At Moore Family Dentistry in Garner, NC, we understand that toothaches can be incredibly uncomfortable—and sometimes confusing. In certain cases, a toothache may not just affect your mouth, but may also cause pain that radiates into your head, temple, and even your eye. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can a toothache cause eye pain?” or experienced a toothache causing headache and eye pain, you’re not alone.
Let’s explore how tooth pain and oral health can impact the area around your eyes, what symptoms to watch for, and how to get long-term relief.
Can a Toothache Cause Eye Pain?
Yes, in some cases, a toothache can cause eye pain or discomfort near the eye. The upper teeth, especially the molars, share nerve pathways with areas near the eyes and sinuses. When one of these teeth becomes infected, inflamed, or damaged, it can create a sensation that feels like eye pain and tooth pain simultaneously.
This happens because the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation, branches out to both your teeth and the area around your eyes. So, it’s not unusual for pain from one area to be felt in another. This phenomenon, known as referred pain, is why many patients report that a toothache makes their eye hurt, especially when the issue stems from an upper back tooth.
Toothache Causing Headache and Eye Pain: What It Means
If you’re experiencing a toothache causing headache and eye pain, the issue may be more than just a simple cavity. It could be:
- A deep infection or abscess
- Sinus pressure related to an infected upper molar
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) causing facial and head tension
- Impacted wisdom teeth pressing on nerves
When toothache and eye pain occur together, it’s essential to seek dental attention. Prolonged inflammation or infection in the mouth can cause systemic issues, which may affect your eyes, head, and overall well-being.
Does Toothache Cause Eye Pain or Affect Vision?
You may be wondering, “Can a toothache affect my vision?” or even lead to long-term eye problems. While a toothache alone rarely causes permanent vision damage, ongoing oral infections and inflammation can contribute to broader health complications that may influence your eyes.
Studies have suggested links between poor oral health and conditions like:
- Iritis (inflammation of the iris)
- Retinitis pigmentosa (a rare, degenerative eye disease)
- Cataracts
- Reduced color vision
Infections that spread from untreated dental issues, especially those involving upper molars near the sinus cavities, could potentially impact nearby tissues, including those around the eyes. That’s why early detection and treatment are key.
Temporary Relief for Toothache and Eye Pain
While you wait to see a dentist, there are several home remedies that may offer temporary relief if you’re dealing with tooth pain causing eye pain:
- Warm saltwater rinse (5–8 times a day) to reduce inflammation
- Clove oil on a cotton ball, applied to the affected area
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Cold compresses or ice packs applied to the outside of the cheek
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse (mix with water—never swallow)
- Garlic paste or a fresh clove placed near the sore tooth
- Peppermint tea bags applied as a mild, natural numbing agent
Keep in mind: these are temporary solutions. If you’re experiencing persistent eye pain and tooth pain, or if a toothache is making your eye hurt, it’s time to book an appointment.
Preventing Toothaches and Their Effects on Eye Health
Good oral hygiene doesn’t just protect your teeth—it helps prevent secondary issues like facial and eye discomfort. Here’s how to keep both your mouth and your eyes healthy:
- Brush twice a day and floss daily
- Replace old metal fillings, especially mercury-based ones, with safer materials
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Treat gum disease or gingivitis promptly
- Visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams
For overall eye health, we recommend scheduling regular eye exams, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. It’s also important to manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, as these can impact both dental and eye health.
Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain That Affects Your Eye
Our team at Moore Family Dentistry will perform a thorough evaluation to find the source of the pain and recommend the best treatment—whether that’s a filling, root canal, extraction, or another solution.
Contact Moore Family Dentistry in Garner, NC
If you have further questions about toothaches or would like to make an appointment at Moore, don’t hesitate to contact us today. You can reach us at 919.772.1811. We look forward to hearing from you!
