Exercise can sometimes worsen an existing toothache. While physical activity offers many health benefits, it can also intensify dental pain due to the body’s physiological responses. Understanding these connections helps individuals manage discomfort and make informed decisions about their activity levels.
How Exercise Can Affect Toothache
Exercise causes several bodily changes that can impact dental pain. A primary factor is increased blood flow throughout your body, including your mouth. This heightened circulation can lead to increased pressure within blood vessels around an inflamed or infected tooth, intensifying existing pain. For instance, if a cavity has exposed tooth nerves, increased blood flow during intense exercise can worsen sensitivity.
Physical activity can also lead to changes in pressure within the head, affecting sensitive dental areas. Sinus issues, often exacerbated by exercise, can cause referred pain in the upper teeth because sinuses are located near the upper molars. Many people unconsciously clench or grind their teeth (bruxism) during strenuous activities like weightlifting or running. This jaw clenching can create significant pressure on the teeth and jaw, leading to or worsening tooth and jaw pain.
Exercise Considerations with a Toothache
If you are experiencing a toothache, adjusting your exercise routine can help manage discomfort. Opting for low-impact activities like walking, yoga, or swimming might be more suitable than high-impact exercises. These gentler forms of movement can still provide health benefits without placing excessive strain on your jaw or increasing pressure in your head.
Maintaining proper breathing techniques during exercise is also important. Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth can help insulate your teeth from cold air and prevent sensitivity. Staying well-hydrated before, during, and after your workout is important. Dehydration can reduce saliva flow, making your mouth drier and potentially increasing tooth sensitivity and the risk of bacterial growth. Relaxing your jaw and avoiding clenching can also prevent additional pain.
When to Consult a Dentist
While understanding how exercise affects toothaches is helpful, it is important to address the underlying cause of the pain. If a toothache persists for more than a day or two, does not improve with pain relief, or is severe and throbbing, professional dental evaluation is needed.
Certain symptoms indicate a more urgent need for dental attention. These include swelling in your face, jaw, or gums, which can signal a spreading infection. A fever accompanying a toothache also indicates a significant infection that could spread to other areas. Difficulty swallowing or breathing due to swelling requires immediate medical attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious complications.