Back Pain and Tooth Pain – Am I Imagining Things?
It can be confusing – and frustrating – to feel discomfort in two places that seem completely unrelated. If you’ve noticed back pain and tooth pain at the same time, you might be wondering whether the two are connected or if it’s just a coincidence. The truth is that while toothache and back pain are not directly linked in most cases, there are scenarios where they can influence one another. From nerve pathways to posture problems and even stress, the body has surprising ways of making pain overlap.
Can Toothache Be Linked to Back Pain?
Toothaches are usually caused by issues like cavities, gum disease, infection, or sensitivity. Back pain, on the other hand, can stem from muscle strain, spinal problems, poor posture, or injury. At first glance, they seem unrelated. However, the concept of “referred pain” means discomfort in one area of the body can sometimes be felt elsewhere. The trigeminal nerve, which controls facial sensation, is complex and highly sensitive. When irritated, it can radiate pain into surrounding areas, making it feel as though discomfort is spreading beyond the mouth. Similarly, chronic back pain can heighten sensitivity in other parts of the body, including the jaw and teeth, through what’s known as “central sensitisation”.
TMJ Disorders and Posture
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to the base of your skull, and dysfunction here is one of the more common ways dental problems cross over into musculoskeletal pain. TMJ disorders can cause not only toothache and jaw soreness but also neck, shoulder, and upper back pain. On the flip side, poor posture – particularly forward head posture from sitting at a desk or looking down at a phone – places strain on the jaw joint and muscles. Over time, this tension can create a cycle where jaw clenching and muscle tightness contribute to both back pain and tooth pain. Research has shown a link between TMJ disorders and cervical spine issues highlighting how closely the jaw and neck are connected.
Infection, Sinus, and Referred Pain
Infection is another way toothache can contribute to discomfort beyond the mouth. A tooth abscess, for example, can spread pain to the jaw, ear and even down into the neck or upper back if left untreated. In rare but serious cases, untreated dental infections can enter the bloodstream and lead to widespread symptoms. They can even result in a condition called endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart tissue and can be life-threatening. Joint replacements can also be affected by dental infections, which is why dentists take oral bacteria so seriously.
Sinus infections can cause a similar pattern of discomfort. Because the roots of the upper back teeth sit so close to the maxillary sinus, inflammation in this area can create toothache-like symptoms that radiate into the head, neck or back. This overlap can make it difficult to pinpoint the exact source of pain without a proper examination.
When Toothache and Back Pain Happen Together
Sometimes the simplest answer is also the most likely: you may be experiencing two unrelated problems at the same time. For example, a cavity or gum irritation could flare up while a long-standing back issue is causing discomfort. But there are also shared triggers. Stress, for instance, is a major culprit in both conditions. Many people clench their jaw or grind their teeth when stressed, leading to tooth pain, while stress also causes muscle tension and poor posture that contribute to back pain. Pregnancy can be another factor. Changes in posture during pregnancy place pressure on the lower back, while hormonal changes increase the risk of gum inflammation and dental sensitivity. Together, they can create the impression that the two issues are directly linked.
Should I See a Dentist or a Physio?
If you’re dealing with back pain and tooth pain at the same time, the best approach is to start by ruling out dental causes. A dentist can quickly check for cavities, gum disease, infection, or TMJ issues that might be contributing to your discomfort. If your teeth and gums are healthy, your dentist may recommend seeing a physiotherapist or GP to explore musculoskeletal causes. In some cases, a multidisciplinary approach – where both dental and physical health professionals are involved – is the best way forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Back Pain and Tooth Pain
Can jaw clenching cause back pain?
Yes, jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism) put strain on the jaw and neck muscles, which can radiate into the shoulders and upper back. Over time, this tension may feel like both toothache and back pain. Night guards prescribed by your dentist can help relieve this pressure.
Can stress cause both back pain and tooth pain?
Absolutely. Stress often leads to muscle tension in the neck and back, as well as jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Together, these habits can create discomfort in both areas at once, even if there’s no direct medical connection between the two.
Why do I sometimes get headaches with toothache and back pain?
Pain from the jaw or teeth can radiate into the temples and forehead, while muscle strain in the neck and upper back is also a common headache trigger. Experiencing all three at once is not unusual when tension and dental issues overlap.
Can back pain and tooth pain be linked during pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnancy puts added strain on the spine and posture, causing lower back pain. At the same time, hormonal changes increase the risk of gum inflammation, sensitivity, and toothache. These issues may occur together, making it feel as though the two are linked.
What if I have toothache and back pain on one side only?
Unilateral symptoms (pain on one side) can be a clue to the cause. A dental infection, abscess, or cracked tooth might trigger localised tooth pain, while a muscle imbalance or nerve compression in the back could affect one side more than the other. A dental exam is a good first step to rule out urgent issues.
Local Support in Wanneroo
At Gentle Dental Centre in Wanneroo, we understand that toothache is stressful enough without worrying about whether it might be linked to other health problems. Our team takes a thorough, judgement-free approach to your care, making sure no concern is dismissed. Conveniently located in the heart of Wanneroo, we also serve patients from Ashby, Banksia Grove, Carramar, Darch, Hocking, Pearsall, Sinagra, Tapping, Edgewater, Kingsley, Woodvale, and nearby suburbs. With flexible hours and easy parking, we make it simple to get the answers and treatment you need.
References:
Woolf, C. J. (2011). Central sensitization: Implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain, 152(3 Suppl), S2–S15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2010.09.030
Olivo, S. A., Bravo, J., Magee, D. J., Thie, N. M., & Major, P. W. (2006). The association between head and cervical posture and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Orofacial Pain, 20(1), 9–23.
