Tooth pain during a cold can be perplexing, often leading individuals to wonder if a dental issue has suddenly appeared. This discomfort is a real phenomenon, and it stems from several physiological responses within the body as it fights off an infection. Understanding these mechanisms clarifies why your teeth might ache when unwell.
The Sinus Connection
The primary reason for tooth pain during a cold is often related to the paranasal sinuses, specifically the maxillary sinuses. These air-filled cavities are located within your cheekbones, directly above the roots of your upper back teeth, particularly the molars. When a cold causes inflammation and congestion, these sinuses can become swollen and filled with mucus.
This fluid buildup creates pressure within the sinus cavities. Because of their close proximity, this increased pressure can then exert force downward onto the nerve endings of the upper teeth. This pressure is often perceived as a dull, throbbing ache or heightened sensitivity in multiple upper teeth, unlike the localized pain of a typical dental problem. The pain may also intensify with movements like bending over or jumping, as these actions shift sinus pressure.
Other Contributing Factors
While sinus pressure is a significant cause, other bodily responses during a cold can also contribute to or worsen tooth discomfort. The body’s inflammatory response to infection can affect various tissues, including those in the mouth. This widespread inflammation can lead to tenderness in the gums and heightened sensitivity in teeth.
Dehydration, a common symptom during illness due to fever or reduced fluid intake, can also impact oral health. Dry mouth results from decreased saliva production, important for washing away food particles and neutralizing acids that contribute to tooth decay. Reduced saliva flow can leave teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity and discomfort. Additionally, when nasal passages are congested, individuals often breathe through their mouths, especially during sleep, which further dries out the oral environment.
Teeth clenching or grinding, known as bruxism, can also exacerbate tooth pain when you are sick. The overall discomfort and difficulty breathing through the nose during a cold can lead to unconscious jaw muscle tension. This clenching can place additional stress on teeth and the jaw joint, contributing to a generalized toothache sensation. Existing tooth sensitivity, such as from receding gums or enamel erosion, may also feel more pronounced during illness.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Cold-related tooth pain typically resolves as cold symptoms subside, usually within 7 to 10 days. However, there are instances when persistent or severe tooth pain warrants professional evaluation. If the pain is severe, continues after your cold symptoms have cleared, or is localized to a single tooth, it is advisable to consult a dentist.
Specific dental symptoms such as swelling around a tooth, unusual sensitivity to hot or cold, or pain when biting down also warrant a dental visit. These could be signs of an underlying dental issue like a cavity, a cracked tooth, or an infection that requires professional intervention. If cold symptoms themselves worsen, do not improve within the expected timeframe of 10 to 14 days, or are accompanied by a high fever, you should consult a doctor.