Most people associate cavities with toothaches, but did you know that cavities can also cause headaches? If you’ve been experiencing nagging headaches and can’t pinpoint the cause, your dental health may be the hidden factor.
At Tamborello Dental Associates in Houston, we help patients understand how oral health issues, such as cavities, infections, and jaw misalignment, can contribute to chronic headaches and what you can do to alleviate them.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a small hole in the enamel of a tooth caused by decay from bacteria, plaque, and acid. When left untreated, cavities can grow deeper, reaching the inner nerve of the tooth and triggering a range of symptoms, including pain that radiates beyond the mouth. This radiating pain can sometimes lead to a headache.
So, Can Cavities Cause Headaches?
Yes, in some cases, cavities can contribute to headaches, especially when they are:
1. Deep or Untreated
Cavities that reach the inner pulp of the tooth can irritate the nerve, triggering pain signals that refer to other areas of the head and face, leading to tension-type headaches or even migraines. This proves that cavities can indeed cause such headaches.
2. Located in the Back Teeth
Decay in the molars or premolars can affect the surrounding jaw muscles and joints (TMJ), contributing to headaches and facial tension. Thus, headaches might stem from cavities located here.
3. Causing a Dental Abscess
A severe cavity can lead to infection in the root, which may cause facial swelling, throbbing pain, and pressure headaches due to sinus involvement or inflammation. Therefore, headaches can be linked to cavities that cause dental abscesses.
How to Tell If a Tooth Is Causing Your Headache
If your headaches are accompanied by any of the following signs, a dental issue may be the cause:
- A persistent toothache or sensitivity to hot/cold
- Pain that worsens when chewing or biting down
- Swelling around the jaw or gums
- A bad taste in the mouth or bad breath (sign of infection)
- Pain that radiates to the ears, temple, or neck, which is a sign that may suggest cavities causing headaches.
If you’re not getting relief from typical headache treatments and you have any of the symptoms above, it’s time to schedule a dental evaluation.
Other Dental Conditions That May Cause Headaches
While cavities are one culprit, other oral health issues may also trigger headaches:
🦷 TMJ Disorder
Misalignment or tension in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause jaw clenching and lead to chronic headaches or migraines.
🦷 Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Grinding your teeth at night places stress on your jaw muscles and nerves, often resulting in morning headaches and facial soreness.
🦷 Wisdom Tooth Pain
Impacted or infected wisdom teeth can also cause referred pain to the head and neck.
When to See a Dentist in Houston
If you suspect a tooth problem is triggering your headaches, don’t wait for it to get worse. At Tamborello Dental Associates, we’ll perform a thorough exam, take X-rays, and determine if decay, infection, or another dental issue is contributing to your pain. If cavities are the cause, prompt treatment is necessary.
Early intervention can alleviate discomfort, prevent complications, and help you return to your usual self.
How We Treat Cavities and Headache-Related Dental Issues
Depending on your diagnosis, our Houston team may recommend:
- Dental fillings for small to moderate cavities
- Root canal therapy for deeper decay and infection
- TMJ evaluation and treatment for jaw-related pain
- Nightguards to reduce grinding-related headaches
- Wisdom tooth evaluation or extraction, if needed
Our goal is to treat the root cause—not just the symptom—so you can return to a pain-free, healthier life.
📍 Located in Houston, Texas, Tamborello Dental Associates serves patients across Midtown, Montrose, The Heights, River Oaks, and nearby neighborhoods.
🦷 Call today or book your appointment online if you’re experiencing unexplained headaches and want to rule out dental causes.