constant or throbbing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Pain when biting down
- A bad taste or odor in the mouth
- Fever or general discomfort
A tooth infection will not resolve on its own and can worsen if left untreated. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek care as soon as possible.
How Tooth Infections Are Treated
Treatment focuses on removing the infection and protecting the tooth whenever possible.
Common options include:
- Root canal treatment: Removes infected tissue inside the tooth, then seals and restores it to preserve function.
- Drainage of the abscess: Releases built-up pressure and helps reduce pain and swelling.
- Antibiotics: Used in certain cases alongside other treatments to help control the spread of infection.
- Tooth extraction: Recommended when the tooth cannot be saved or the infection has caused extensive damage.
Emergency Dental Care at Clearwater Dentistry
Tooth infections can worsen quickly, especially when pressure builds or pain begins to spread beyond the tooth. Prompt care is often needed to relieve discomfort and prevent the infection from progressing.
At Clearwater Dentistry, same-day appointments are available for dental emergencies, including tooth infections. If you are dealing with sudden pain, swelling, or pressure, the priority is to get you seen quickly and begin addressing the source of the problem.
Dentist in Greeley, CO
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO 80634.
FAQs
In some cases, dental infections can trigger migraine-like symptoms due to nerve irritation and inflammation.
Dental-related headaches are often accompanied by tooth pain, sensitivity, or pain when biting, while sinus headaches are usually linked to congestion and facial pressure.
This is rare, but untreated infections can spread to surrounding areas. Early treatment is important to prevent complications.
