Toothaches are unpleasant enough on their own, but when that pain spreads to your neck, things can get even more uncomfortable. You might be surprised to learn just how connected your teeth, gums, and neck muscles really are. So if you’re wondering how to relieve neck pain from toothache, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through the possible causes, how the pain travels, and practical ways to ease the discomfort until you can see a dentist.
Let’s dive into how to find relief from this double whammy of pain in your tooth and neck.
What’s the Link Between Toothaches and Neck Pain?
Understanding Referred Pain
This referred pain can feel like a dull neck ache or even acute pain in the muscles along the sides or back of your neck. Often, the underlying cause of a toothache, like tooth decay or gum disease, sets off a cascade of discomfort through surrounding muscles.
How Neck Muscles Get Involved
The body naturally tries to guard painful areas, and in doing so, it may tense up surrounding muscles. This tension, especially in the neck and shoulders, can lead to muscle strain, tightness, and ongoing aches. It’s also not uncommon for toothache pain to contribute to poor posture, particularly if you’ve been holding your head at an angle to avoid biting down on the affected side.
Common Causes of Toothaches That Radiate to the Neck
To effectively relieve the discomfort, it’s helpful to understand what is causing the pain in the first place.
- Tooth decay: One of the most common dental issues, especially if left untreated, can trigger inflammation that radiates outward.
- Wisdom teeth: When they come in improperly or become infected, they can cause facial pain, jaw stiffness, and neck aches.
- Gum disease: This affects not just your gums, but also the surrounding bone and tissues, which may include nerves that signal pain elsewhere.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): Constant clenching can overwork your jaw and neck muscles, leading to muscle pain and tension.
- Infection or abscess: A more serious cause of dental pain that can lead to swelling, fever, and pain extending into the neck and shoulder.
How to Relieve Neck Pain from a Toothache at Home
While professional dental treatment is essential for resolving the underlying cause, several safe, at-home remedies can ease the pain in the meantime.
1. Apply a Cold Compress
Use a cold compress on the outside of your jaw or neck for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This helps to reduce swelling and dull pain by constricting blood vessels.
2. Try a Warm Compress for Muscle Tension
If the muscles in your neck are stiff or sore, a warm compress can help relieve neck pain caused by muscle tension or strain. Alternate warm and cold packs to find the best relief for your symptoms.
3. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and pain in both the tooth and the surrounding muscles. Always follow the dosage instructions and avoid relying on these for too long without medical advice.
4. Rinse with Salt Water
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help cleanse the area, reduce inflammation, and ease toothache pain caused by infection or food debris lodged near the gums.
5. Use Clove Oil
Clove oil is a natural toothache remedy known for its numbing properties. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and gently press it against the affected tooth or gum area.
6. Try Gentle Neck Stretches
If your neck pain is caused by muscle tension rather than infection, gentle stretching can help loosen up the area. Move slowly, avoiding any position that worsens the pain.
7. Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side
To prevent further irritation, avoid chewing food on the side of your mouth where the tooth pain is located. Stick to soft foods until you can get professional treatment.
8. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining clean teeth and gums is essential. Continue brushing and flossing, but do so gently around the painful area to prevent further discomfort.
When to See a Dentist
- The pain in your teeth lasts more than a day or two
- You notice swelling, pus, or a fever
- Your neck aches get worse or spread
- You suspect an infection
- You have trouble opening your mouth or turning your head
Ignoring these symptoms could lead to further complications, including the spread of infection or worsening of dental problems.
How a Dentist Can Help
Once you see a dentist, they’ll assess your symptoms to identify the cause of the toothache and accompanying neck pain. Depending on their findings, treatment options may include:
- Fillings or crowns for tooth decay
- Root canal therapy for infection
- Extraction for problematic wisdom teeth
- Deep cleaning or antibiotics for gum disease
- Bite splints for teeth grinding
- Recommendations for posture correction if poor posture is contributing to the issue
In cases of severe infection or muscle strain, referral to a specialist such as an oral surgeon or physiotherapist may be needed.
Tips for Preventing Toothaches and Neck Pain
- Brush and floss daily to protect your teeth and gums
- Use a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Schedule regular dental check-ups
- Maintain good posture, especially during screen time
- Stay hydrated to support overall health
- Replace worn-out pillows that may strain your neck muscles
Final Thoughts
Dealing with both a toothache and neck pain can make everyday activities feel unbearable. Fortunately, there are ways to manage your symptoms and find relief. From cold compresses to gentle stretching, these simple strategies can help soothe discomfort while you seek professional care. Just remember, finding the underlying cause and treating it properly is key to preventing the pain from returning.
If you’re unsure of what’s causing your pain or how best to treat it, don’t wait. Call us today at (07) 3132 3783 to speak with a dental professional and get the help you need to feel better fast.
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/toothache/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pressure-points-for-toothache
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/toothache-and-swelling
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/how-to-soothe-a-sore-neck
https://www.sensodyne.com/en-gb/oral-health-tips/relief-from-tooth-pain/
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/toothaches
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache
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