Having a cold can be miserable, and this misery only gets worse when it comes with a toothache. You must often ask yourself, “Why do my teeth hurt when I have a cold?” Tooth pain during a cold is surprisingly frequent yet sometimes misunderstood. This blog will walk you through the common reasons for tooth pain during a cold. Shall we?
Why Do You Have Toothache During a Cold or Flu?
Toothache during a cold or flu is mostly related to the complex relationship between dental health and sinus health. Head congestion in the sinuses during a cold can impose pressure on the upper teeth, which can quickly result in tooth pain.
Due to swelling in your nasal canals, your teeth may also be pushed slightly out of alignment when you bite down or chew. When you are sick, the sensation of your teeth is directly affected by sinus tissue irritation, which can cause allergies, colds, congestion, and infections.
Common Cause of Teeth Pain When You Have a Cold?
Here are some of the common causes of tooth pain when you have a cold:
- Sinus Pressure
Your sinuses, which are the air-filled chambers behind your nose, in your forehead, and in your cheekbones, swell and create more mucus when you have a cold. Your upper molars are close to sinus cavities; thus this pressure can cause teeth pain. - Ear Infections
Otitis media, also known as an ear infection, is an inflammation of the middle ear that frequently follows a cold. Since your molars are situated close to your middle ear, it may result in excruciating tooth pain. - Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can result in salivary flow caused by cold. Lack of saliva can promote the growth of germs uncontrolled, which can worsen gum disease and cavities. Additionally, it might make pre-existing diseases worse, including gingivitis. - Teeth Sensitivity
Your body creates more histamine, a substance that promotes inflammation and helps in the defense against infection, when you have a cold. Pain in the tooth nerve and increased sensitivity in the gums and teeth might result from inflammation.
When to Seek Dental Help
Tooth pain during a cold normally passes quickly and goes away as the cold goes away. However, you should still keep a careful eye on the condition, particularly if the pain doesn’t go away but your cold does.
It is important to seek immediate dental assistance if this is the case, or if the tooth pain is severe and accompanied by other symptoms like fever or swelling. These signs may point to more serious dental issues that have to be treated by a dentist, including an abscess or a tooth infection.
Bottom Line!
We hope that this blog has answered your question, “Why do my teeth hurt when I have a cold?” Toothache accompanied by a cold may be caused by sinus pressure, dry mouth, or tooth sensitivity.
If your toothache during a cold persists, consult our expert dentist, Dr. Esteban Garza, DDS, MAGD, at Champions Dental. Schedule your appointment by calling (281) 866-0442.
