Can a Toothache Cause a Headache? Here’s What Dentists Want You to Know

😣 Ever had a pounding headache that started right after a toothache — and thought, “Wait… are these two things connected?”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not imagining things. Yes, a toothache can absolutely cause a headache — and in some cases, it can even trigger migraines, jaw pain, or facial tension that lasts for days.

In fact, dental pain is one of the most underrecognized causes of chronic headaches, especially when the source is something deeper like an infection, inflammation, or pressure in the jaw.

🧠 The connection is real — and it’s backed by both science and experience from countless dentists and patients.

But here’s the good news: once you understand how toothaches and headaches are linked, you can actually take action and stop the cycle. And you don’t always need to run straight to the ER or wait days for an appointment.

💡 In this post, we’ll break it all down:

• Why tooth pain can trigger headaches (even if your teeth look fine)
• How to tell if your headache is really coming from your mouth
• What you can do right now to ease the pain — and when to get help

👉 If you’re in pain right now and need answers fast, you can talk to a licensed dentist online in minutes via JustAnswer. It’s private, convenient, and surprisingly affordable.

Let’s get into what’s really happening when your head hurts… and the real problem might be your teeth.

Can a Toothache Cause a Headache? (Quick Answer)

Yes — a toothache can definitely cause a headache. And once you understand how it happens, it actually makes a lot of sense. 🧠

Your teeth, face, and head all share the same super-sensitive nerve: the trigeminal nerve. When one part flares up — like a throbbing tooth — it can easily send pain signals that travel straight into your jaw, temples, or even behind your eyes. That’s when the real headache begins. 😣

😵 Why does this happen?

Here are the most common reasons dental pain turns into head pain:

• Shared nerve signals → One bad tooth can light up the entire side of your face.
• Jaw clenching or grinding → Often caused by tooth discomfort or stress, this tightens facial muscles and leads to tension headaches.
• Sinus pressure → Infections in upper molars can inflame the sinuses and create intense pressure headaches.
• Inflammation & stress → Ongoing tooth pain stresses your body — and your head feels it too.

Sound familiar?

If you’ve been thinking:

“Why do I have a headache and tooth pain at the same time?”
“Is this just stress, or something going on in my mouth?”

You’re asking the right questions. And no — it’s not all in your head (well, technically it is… but you get the idea 😉).

How a Toothache Triggers Headaches (In Plain English)

Let’s break it down — no medical jargon, just real talk. 👇

Your mouth might be small, but it’s wired directly into some of the most pain-sensitive areas of your body. That’s why something as “simple” as a toothache can end up feeling like a full-on tension headache, migraine, or sinus pressure meltdown. 🤯

Here’s how it actually works:

🧠 1. The Trigeminal Nerve: Your Mouth’s Direct Line to Your Head

This is the main nerve responsible for sensation in your face, jaw, teeth, and head. When a tooth is inflamed, cracked, or infected, it sends distress signals through this nerve — and your brain doesn’t always know how to separate “tooth pain” from “head pain.”

👉 That’s why you might feel:

• Pain in your temples, forehead, or behind the eye
• A dull throb that spreads from your jaw to your scalp
• One-sided headaches that mirror your toothache

💥 2. Jaw Clenching = Tension Headaches

When you’re in pain — or even just stressed — you might clench your jaw without realizing it. That tightens muscles around your head, face, and neck.

Result?
You wake up with a headache, a sore jaw, or even ear pain… and sometimes all three. 😣

🦷 Bonus tip: If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard or electric toothbrush like the SonicX Toothbrush can help prevent damage and reduce tension in the long run.

😷 3. Sinus Pressure and Upper Teeth — A Painful Combo

Your upper molars sit just below your sinus cavities. So if you’ve got an infected tooth (or even just a deep cavity), the inflammation can literally push up into your sinuses.

That often leads to:

• Facial pressure
• Pain around the cheeks or eyes
• A headache that feels worse when you bend forward

Sounds like a sinus infection, right? It could be — but sometimes, it’s actually your tooth that’s causing the sinus pain.

💡 Bottom Line?

Your brain can’t always tell the difference between a dental issue and a headache — because they often use the same nerve highways.
That’s why people go months (or years!) treating headaches with pain meds… when the real fix is a trip to the dentist.

👉 Still not sure what’s causing your pain? A quick chat with a dentist can help you figure it out — before things get worse.
You can talk to one online right now via JustAnswer — no need to leave your couch.

5 Clues Your Headache Might Actually Be a Tooth Problem

Let’s be honest — when your head is pounding, the last thing you’re thinking about is your teeth.
But here’s the twist: many headaches start in the mouth without you realizing it.

