Why does a toothache cause pain in the left eye as well?

Jun 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have been experiencing toothache for the past few days, and starting today, I also have pain in my left eye. I would like to know what might be causing this?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
Toothache accompanied by left eye pain may be caused by various factors. 1. This condition may be related to trigeminal neuralgia; when the trigeminal nerve is compressed or damaged, it can cause severe facial pain that may radiate to the eye area, resulting in eye pain. 2. Acute glaucoma may also lead to toothache and eye pain, as a sudden increase in intraocular pressure may indirectly affect dental tissues. 3. Odontogenic diseases, such as dental caries, pulpitis, and periodontitis, may cause gum swelling and pain under inflammatory stimulation, which can subsequently affect facial and ocular nerves, leading to eye pain. For this condition, patients are advised to seek timely medical attention to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment. Depending on the specific condition, doctors may prescribe medications such as sedative analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or antibiotics, or may perform treatments such as root canal therapy or surgery. Meanwhile, patients should maintain good oral hygiene to prevent worsening of the infection.