Marie, a 45-year-old teacher from Douala, woke up one morning with a sharp toothache that wouldn’t quit. As she rushed to her dentist, chest discomfort crept in, and panic set in, she remembered her uncle’s sudden heart attack at 55, dismissed as “just stress.”
Toothache-Heart Link Explained
Heart-related toothache is known as referred pain. This happens when pain from one part of the body is felt in another area.
Pain from a heart attack can radiate to the jaw, teeth, or face due to shared nerves, mimicking dental issues. Studies show this occurs in up to 10% of cases, especially in women. Poor oral health, like gum disease, raises heart disease risk by 30-50% via bacteria entering the bloodstream, causing artery inflammation. Heart efficiency drops when blood flow is blocked, sending warning signals to unexpected areas like teeth.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association reported cases where patients visited dentists for severe tooth pain, but dental exams showed no clear cause. Later, these patients were diagnosed with heart problems, including myocardial infarction (heart attack).
When is Toothache a symptom of a heart attack?
A heart-related toothache often looks different from a normal dental problem. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Tooth pain with no visible dental cause
- Pain that feels deep, dull, or pressure-like
- Toothache combined with shortness of breath
- Pain along with sweating, nausea, or dizziness
- Jaw pain that comes with physical activity or stress
- Pain in the lower jaw or left side of the face
- Pain that does not improve with painkillers
Practical Solution
- Regular dental check-ups
- Managing gum disease early
- Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar
- Quitting smoking
- Staying physically active
- Following heart-healthy diets
Read more on oral health and heart health here.
Next Steps
The link between oral health and heart health goes beyond toothache. If you notice any of these symptoms, be careful for nothing. A cheerful heart heals. Consult your doctor and stay positive. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). Take our free heart test today at Eyole Heart Nurture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a toothache a symptom of a heart attack?
Yes, persistent toothache with jaw pain, sweating, or chest discomfort can signal a heart attack via nerve radiation, seek emergency care.
Can a heart attack make your teeth hurt?
Absolutely, reduced heart blood flow to the heart causes referred pain to the teeth or jaw, noted in 10% of attacks, more in women.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for a toothache?
If a toothache lasts over 3 minutes, spreads to the jaw/chest, or worsens with 3 symptoms like nausea/sweating, call emergency, it may indicate heart issues, not just dental. Are teeth problems related to heart problems?
Yes, gum infections boost heart disease risk 30-50% by inflaming arteries; regular dental care protects both.