So how can you tell if it’s not “just a headache”?
Here are five real-world signs that your teeth could be the hidden trigger 👇

🧭 1. The Pain Is One-Sided — and Always the Same

If your headache keeps showing up on the same side every time — left or right — there’s a good chance it’s linked to a problem tooth.
Your body tends to “refer” pain from dental issues to the same side of the face and head.

Pay attention: if your headache and toothache always team up on the same side, that’s no coincidence.

🍕 2. It Gets Worse When You Chew or Bite

Do certain foods (even soft ones) make your headache spike?
Pain that increases when you’re chewing — especially if it feels like pressure radiating into your temple or ear — may be coming from a cracked tooth, loose crown, or deep cavity.

You’re not imagining it. Chewing can trigger nerve pain that your brain interprets as a headache.

🤕 3. Your Jaw Feels Tight, Sore, or “Off”

Waking up with jaw tension, a sore bite, or clicking sounds when you chew?
This points to bruxism (grinding), clenching, or a bite misalignment — all of which can lead to tension headaches and facial pain.

🦷 Smart move: Consider using a night guard and switching to a high-performance electric toothbrush like the SonicX Toothbrush to reduce plaque and gum inflammation that worsens jaw tension.

😷 4. You Feel Pressure Around the Eyes or Cheeks

A headache that comes with pressure behind your eyes, across your cheeks, or under your eyes could be mistaken for sinus trouble…
But guess what? Your upper molars sit right beneath your sinus cavities. A hidden infection there can push pain upward and outward — straight into your face and head.

A sinus-like headache could be your tooth waving a red flag. Don’t ignore it.

🕓 5. The Pain Comes and Goes — but Follows a Pattern

Tooth-related headaches often follow a weird but predictable cycle:
They flare up during meals, at night, or after long periods of jaw tension. Then… they fade. Then come back.

If your headache always shows up after chewing, yawning, clenching, or lying down, the source might be in your mouth — not your head.

🙋‍♀️ So… Is Your Headache Actually a Dental Problem?

If you’re nodding along to any of these signs, don’t just pop another painkiller and hope for the best.

👉 You can get real answers from a licensed dentist online in minutes via JustAnswer.
It’s private, affordable, and no appointment is needed.

Tooth Problems Can Trigger Migraines — Here’s the Part No One Talks About

If you’ve been dealing with recurring migraines or headaches that just won’t quit…
You’ve probably tried everything: caffeine, ice packs, blackout curtains, over-the-counter meds, maybe even prescriptions. 💊

But what if the problem isn’t in your brain — it’s in your mouth?

🧩 The Overlooked Link: Dental Issues and Migraine-Like Headaches

Your teeth and your head are wired together through the trigeminal nerve — the same nerve that’s involved in most migraines.

When something irritates that nerve — like:

• A cracked or decaying tooth
• A hidden abscess
• Chronic jaw clenching or grinding

…it can send signals that spark a full-body pain response, especially in people prone to migraines.

The result?
You feel like your skull is pulsing. Your eye hurts. You’re light-sensitive. But the actual trigger? Might be a tooth you haven’t thought twice about.

Real Talk From Real People 👇

“I had these awful migraines that would start behind my eye and last for days. Turned out, it was a tooth infection pressing on my sinus. I had no clue until a dentist caught it.”
— Mike, 41

“After getting a root canal on a molar I didn’t even know was infected, my migraines dropped from 3 a week to 1 a month.”
— Rachel, 29

These aren’t rare stories. Dentists see this every week.

🧠 Does This Sound Like You?

Here are common signs your migraine may be dental in origin:

• Pain that starts in the jaw, cheek, or behind one eye
• Headaches that get worse after eating, chewing, or yawning
• Facial tenderness or sinus-like pressure on one side
• A history of dental issues, even ones you thought were “fixed”
• Headaches that don’t fully respond to migraine medication

👉 If that list hits close to home, it might be time to stop treating the symptom and find the source.

You can chat online with a licensed dentist right now via JustAnswer. It’s private, fast, and way cheaper than an ER visit.

Your migraines might not be random. Your body could be trying to tell you, “Hey… there’s something wrong in here.”

How to Actually Fix the Pain — Not Just Mask It

Let’s be real: when your tooth hurts and your head is pounding, you don’t just want to understand the problem —
You want to know: how do I make this stop? 😩

Here’s the honest answer: if your headache is coming from your teeth, you need to treat the source — not just pop another pill.

🛑 First: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Pain that keeps coming back is your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right.”
And when a dental issue is triggering your headaches, no amount of ibuprofen or caffeine is going to fix it for long.

