Many emergency dentist Vancouver reported that headaches can be caused by tooth decay. This is a proven and evident relationship in dentistry. The teeth are directly connected with the facial nerves and the head, and when a tooth is harmed or infected, the pains do not necessarily remain in the mouth. After many patients find out that their toothache leads to a headache, they are usually surprised. This occurs more frequently in clinical practice than may be believed. If you need quick help, fill out the form on this page or contact us now at Hemlock Dental Clinic to reserve a time with Dr.Alavi.
How Tooth Decay Leads to Headaches?
Tooth decay starts on the enamel, and if it travels further, it may start reaching the nerve inside the tooth. After inflammatory processes occur in the nerve, the pain is transmitted via the facial nerve system.
These nerves relate to the jaw, temples, eyes, and head. Due to such a direct relationship, the degradation of one tooth may result in a sense of pressure or pain in the head. It is what most patients refer to as a tooth headache.
Clinical experience has shown that the patient usually reports that the headache is dull, persistent, and hard to find, and they just need a tooth extraction Vancouver. In some cases, instead of realizing that the cause of it is dental, they can consider it to be stress or migraine.
Types of Dental Problems That Cause Headaches
WEansered the question of: can a toothache give you a headache. Now remember that several dental problems can send pain signals to the head, especially when nerves are involved:
- Deep cavities that reach the tooth nerve
- Tooth infections or abscesses
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Impacted or poorly positioned teeth
- Upper tooth problems close to the sinuses
Upper teeth are especially important because they sit near the sinus cavities. This is why a dental headache is often mistaken for a sinus headache. Do you feel tooth headache? Contact us now.
What Types of Headaches Are Associated with Tooth Decay?
Headaches caused by tooth decay often feel different from regular headaches:
- Pain on one side of the head
- Pressure behind the eyes or in the temples
- Pain that gets worse when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Headaches that improve after dental treatment
Once the tooth problem is treated by tooth filling Vancouver, these headaches usually fade quickly.
Is It the Tooth Decay that Makes the Headache but Not the Tooth?
We should say yes, and this is among the key factors why dental headaches are not noticed. Some develop gradually and are not accompanied by sharp tooth pains at the onset. The tooth can be normal, and the nerve is already sensitive. The recurrent headaches can be the only symptom in such cases. A common cause of head pain without an apparent cause is clinically the presence of hidden decay between the teeth or beneath old fillings.
Tooth Decay versus Sinus Headache: How to Distinguish
Dental headache and sinus headache are almost similar, particularly in cases involving upper teeth.
Dental pain frequently becomes altered upon biting or chewing and can have temperature sensitivity.
Sinus headache is normally accompanied by congestion, and it aggravates more when one bends forward.
A good dental check up will examine both the teeth, nerves, and the sinuses as a combination to determine the actual cause of the pain. Call us now for a check-up time.
Tooth Decay Headache vs Sinus Headache
| Feature | Tooth Decay Headache | Sinus Headache |
|---|---|---|
| Triggered by chewing | Yes | No |
| Sensitivity to hot/cold | Yes | No |
| Nasal congestion | No | Yes |
| Pain when bending forward | Sometimes | Yes |
| Requires dental treatment | Yes | No |
Headaches and Toothaches Every Night
The toothache only at night is a powerful indicator. Most individuals complain my tooth hurts at night but not during the day. This is done due to the fact that when an individual lies down, the pressure on the blood in the head will be more exerted on the aggravated tooth nerve.
If you have a toothache every night, this is usually an indication that the cavities have gone to the nerve or that an infection is progressing. This kind of pain often results in night headaches and insomnia.
When Migraines Could Be a Toothache
Headaches can be related to dentistry, provided that they are accompanied by sensitivity of teeth, pain in the jaw, or night pains. In case painkillers are ineffective or the pain recurs, dental etiology should be taken into account. A visit to an endodontist Vancouver BC, or an emergency dentist at a young age can save severe conditions like infection or a tooth extraction.
Clinical Experience Matters
Based on real clinical experience, the dental cause is often treated, and the headaches are completely prevented. Dentists do not merely observe the tooth, but the nerves that are around the tooth and the parts that are in the sinus. Early diagnosis will lead to easier treatment, reduced pain, and shorter relief.
Our Patient’s Review
Veri Dominguez, one of our patients stated that:
“They took seriously my toothache and attended me right away in the same day I called. Even though the process was so hurtful for me, I received gentle and kind treatment from the staff and Dr Alavi, she helped me to feel so much better with so much less pain in less than an hour.”
Have a Checkup at Hemlock Dental Clinic
At Hemlock Dental Clinic in Vancouver, we see many patients who never thought their headaches were connected to their teeth. Our approach in general dentistry focuses on finding the real cause, not just treating symptoms. Whether you need a tooth filling in Vancouver, urgent care from an emergency dentist, or advice about tooth extraction, our team is here to help. If you are dealing with headaches, nighttime tooth pain, or unexplained facial pressure, don’t wait.
Book an appointment with Hemlock Dental Clinic today and stop the pain at its source.
FAQs
Can tooth decay cause headaches?
Yes, tooth decay can irritate dental nerves and cause pain that spreads to the head.
Can a toothache give you a headache?
Yes, an untreated toothache can lead to headaches through shared facial nerves.
Can tooth decay cause headaches without tooth pain?
Yes, hidden or slow-growing decay may cause headaches before tooth pain appears.
Why does my tooth hurt at night and cause headaches?
Lying down increases blood pressure in the head, making nerve pain stronger at night.
When should I see a dentist for headaches?
If headaches come with tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, or nighttime discomfort, contact us or fill out the form on this page to reserve a checkup time.
