Toothache can become so severe that it radiates into the head. A tooth that is affected by decay can cause severe inflammation, which can cause pain through the nerve pathways in the head. Headaches caused by toothache become worse if you put your head between your knees. Conversely, headaches, especially tension headaches, can also cause toothache. This means that the pain can be felt in the teeth.

 

A visit to the dentist is obviously necessary to relieve the pain. In the meantime, the pain can be relieved with paracetamol or anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen. Under no circumstances should you take aspirin or ASA, as this thins the blood and can worsen the inflammation.

A poorly healing wound in the mouth, e.g. from a pulled tooth, can become inflamed and fester. The cheek swells and you feel slightly feverish and get a severe headache. In this case, you should go to your GP and will probably be prescribed antibiotics.