26/12/2025
A toothache can quietly turn into a headache — and it’s not a coincidence.
Your teeth, jaw, face, and forehead are all connected by the trigeminal nerve. When a cavity, tooth infection, impacted wisdom tooth, or TMJ problem irritates this nerve, pain signals can spread and be felt in the head. Many people describe it as a tension-type headache, facial pressure, or even migraine-like pain.
Dental pain can also cause jaw muscles to tighten, especially with teeth grinding or TMJ disorders, further triggering headaches. Inflammation from an untreated tooth infection can amplify this nerve response.
If headaches keep returning along with tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, or chewing discomfort, the source may be dental. Treating the tooth often relieves the head pain — not just masks it.