So here’s what works — step by step:

🔎 1. Figure Out the Root Cause (Literally)

Is it an infection? A cracked tooth? Sinus pressure?
You won’t know until a dentist takes a look — or at least asks you the right questions.

💬 Can’t get to a clinic? You can talk to a real dentist online in minutes through JustAnswer. It’s private, instant, and way less expensive than an urgent care visit.

🦷 2. If You Have an Infected or Damaged Tooth

This is where headaches tend to be the most stubborn — because infection = inflammation = nerve overload.

You’ll likely need:

• Antibiotics (if infection is spreading)
• A root canal or extraction (if the tooth is dying)
• Fast action if there’s swelling or fever

👉 Book an in-person appointment now with Aspen Dental — they handle emergencies and new patients fast.

😬 3. If It’s Grinding, Clenching, or Jaw Tension

Headaches that start in the temples or behind the eyes are often caused by jaw tension — especially at night.

What helps:

• Warm compress before bed
• A soft night guard
• Magnesium supplements (check with your doctor)
• Better oral care to reduce pressure and inflammation

🪥 Tip: A powerful, ultra-gentle brush like the SonicX Toothbrush helps clean deeper without triggering gum irritation — great if you’re already clenching or sensitive.

😷 4. If It Feels Like Sinus Pressure

This often comes from upper molars pressing on the sinus cavity — especially if the tooth is infected or inflamed.

To relieve the pressure:

• Use a saline nasal rinse (like a neti pot)
• Stay hydrated (dehydration worsens sinus tension)
• Sleep with your head elevated
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water 2–3x/day

Still unsure if it’s sinus or tooth? A dentist can help tell the difference fast — even through a quick video chat via JustAnswer.

🧊 5. For Now — Here’s What You Can Safely Try at Home

These won’t cure the root problem, but they might take the edge off while you get help:

• Cold compress on your jaw or temple
• Ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) — not just acetaminophen
• Avoid chewing on the sore side
• Stick to soft, lukewarm foods
• Use a brush made for sensitive teeth — SonicX is a great option if brushing is painful

And if you’re considering whitening your teeth but have sensitivity or pain, switch to a gentler system like Snow Teeth Whitening.

The Real Fix? Start with the Source

You don’t need to guess. You don’t need to suffer through another night.
The fastest way to fix a headache that starts in your teeth is to treat the tooth.

👉 Speak with a dentist now via JustAnswer
👉 Book your in-person appointment with Aspen Dental
👉 Upgrade your oral care with SonicX Toothbrush

You’ve got options — and relief is closer than you think. 🙌

What You Can Do Right Now (Before You See a Dentist)

Still waiting on that appointment… but the pain won’t wait? 😩
We get it — when your tooth is throbbing and your head feels like it’s pulsing, you need help now, not next week.

The good news? There are things you can do today to feel better, even if you can’t get to a dentist just yet.

🔹 1. Take the Right Pain Reliever

For dental pain and inflammation, ibuprofen (Advil) usually works better than acetaminophen (Tylenol) — especially if your gums or face are swollen.

✔️ Take it with food
✔️ Don’t exceed dosage
✔️ Stay consistent — don’t wait until the pain spikes

💡 Bonus: Pair with a cold compress for added relief (more on that below).

🔹 2. Apply a Cold Compress to the Jaw or Cheek

Ice works — but only when done right.

• Use a soft cloth or gel pack
• Apply to the outside of your cheek, near the sore tooth
• 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off
• Repeat a few times a day

This reduces inflammation and can also calm the nerve pain causing your headache.

🔹 3. Rinse with Warm Salt Water

This old-school trick really helps — especially if you have swelling, gum tenderness, or that “pressure” feeling.

• Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm (not hot!) water
• Swish gently for 30 seconds, then spit
• Repeat 2–3 times a day

Salt water helps fight bacteria, ease inflammation, and loosen trapped food or debris near the tooth.

🔹 4. Don’t Chew on the Painful Side

It sounds obvious, but when we’re in autopilot, we forget.
Stick to soft foods like oatmeal, soup, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs.
Avoid:

• Chewing gum
• Crunchy snacks
• Anything super hot or icy

Minimizing pressure helps avoid triggering more pain in your jaw and head.

🔹 5. Use a Toothbrush That Won’t Make Things Worse

If brushing is painful, don’t stop brushing — change your brush.

🪥 A soft-bristle electric brush like the SonicX Toothbrush removes plaque without irritating your gums or triggering sensitivity, which is key when you’re dealing with dental-related headaches.

