When a tooth aches specifically during a cough, it can be a perplexing and uncomfortable experience. This sensation, while unusual, is a common symptom that often points to underlying dental or non-dental issues. Understanding the reasons behind this discomfort can help individuals seek appropriate care. The forceful act of coughing can create sudden changes in pressure within the oral and facial cavities, exacerbating existing sensitivities or conditions.
Dental Reasons for Pain
Several dental conditions can manifest as pain when coughing, often due to pressure changes or vibrations. Cavities expose the sensitive dentin layer, leading to sharp pain when air or pressure affects the area. As tooth decay progresses, it can reach the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves, causing inflammation and significant discomfort.
Cracked teeth, including hairline cracks, may also cause pain during coughing. The sudden movement and pressure from a cough can cause these cracks to flex, irritating the tooth’s internal structures. Loose or failing dental fillings can allow external stimuli to reach sensitive tooth areas, resulting in pain. Dental abscesses, pockets of pus from bacterial infections within a tooth or gum, can cause throbbing pain that intensifies with pressure or movement, including coughing. Gum disease can lead to receding gums and exposed tooth roots, which lack protective enamel, making them highly sensitive to pressure and temperature changes.
Worn enamel can result in tooth sensitivity, as the underlying dentin becomes exposed. This sensitivity can be triggered by pressure changes associated with coughing. Even recent dental work, such as new fillings or crowns, can cause temporary sensitivity as the tooth and surrounding tissues adjust. This post-treatment sensitivity subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Non-Dental Reasons for Pain
Tooth pain experienced during coughing often connects to issues outside the teeth, particularly those involving the sinuses. The maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities located directly above the upper back teeth, with a thin layer of bone often separating tooth roots from the sinus floor. When these sinuses become inflamed or congested, pressure can directly affect the nerves of the adjacent upper teeth.
Sinusitis, an inflammation or infection of the sinuses, is a frequent cause of referred tooth pain. As the sinuses fill with fluid and swell, increased pressure can radiate downward, causing discomfort that feels like a toothache, especially in the upper molars. Coughing can intensify this pressure, making the pain more pronounced. Seasonal allergies can also lead to sinus congestion and pressure, resulting in similar tooth pain. Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu, involve sinus congestion and a persistent cough, contributing to this referred tooth discomfort.
When to Seek Professional Care
Seek professional evaluation if tooth pain accompanies coughing, especially if concerning symptoms are present. Severe or throbbing pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication warrants prompt attention. Pain accompanied by visible swelling in the gums or face, or a fever, can indicate a serious infection like an abscess.
Difficulty eating or sleeping due to the pain is a sign professional intervention is needed. If the pain does not subside after a few days, or if it limits daily activities, a dental or medical assessment is advisable. Persistent pain after a cold or sinus infection clears up suggests further investigation to rule out underlying dental problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing the cause of tooth pain when coughing involves a thorough examination by a dental professional, and sometimes a medical doctor. For dental issues, the dentist will conduct an oral examination, checking for decay, cracks, or gum inflammation. Dental X-rays provide detailed images of the teeth and surrounding bone, helping to identify cavities, abscesses, or hidden fractures. Vitality tests may be performed to assess the health of the tooth’s pulp, and percussion tests can pinpoint the affected tooth by tapping it gently.
Treatment for dental causes varies depending on the diagnosis. Cavities require fillings to restore tooth structure. Root canal therapy is performed when infection reaches the tooth’s pulp, involving the removal of infected tissue and sealing the tooth. In cases of severe damage or infection, tooth extraction may be necessary. For gum disease, treatments like scaling and root planing can remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.
If a non-dental cause is suspected, the diagnosis may involve a discussion of symptoms, a physical examination of the sinuses, and sometimes imaging studies like sinus X-rays or CT scans. Treatment for sinus-related tooth pain focuses on addressing the underlying sinus condition. This may include over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines to reduce congestion and pressure. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial sinus infection is present. Nasal sprays, warm compresses, and pain relievers can also help manage symptoms and alleviate discomfort. Accurate diagnosis ensures the correct underlying cause is treated.