Having headaches is no fun! It’s one of the most uncomfortable experiences you go through, and to your surprise, your dental health might be the reason. Believe it or not, your tooth cavities are linked to headaches. When it comes to headaches and dental cavities, these two are more connected than you might think. How? Let’s learn how these two are related precisely.
Understanding Tooth Decay or Cavity?
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are a very common dental issue that occurs when the bacteria inside your mouth produce acids that dissolve the tooth enamel leading to decay. If left untreated, it won’t stay till the enamel and goes down to the deeper layers particularly to the nerves, producing pain. By nature, this pain is intense and usually spreads to the other parts of your head known as referred pain. This is a direct link between headaches and dental cavities.
Understanding the Concept of Referred Pain
We feel pain anywhere in the body because of the nerves. Nerves send signals to our brain that something is wrong and it needs the brain’s attention. Now due to a complex network of nerves, pain is sometimes felt away from its actual source, known as ‘referred pain’. So, it means cavities may cause sinus, jaw muscles, head, and facial pain. This is the reason you are more likely to experience headaches as a result of your dental pain.
Looking Out For The Signs of A Cavity
If you are feeling pain in your temples, forehead, around the eyes, or at the back of your head, you are likely having this due to your teeth. It is tricky to pinpoint whether it’s your migraine, sinus headache, tension headache, or dental headache. If you see one of these signs and persistent headaches, your cavities might be causing it. Common symptoms caused by cavities include
- A visible cavity or a blackhole inside your tooth
- Pain or discomfort
- Tooth sensitivity to hold and cold foods
- Food getting stuck
- Jaw pain
Other more severe signs indicate a possible tooth infection, which include intense pain that is spontaneous and difficult to tolerate. Symptoms such as facial swelling indicate a dental disease, and you need a root canal treatment urgently. Untreated cavities can lead to severe headaches and dental cavities that require immediate attention.
When to See a Dentist?
If you are having persistent dental problems along with chronic headaches, it is your time to schedule your dental check-up. A comprehensive dental exam by your dentist helps to identify cavities or damage to a part of the tooth that is headaches related. Don’t ignore this connection between headaches and dental cavities.
Conclusion
Since the connection between headaches and cavities is established it is important to know the signs that indicate a dental issue. It can also occur as a result of an infected tooth, teeth grinding, or a sinus infection. To know if your cavity is causing your headache book an appointment with us today to get yourself treated. Hence, headaches and dental cavities should be considered when dealing with persistent headaches.
If you’re considering a dental bridge or need advice on maintaining one, don’t hesitate to contact Tamborello Dental Associates for personalized recommendations.
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