Toothaches
A toothache is pain in or around the teeth or jawbones. The main causes of toothaches are dental problems or issues with the jaw. Problems include gum diseases, cavities, tooth root issues, infection or spasms in the jaw muscles. With a condition already present in the gum or tooth, temperature from food or liquids and pressure from chewing can trigger the pain of a toothache.
Toothaches can also be caused by Temporo-Mandibular Joint Syndrome, also known as TMJ. TMJ is a disorder caused by trauma to the face which offsets the top and bottom jaw. When the mouth chews, the muscles do not align and can lead to pain. Bruxism can also cause toothache. The condition is known as grinding of the teeth and can cause pain in the teeth and gums from pressure exerted overnight.
Head pain caused by Toothache
Headaches can be caused by toothaches as pain for dental discomfort runs through the trigeminal nerve. This nerve, according to Medical News Today, is the head's largest sensory nerve. It is named the trigeminal nerve due to its separation into three branches of the face. The branches are the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular. As pain from a toothache moves through the trigeminal nerve, it can trigger pain through other outlets of the nerve including pain to the head. A toothache can set off a regular headache and even a migraine.
Treatment
Treatment for headaches caused by toothaches normally includes use of medication. Typical household medication such as Motrin or Naprosyn is prescribed to suppress the pain and bring down any inflammation that may be causing the toothache. Headaches are treated by the toothache being treated. Headaches from toothaches caused by tooth grinding or jaw clenching can be eased by use of mouth guards. Additional treatment for toothaches includes dental procedures such as cleaning of the gums for disease, filling of cavities and treatment of any infection or inflammation.
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