🔹 6. Try Gentle Jaw Stretches and Relaxation

If jaw tension is causing or worsening your headache, take 5 minutes to gently stretch and relax those muscles:

• Open and close your mouth slowly, like you’re yawning
• Massage your temples and jawline in small circles
• Try a few deep, slow breaths to reduce tension

This can release the pressure that’s been building all day (or night).

🔹 7. Still Not Sure What’s Going On? Talk to a Dentist Online

If you’ve read this far, you’re clearly not just “waiting for it to go away.”
And you don’t have to.

👉 You can get real answers right now from a licensed dentist through JustAnswer.
It’s private, fast, and perfect when you’re in pain — but not ready to leave the house.

Relief starts with action — and you’ve already taken the first step just by being here. 💪
The next one? Start treating the cause, not just the symptoms.

FAQs — What People Really Ask About Toothaches and Headaches

❓1. Can a cavity cause a headache on one side of my head?

Yes — a cavity, especially a deep or untreated one, can absolutely trigger a one-sided headache.

That’s because your teeth and your head share a nerve highway: the trigeminal nerve. When a cavity reaches the inner layer of your tooth (the dentin or pulp), it irritates that nerve. Your brain may “interpret” that pain as a temporal or facial headache, especially on the same side.

You might feel:

• A dull, constant headache near your temple or eye
• Pain that intensifies when chewing or drinking cold water
• Tenderness in your jaw or around the cheekbone

🛠️ What to do:

• Avoid chewing on that side
• Use a cold compress and ibuprofen
• Rinse with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and inflammation
• Brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush like SonicX to avoid worsening the irritation
• And most importantly: get the cavity checked. You can talk to a dentist online via JustAnswer if you can’t get to a clinic today.

❓2. How do I know if my headache is from a tooth or from stress?

This one’s tricky — because tooth pain and tension headaches often feel similar, especially around the temples or jaw.

Here’s how to tell the difference:

🎯 Quick self-check:

• Gently press on your gums and jaw joints. If the headache flares up, it’s likely dental.
• Notice if it comes on after eating, grinding teeth, or waking up? That’s a sign too.

👉 Still can’t tell? A licensed dentist can help you figure it out in minutes through JustAnswer.

❓3. Can a tooth infection cause migraines?

Yes — and not just regular headaches, but full-blown migraine-like symptoms in some people.
A tooth infection, especially in upper molars or around the roots, can:

• Irritate the trigeminal nerve
• Create deep facial pressure
• Trigger inflammation that radiates up the face

That nerve also plays a major role in migraines — so it’s not surprising that dental infections can mimic or directly cause migraines.

🧠 What to watch for:

• Pain starting in your cheek, then moving behind the eye or into your head
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea or visual disturbances

⚠️ Here’s the kicker: many people take migraine meds for years… when the real trigger was a hidden tooth infection.

✅ What helps:

• Anti-inflammatory meds (ibuprofen)
• Hydration and rest
• Get the tooth evaluated — ASAP

If you can’t get to a dentist today, don’t wait.
👉 Chat with a dental expert now via JustAnswer, or schedule with Aspen Dental for urgent care.

❓4. Do wisdom teeth cause headaches or pressure in the head?

Yes — wisdom teeth can absolutely cause headaches, especially when they’re impacted, infected, or coming in at a bad angle.
Here’s how it happens: as the wisdom teeth push through the gums or crowd other teeth, they put pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues — including your jaw and sinuses.

Common symptoms include:

• Dull or throbbing pain at the back of your jaw
• Tension headaches that creep up behind your ears or temples
• Pressure in your cheeks or behind your eyes
• Jaw stiffness or clicking when you chew

These symptoms often come and go, which is why many people don’t realize their headaches are dental.

🛠️ What can help:

• Cold compress to reduce swelling
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Salt water rinses to soothe the gums
• A gentle toothbrush like SonicX to avoid triggering more pain
• And if pain persists: get your wisdom teeth checked. You can book a fast visit with Aspen Dental or talk to a dentist online via JustAnswer.

❓5. Why do I get a headache and toothache at the same time?

Because they’re often two sides of the same problem.
Your teeth, face, and head are all connected by the trigeminal nerve — so when something’s wrong in your mouth, your brain may register it as both a toothache and a headache.

Here’s what can cause both at once:

• A deep cavity or cracked tooth irritating the nerve
• Clenching your jaw from pain or stress
• A tooth infection spreading into surrounding tissue
• Sinus inflammation pressing on upper teeth

🧠 What you might feel:

• Pain on one side of your face that radiates
• A headache that gets worse when chewing or touching your jaw
• Tooth sensitivity or a throbbing sensation under your cheekbone

🎯 Next steps:

• Apply a cold compress to your cheek
• Avoid chewing on the painful side
• Use a soft brush like SonicX
• And if symptoms persist or worsen, talk to a dentist through JustAnswer — they can help you identify the root cause fast.

