Many times, people may experience headaches and migraines and have no idea that it is caused by jaw or dental problems. Abscesses, infections, and problems with the jaw joint, the temporo-mandibular joint, can lead to headaches, migraines, and just general pain around its location or around the ears and side of your head.
A tooth abscess is caused by an infection inside the tooth, the pulp. A pulp infection on the upper jaw is more likely to cause your face and head to ache and the pain may be very intense. Infections of the gum or impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to facial pain and headaches. These conditions require immediate dental attention to spare your tooth’s life and health.
Another type of infection can occur after a tooth extraction. The exposed site has potential for an infection which can even occur several days to more than a week after the date of extraction. The pain can sometimes travel to the rest of the face, head, and neck or will remain just on the local area. The exposed socket must be treated if an infection occurs or it will only worsen over time and may lead to other dental conditions.
Problems with the joint of the jaw are generalized as temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). The symptoms of TMD include localized pain and pain in the neck, head, ears, and temple. Sometimes clicking noises can be heard when opening and closing the jaw. In more severe cases, the jaw may lock in one position.
Treatment of dental and jaw related headaches and pain should start with treatment of the pain’s source. If it is due to dental conditions or a joint problem, make an appointment with one of our cosmetic dentists in order to begin proper treatment. Without treatment, the condition and pain will only get worse and can lead to other severe problems.
