My mom started complaining of a toothache and chest pain earlier today. She’s a tough woman who doesn’t like to see the doctor or dentist and is presently refusing to get treatment of any kind. For what it’s worth, she’s 83 and in otherwise good health. At her age, toothaches are a somewhat common occurrence. It seems like we’re dealing with a new surprise event every few months or so. But, this is the first time she’s mentioned chest pain alongside it. She swears it has been a problem in the past though. Obviously, the toothache is an urgent issue that needs treatment regardless, but I’ve never heard anything about teeth causing chest issues. Is this common once you hit a certain age? Or, should I have her checked out by her doctor too?
Thanks,
Jeremy
Dear Jeremy,
Have your mother checked out by a physician immediately. You will either need to take her to the emergency room yourself or contact emergency services. Chest pain needs to be evaluated. Time is of the essence in saving heart function.
A Toothache and Chest Pains Can Signify a Heart Attack
Although “toothaches” are not a common sign of heart attack, orofacial pain is seen in approximately 10% of all heart attacks. Unlike the traditional toothache, which is localized to a single tooth, the pain tends to radiate throughout the jaw. More often than not it’s felt across the lower left, but it can be felt across the full lower arch and in other places too. This has to do with how nerves travel through the body, though each person’s anatomy is slightly different. No two heart attacks show the exact same symptoms for everyone. It’s also worth noting that some people feel this pain and don’t have chest pains which accompany it. In any case, it should be treated as a medical emergency.
Additional Signs of a Heart Attack
According to the Mayo Clinic, additional symptoms to look for include:
- Pain, tightness, pressure, or an aching or squeezing feeling in chest or arms that may spread through the jaw, neck, or back
- Indigestion, nausea, heartburn, or abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
- Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
Dental Issues Are Linked with Cardiovascular Health
Research shows that dental health is linked to general health. For example, people with periodontal disease are more likely to have diabetes and cardiovascular disease, among other things. The inverse is true as well. Because you’ve specifically mentioned that your mother has had more than her fair share of dental emergencies, she probably has some dental concerns that need to be addressed for the sake of her overall health. Once the dust from this event settles, it’s a good idea to get your mom established with a family dentist to perform a comprehensive assessment and start getting things taken care of proactively. Naturally, it’ll reduce the number of emergency dental appointments you book, but it could also help her maintain better heart health too.
Because you mentioned she is not too keen on seeing a dentist, you may want to get her to a dentist who offers dental sedation options. This will give her a stress-free appointment and make her more willing to keep up with her oral health.
This blog is sponsored by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.