5 Causes Of Toothache Radiating To The Face

When your toothache begins to creep up into your cheek, jaw, or even eye area, it’s not just uncomfortable—it can be downright scary. Tooth pain that spreads is often a sign that something more serious is going on beneath the surface. But don’t panic. The good news? Most causes are treatable if you catch them early.

Here are five common reasons your toothache might be radiating to your face—and what to do about it.

Understanding The Deeper Pain Behind That Aching Smile

1. Tooth Abscess

A dental abscess is a painful pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It often begins in the tooth root and can spread to the surrounding bone and tissue.

Signs include:

• Severe, throbbing pain.
• Swelling in the face or jaw.
• Fever or swollen lymph nodes.

If the infection isn’t treated, it can spread, causing pain in the cheeks, jaw, or even the ear. In some cases, it can become dangerous.

What to do: Visit a dentist immediately. You’ll likely need antibiotics and possibly a root canal or tooth removal to clear the infection.

2. Sinus Infection

Believe it or not, your sinuses and upper teeth share close quarters. That’s why sinus infections can cause pressure and aching in your upper molars and radiate to your cheeks or around your eyes.

Common signs include:

• Pressure or fullness in the face.
• Stuffy nose or post-nasal drip.
• Pain worsens when bending over.

What to do: Try over-the-counter decongestants or speak to your doctor. If the pain persists, a dentist in Katy can help rule out a tooth-related issue.

3. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

TMJ disorders affect the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can cause tooth-like pain that spreads to the face, jaw, neck, or even shoulders.

Symptoms include:

• Jaw clicking or locking.
• Pain near the ears or temples.
• Difficulty chewing.

What to do: Apply ice or moist heat, avoid chewy foods, and consider a mouthguard. A visit to the dentist or a TMJ specialist may be needed for further evaluation.

4. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Grinding or clenching your teeth—especially at night—can put pressure on your teeth and jaw, leading to facial soreness, headaches, and even worn-down enamel.

You might notice:

• Morning jaw pain or stiffness.
• Teeth that appear flattened.
• Facial tension.

According to the American Dental Association, around 10-15% of adults suffer from bruxism, with many unaware they even do it.

What to do: Talk to a dentist about getting a custom nightguard to protect your teeth and reduce strain on your facial muscles.

5. Referred Nerve Pain

Sometimes, the pain you feel in your face isn’t directly caused by a tooth—but by nerves that are irritated or inflamed. Conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, for example, can mimic a dental issue but actually come from the nervous system.

Signs include:

• Sudden, electric-shock-like pain.
• Pain triggered by touch, talking, or brushing teeth.
• Often affects only one side of the face.

What to do: If a dentist rules out tooth problems, you may be referred to a neurologist for further testing.

A radiating toothache isn’t something to ignore. Whether it’s a simple infection or something more complex, getting to the root of the problem (pun intended!) is the best way to restore your comfort.

Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Your smile—and your face—deserve proper care.

Need professional advice on what’s causing your facial pain? Reach out to our dentist today and take the first step toward feeling better.