Can a Toothache Cause a Sore Throat?

Tooth pain is more than an annoying ache in your mouth. It may spread and create discomfort in areas like your throat or even your ears. You need to know that dental issues can impact other parts of your body in surprising ways. Here, we will tell you what to do if your toothache causes a sore throat. So, read on to learn more.

Does a Toothache Cause a Sore Throat?

Yes, a toothache causes a sore throat. It’s not that common, and only 10% of people with severe tooth infections experience related throat pain. It is usually caused by an infection in your mouth. Bacteria can spread from an infected tooth to the surrounding areas and cause your throat to feel raw or irritated.

How Can Tooth Pain Lead to a Sore Throat?

Toothache causes a sore throat in several ways. Here’s how a toothache might affect your throat:

• A tooth infection can turn into an abscess, which is a pocket of pus. This abscess can irritate the tissues in your throat and make swallowing uncomfortable.
• If your wisdom teeth don’t come in correctly, they can cause an infection. That infection can make your throat feel sore.
• Severe gum disease in Washington can spread bacteria to the back of your mouth and throat and make it feel swollen and irritated.
• Sometimes, tooth pain in the upper jaw is linked to sinus issues. Inflammation in your sinuses can affect your throat, too.

Signs of Abscess-Induced Sore Throat

If your toothache causes a sore throat because of an abscess, you might notice these symptoms:

• The ache doesn’t go away and seems to pulse with your heartbeat.
• You see or feel swelling in your cheek or jaw.
• The glands under your jaw or in your neck feel swollen or sore.
• A temperature spike could mean your body is fighting an infection.
• You have difficulty swallowing.

How to Treat a Sore Throat from Toothache?

As we mentioned above, a toothache causes a sore throat. Let’s see how to treat it:

• Visit your dentist immediately. A dentist can drain an abscess, treat an infection, or address a dental issue.
• Use antibiotics like amoxicillin if prescribed to stop the infection from spreading.
• Take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but don’t rely on them as a long-term fix.
• Mix 8 ounces of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt. Swish gently for 30 seconds, then spit it out. It can help to reduce inflammation.
• Stay hydrated to help your body fight infection. Opt for lukewarm water instead of cold or hot for the best results.

Can Toothache Cause Sore Throat and Earache?

Yes, toothache causes a sore throat and earache. Pain in your teeth, throat, and ears often overlaps because the nerves in these areas are connected. This is especially true for toothaches in the upper jaw. Pain can radiate to your ear and make it feel clogged or sore. If both your ear and throat hurt, your tooth might be the culprit.

When to See a Doctor if a Toothache Causes a Sore Throat?

Don’t ignore it when toothache causes a sore throat. See a doctor or dentist if:

• You have trouble swallowing or breathing.
• Your face swells up.
• The pain keeps you awake at night.
• You notice a high fever that won’t go away.
• Over-the-counter medicine doesn’t help.

Toothache Relief Remedies Near Me in Washington

If you’re in Washington and need help because your toothache causes a sore throat, we can help you. Our team offers expert care for all kinds of dental problems. Whether you need a quick diagnosis, treatment for an abscess, or wisdom tooth removal, we’ve got your back—and your smile! All you need to do is call us at (425) 827-2003 to make an online appointment for free consultation.

Let’s Recap

Toothaches can be far more than just localized pain—they can affect your throat, ears, and overall well-being. While not everyone experiences these complications, understanding the connection helps you act quickly if it happens to you. If you’re worried because your toothache causes a sore throat, our experts can help you!

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