Does Toothache Cause Headaches?
People usually don’t ask this confidently.
It comes out slowly. With a pause.
“Can a toothache cause a headache?”
Yes. It can. And it does, more often than you’d think.
Here’s what usually happens. The head starts aching. A dull pressure. One side feels heavier than the other. Maybe behind the eye. Maybe at the temple. You take a painkiller. It eases. Then it’s back. And somewhere in the background, there’s a tooth you’ve been ignoring because it doesn’t really hurt. Not properly.
That combination matters.
What’s actually going on when a Toothache Cause Headaches
Quick note. Nothing complicated.
Your teeth, jaw, face, and head are wired together. Same nerve network. They share messages. So when a tooth is inflamed or infected, the pain doesn’t always announce itself clearly in the mouth. Sometimes it travels. Sometimes it disguises itself as a headache.
That’s why it feels confusing.
And why people doubt themselves.
This tends to show up when:
- Decay is getting close to the tooth nerve
- There’s infection around the root
- You grind or clench without realising, often at night
- The jaw joint is under strain
Different problems. Same result. Head pain that doesn’t quite behave like a normal headache.
A real moment from the clinic
Patient Neelam came in convinced it was stress. One-sided headaches. Pressure around the eye. She looked tired. Worn down. Mentioned, almost casually, that a back tooth felt “odd sometimes,” but she didn’t think it was related.
We checked anyway.
That tooth was infected.
Once it was treated, the change wasn’t instant. But over a few days, the headaches eased. Then stopped. She said the biggest difference wasn’t just the pain going—it was the mental relief. Not constantly bracing for the next wave.
That’s the part people don’t talk about enough.
Is it always the tooth? No. But…
Not every headache is dental. Migraines exist. Sinus issues too. Sometimes pain moves towards the teeth instead of starting there.
But here’s my honest take.
If the same headache keeps coming back with the same tooth feeling slightly wrong, it’s worth checking. Early checks are usually simpler. Quicker. Less stressful.
If you’re near Isleworth, Bridge Dental and Cosmetic Studio can look at the teeth and jaw together and help figure out where the pain is really starting.
A gentle way to sense what’s going on
Not a diagnosis. Just awareness.
Does the headache worsen when you chew on one side?
Do hot or cold drinks trigger both tooth discomfort and head pain?
Is one side of the jaw or gum tender to touch?
Do you wake up with tight jaw muscles, like you’ve been clenching overnight?
If you’re nodding, even slightly, a dental check makes sense.
And if there’s facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing—don’t wait. That needs urgent care.
A few thoughts that keep people stuck
“I think it’s just a headache.”
Sometimes dental problems don’t scream. They sit quietly and create pressure instead.
“Painkillers help, so it’s okay.”
They help you cope. They don’t solve the cause.
“It went away today, so maybe it’s fine.”
Tooth pain can pause. Problems don’t always leave.
Here’s my opinion, kindly meant.
If the same spot keeps bothering you on and off, it’s easier to get it checked once than to keep wondering about it every few weeks.
Questions patients often ask
- Can toothache really cause headaches?
Yes. Shared nerves make it very possible, often on the same side. - How do I know for sure if my toothache is causing headaches?
Patterns help. An examination confirms. - Can a tooth infection become serious?
It can if ignored. That’s why earlier care matters. - Do I go to a Dentist or GP first if my toothache is causing headaches?
If teeth or jaw feel involved, start with a dentist. If symptoms feel more general or worrying, seek medical advice.
If you’re near Isleworth and dealing with headaches that feel tied to a tooth, Bridge Dental and Cosmetic Studio can help you get clarity before the pain takes over your routine.
Would it help to finally know what’s behind it?