❓6. Can a bad filling or crown cause headaches?

Yes — if your filling or crown is too high or poorly fitted, it can throw off your bite and create jaw tension that leads to headaches.
Think of your bite like a machine: if one part is slightly off, the rest compensates — and that strain builds up fast.

Symptoms of a problematic crown or filling:

• Headaches that appear shortly after dental work
• Soreness in your jaw or clicking sounds when chewing
• Pain when biting down on certain teeth
• A “high spot” that feels unnatural when you close your mouth

🛠️ What you can do:

• Go back to your dentist and request a bite adjustment — it’s a quick, painless fix
• Massage your jaw gently
• Use a warm compress to ease muscle tension
• Switch to a toothbrush that’s gentle around dental work, like SonicX

And if you’re unsure whether the dental work is the issue?
👉 Get a second opinion with a dentist online via JustAnswer.

❓7. Will antibiotics stop both my toothache and headache?

Antibiotics can reduce the pain temporarily — but they won’t fix the root cause.
If your headache and toothache are caused by an infection (like an abscess or severe decay), antibiotics can:

• Reduce swelling
• Lower inflammation
• Temporarily ease both the tooth pain and the referred headache

BUT — once the antibiotics wear off, the infection usually comes back if the tooth isn’t treated properly.

🎯 Best approach:

• Use antibiotics only when prescribed by a dentist
• Follow up with proper treatment: root canal, extraction, or drainage
• Monitor for signs of fever, facial swelling, or spreading pain — that’s when it’s urgent

Need fast answers or a prescription?
👉 Speak to a licensed dentist now via JustAnswer
Or book a local appointment with Aspen Dental

❓8. Why do I wake up with a headache and sore teeth?

You’re probably grinding your teeth at night — and you’re not alone.
Bruxism (the fancy name for teeth grinding) is one of the most common causes of:

• Morning headaches
• Jaw soreness
• Facial tightness
• Flattened or sensitive teeth

It often goes unnoticed until the damage shows up.

💤 What causes it?

• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Bite misalignment
• Missing or crooked teeth

🛠️ What helps:

• A custom night guard (or a soft over-the-counter one)
• Warm compress before bed to relax the jaw
• Magnesium (ask your doctor)
• A toothbrush designed for sensitive teeth — like the SonicX Toothbrush, which protects your enamel and gums from extra pressure

If you’re waking up in pain more than once a week, it’s time to talk to a dentist. Start online via JustAnswer.

❓9. Should I go to the dentist or doctor for a headache that won’t go away?

Here’s the rule of thumb:
If your headache comes with tooth pain, jaw tension, facial swelling, or one-sided throbbing — you should talk to a dentist first.

Doctors are great for tension headaches, migraines, and general pain.
But if the source is dental (which it often is), they’ll likely refer you back anyway.

Go to a dentist if:

• You feel pressure in your jaw, cheek, or temple
• The headache worsens when eating or lying down
• There’s an obvious trigger tooth or gum tenderness
• Over-the-counter meds aren’t working

👉 Need help now? You can chat with a dentist online via JustAnswer, or book a local visit with Aspen Dental.

Final Thoughts: Listen to the Pain (It’s Telling You Something)

Let’s be honest — toothaches and headaches are two of the most draining types of pain.
They affect your sleep, your focus, even your ability to enjoy a meal. And when both hit at once? It can feel unbearable. 😩

But here’s something most people forget:

Pain isn’t just a problem — it’s a signal. And when you listen to it, you can take control.

If you’ve been pushing through the discomfort, hoping it’ll pass…
Or if you’ve treated your headaches with every remedy except a dental exam…

This might be your turning point. The sooner you treat the source, the faster you get your life (and your focus) back.

✅ Here’s What You Can Do Right Now:

✔️ Talk to a licensed dentist online in minutes with JustAnswer
✔️ Book a same-day consultation with Aspen Dental
✔️ Switch to a high-performance brush like the SonicX Toothbrush — gentle on teeth, tough on plaque
✔️ Explore this guide: Teeth Problems & Solutions — What Your Mouth Might Be Trying to Tell You

The truth is, your body is smarter than you think.
If something feels off — there’s probably a reason.

So don’t wait for the pain to get worse.
Get answers, take action, and start feeling better — today. 🙌

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental or medical advice. Always consult a licensed dentist or healthcare provider regarding any condition, symptom, or treatment mentioned here. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase — at no additional cost to you. This helps support our site and allows us to continue creating helpful content. Thank you!

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