A common cold can cause tooth discomfort. While not a direct dental issue, the congestion and inflammation associated with a cold can indeed lead to sensations of tooth pain. The discomfort usually resolves as the cold symptoms subside, but understanding the underlying causes can help differentiate it from other dental problems.
How Colds Affect Your Teeth
Cold-related tooth discomfort primarily involves the paranasal sinuses, specifically the maxillary sinuses. These air-filled cavities are located within the cheekbones, situated just above the roots of your upper back teeth. When you have a cold, the mucous membranes lining these sinuses can become inflamed and produce excess mucus, leading to congestion. This buildup of fluid and inflammation increases pressure within the sinuses.
The increased pressure inside the sinuses can then press down on the sensitive nerve endings of the upper teeth roots, which extend into the floor of the sinus cavity. This mechanical pressure can manifest as a dull ache or sensitivity in one or more upper molars or premolars. Additionally, the phenomenon of referred pain can contribute, where pain originating in the inflamed sinuses is perceived by the brain as coming from the teeth. The trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to both the teeth and the sinuses, plays a role in this referred sensation.
Recognizing Cold-Related Tooth Pain
Tooth pain caused by a cold typically presents with distinct characteristics that help differentiate it from other dental issues. This type of discomfort often affects multiple upper back teeth on one or both sides of the mouth, rather than being localized to a single tooth. The pain is commonly described as a dull ache or a feeling of pressure, differing from the sharp, throbbing pain often associated with cavities or infections. It may also worsen with sudden head movements, such as bending over, jumping, or lying down, due to changes in sinus pressure.
The presence of other cold symptoms, like nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, or general malaise, usually accompanies this tooth discomfort. If the pain is sharp, throbbing, or isolated to a single tooth, especially a lower tooth, it is less likely to be related to a cold. Pain that persists or intensifies after cold symptoms have resolved, or pain accompanied by swelling of the gums or face, also points towards a dental problem rather than a cold.
When to Seek Professional Help
While tooth pain during a cold is often temporary, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a dental professional or doctor. Seek evaluation if the pain is severe, throbbing, or intensely localized to a single tooth, as this could indicate an underlying dental issue such as a cavity, tooth decay, or an abscess.
Other concerning signs include swelling in your face or gums, particularly around a specific tooth. Pus or discharge near a tooth, or a fever without typical cold symptoms, also suggests a more serious infection. If the pain becomes so intense that it interferes with eating, sleeping, or daily activities, professional assessment is advisable. These symptoms might indicate a bacterial sinus infection requiring antibiotics or a dental issue needing specific treatment.
Tips for Relief
For tooth discomfort related to a cold, managing the cold symptoms can often provide relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce general cold aches and associated tooth pain. Decongestants, available as oral medications or nasal sprays, can help reduce sinus pressure by constricting blood vessels and decreasing inflammation in the nasal passages.
Using saline nasal sprays or engaging in steam inhalation can also help thin mucus and alleviate sinus congestion, which in turn may lessen pressure on tooth roots. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is beneficial for overall cold recovery and helps keep mucus thin. These measures are intended for temporary relief while the body recovers from the cold.