Dentist Questions Wisdom Teeth

Can a decaying wisdom tooth cause headaches?

I'm 27, and I'm getting these really bad headaches from a decaying wisdom tooth. I mean, I think it's decaying because it's causing me a lot of pain and it doesn't look like right. Can a decaying wisdom tooth cause headaches?

13 Answers

Yes, it can
Yes, can be. See your dentist for a proper evaluation.
It is not possible to confirm that you indeed have a decaying wisdom tooth without visual and/or radiographic examination. However, the direct answer to your question is that yes, it is possible for a tooth to be the source of frequent headaches. With that being said, my best advice is to seek a professional dental examination to determine the true source of your
headaches, and to determine how badly decayed and/or infected is this particular tooth. Headaches have many sources, and the only way to start to find the cause is with a complete dental examination.
Usually, decaying teeth will cause a tooth or jaw ache and not usually a headache. It is possible that your tooth is causing radiating pain up to the head though. Another possibility may be that you are grinding or clenching your teeth. This is more commonly associated with a headache. I would encourage you to visit a dentist as soon as possible to have this looked at.
While headaches can come from various triggers, if you are having a toothache along with the headache, then it’s very likely that the tooth pain is causing the headaches. It’s not always the case, but toothaches can certainly trigger headaches.

Dr. Brandon Nicholson, D.D.S.
Typically, headaches related to wisdom teeth occur more frequently when the affected tooth is a lower one. You should have an evaluation from a dentist as soon as you can.

Warmest regards,

Joseph J. Lee, DDS
Yes, it is possible that decaying teeth can cause headaches. Good idea to see a dentist and rule in or out any potential causes and associations.
risks.

Sincerely,

Dr. Rankin
Yes, it can. If you're having pain, please see your dentist before dental infection starts.

Dr. Jensen
It is definitely possible that a decaying wisdom tooth could cause headaches. You should make an appointment with your dentist, who can perform a thorough examination and take xrays to determine what is going on and the best way to resolve your issue.
Yes, a decaying tooth can definitely cause headaches, especially when the decay is into the nerve. You should have it evaluated by a dentist.
It is indeed possible for wisdom tooth pain to radiate to other areas of the face and skull. Left untreated, infection may also spread and cause issues. Schedule an appointment with your dentist ASAP to be evaluated and treated.
Yes, since pain in the third molar/wisdom tooth area can be referred to other teeth, the jaw, and many other structures in the head and neck area. In some cases, this may feel like a headache, but you would also have pain in the area of the third molar/wisdom tooth.

A. Vandiveer Strait, DDS, FAGD 
Pain from a decaying tooth can show itself in many forms. Sometimes there is severe sensitivity sometimes pain in either the upper or lower jaw, and yes, sometimes it could result in headaches. Bottom line is that if it does not look right where you are concerned, you should see your dentist.