As the name suggests Cardiac Toothache refers to pain in the tooth or orofacial region which can be a symptom of Cardiac problem. Cardiac Tooth pain can be an accompanying symptoms of Cardiac pain where the pain radiates from left arm, shoulder, neck and face. It has been seen in certain patients according to a study where Angina pectoris presents as Dental Pain or Tooth Pain. Diagnosing between Craniofacial pain vs Cardiac Pain is the major diagnostic challenge which is being faced by Dentists due to the similarity in the location of the pain. If Diagnosed in time it can help in early intervention of any Cardiac problem which can lead to Myocardial Infarction or Heart Attack if left unattended.
Cardiac Pain is generally seen as heaviness. tightness or throbbing pain in the substernal region which radiated to the left arm, shoulder, neck and the left side of mandible or lower jaw. According to some studies in patients with co-morbidity or history of heart disease, Severe referred pain felt in the mandible and maxilla from outside the head and neck region should be considered as Cardiac Pain and acted upon immediately.
Till few years ago, health professionals were not aware that certain oral bacteria, if permitted entrance into the gingival blood vessels, could cause some strokes and heart attacks (Infective Endocarditis). Toothache remains one of the discreet symptoms but, researchers say that in some cases Craniofacial pain is the sole symptom in Cardiac Ischemia (insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle) or Acute Myocardial infarction which is 10 times more common in females when compared to males.
Cardiac Toothache Symptoms:
1) Pain the Mandible associated with pain in the sub sternal (Middle of Chest) region
2) No Dental pathology seen which can cause the type of Dental Pain the patient is complaining of
3) Pain is sudden in onset and the intensity of pain is varying from Mild to Severe, the patient complains that the pain is gradually increasing in intensity
4) Tooth pain increases on performing any physical activity
5) Pain reduces on taking rest
6) Tooth pain is not relieved on taking Analgesics or Anesthetizing the Mandible
Many studies have shown that many patients have complained of Tooth or Jaw pain after or during suffering from Cardiac pain. Cardiac toothache is usually lowered on taking a dose of sublingual nitroglycerin. Many patients complain on Toothache as the major concern while the pain in the chest as milder pain which can be confusing and lead to a mis-diagnosis. Ischemic changes in the Heart can be associated with Cardiac Toothache.
We know that Oral Bacteria can enter the blood vessels and enter the arteries of the heart depositing or adhering to the fat in the arteries leading to clots which in turn lead to a condition called Infective Endocarditis which is the inflammation of the muscles and heart valves, this can progress into Coronary heart disease. In patients with prior history of Coronary heart disease, tooth ache associated with light headedness or seating should be considered as Cardiac toothache and no time should be wasted and immediate diagnosis should be done.
References:
Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Vagus Nerve pain referred to the Craniofacial region
Toothache of Cardiac Origin – Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Difference in Cranifacial Pain of Cardiac vs Dental Origin
I have 4 top teeth broken off at the gum line.(2 on each side)
Every tooth is damaged and I have been told they should be extracted and replaced with dentures. My insurance will pay for this if I go to a dentist that accepts their coverage or part of the network.
I can’t do top dentures because of the part that goes against the roof of my mouth. It produces way to much saliva and because of a throat issue and problem swallowing I gag, choke and vomit.
My insurance will not cover implants and I can’t afford to pay for them. Do you have any suggestions?
You have an option of going for an FPD or Bridge which takes support from the adjacent teeth. I am not sure about the Insurance coverage and what exactly are covered, so you can ask your dentist if FPD or Bridge is covered which might be a viable option in your case to prevent Gag reflex and Excessive salivation.
If nothing works and you are forced to go with the Dentures, there are certain medications as well which help in reducing Saliva production known as – Antimuscarinic agents which can be used to control hypersalivation.
There are certain
I feel this ache on my tooth which is bearable , then I suffer with high blood pressure , until now I feel this tooth ache , can this be related
There is a relationship between High Blood Pressure and Tooth or Gum infections, as it was seen in some studies conducted over the years, an active tooth or Gum or Periodontal infection has been seen to increase Blood Pressure which was difficult to control and when the tooth or Gum infection was treated the Blood Pressure has come under control.
For Example: A study conducted way back in 1999 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10703871/
I have tooth pain from last 4 months with leg ankle swelling and some minor pain in middle of chest . My cardiologist has done ecg echo stress and ct scan of lungs. He told me ur heart is ok.
Any suggestions?