Teeth Hurt When Sick [5 Reasons + 6 Easy Tips for Relief]

Have you ever noticed that your teeth hurt when you’re sick? Whether you have a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection, it’s common to feel tooth pain along with other symptoms. 

There is an easy explanation for this, and it can be confusing. The PVPD experts will explain the causes and how to reduce the discomfort. 

Why Do Your Teeth Hurt When You Have a Cold or Flu?

When you are sick, your body goes through different changes, and sometimes your teeth can be affected too. Here’s a closer look at why that happens:

1- Sinus Pressure

The sinuses are air-filled cavities located close to the roots of your upper teeth, behind your eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Mucus can accumulate in these sinuses during a cold or sinus infection, causing pressure. 

This pressure can travel down to your upper teeth, making them feel sore or sensitive, especially when you move your head or bend over.

2- Inflammation

Your immune system kicks into high gear when you’re sick, and inflammation is a part of that process. This can cause swelling in your gums and surrounding tissues, making your teeth feel tender or more sensitive to hot and cold.

3- Dehydration

When you’re not feeling well, it’s easy to drink less water, which can lead to dehydration. This reduces the moisture in your mouth, leaving it dry. 

A dry mouth can cause a buildup of bacteria, which may lead to discomfort, irritation, or even bad breath.

4- Fever and Body Aches

A fever is your body’s natural response to fighting an infection, and it often comes with general body aches. These aches can affect your jaw muscles as well, leading to discomfort or pain in your teeth. 

This is especially common if you’re clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth without realizing it.

Read More: Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief

5- Clenching or Grinding

When you are sick, you might feel stressed, uncomfortable, or simply exhausted, which can cause you to clench or grind your teeth, often without realizing it. 

This tension can put pressure on your teeth, leading to soreness, headaches, or jaw pain.

Why Do My Upper or Lower Teeth Hurt?

The reasons could be as follows:

Upper Teeth Pain

Pain in your upper teeth is often caused by sinus pressure. 

Your upper teeth’s roots may be compressed when your sinuses become inflamed as a result of an infection or cold. When you bend over or move your head, it may cause them to feel uncomfortable or sore.

Lower Teeth Pain

If your lower teeth hurt, it’s commonly related to jaw tension caused by congestion or dehydration. It’s simple to become dehydrated while you’re ill, which might cause dry mouth and tooth pain. 

Stress from illness might also cause you to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, which can place additional strain on your lower teeth.

Front Teeth Pain

If you’re experiencing pain in your front teeth, it’s often due to dryness in your mouth or nasal congestion. 

When you’re sick and breathing through your mouth more than usual, the lack of moisture can increase sensitivity in your front teeth, making them feel sore or more sensitive to temperature changes.

6 Proven Home Remedies for Toothache When You Are Sick

Here are some easy at-home treatments to help relieve tooth pain if it’s brought on by a sinus infection, cold, or flu:

Drink plenty of Water

By keeping your mouth moist and assisting in the removal of bacteria, drinking lots of water helps avoid accumulation that may cause more discomfort.

Plus, staying hydrated helps relieve sinus pressure.

Steam Inhalation

Breathing in steam can help clear up nasal congestion and reduce the pressure on your sinuses, which in turn can alleviate tooth pain.To ease sinus pressure, try breathing in steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water.

Apply a Warm Compressor

You can relieve toothache and lower sinus pressure by applying a warm compress to your face, close to the painful spot. It also promotes better blood flow, which can aid in healing.

Salt Water Rinse

A natural method of reducing inflammation, soothing sore gums, and killing bacteria is to gargle with warm salt water. It is easy to use and works well to reduce soreness.

Over-the-Counter Pain Management Products

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two examples of pain medications that might help lower inflammation and pain. Just make sure you take the dosage as prescribed.

Steer clear of Cold or Sugary Foods

Cold or sugary foods can make your teeth more sensitive when you’re already experiencing pain. Try to stick to soft, mild foods to avoid aggravating your symptoms.

When to See a Dentist?

Most of the time, tooth pain from being sick goes away once you recover. But if the discomfort is severe and persists after your illness, you should consult a dentist.

• Your jaw and surrounding gums are swollen.
• You develop a persistent sensitivity to heat or cold.
• There’s bleeding from your gums or any signs of infection.

If your tooth pain persists, it’s best to consult a professional at Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Our team can help determine whether the pain is from your illness or another dental issue. You can also make easy dental payments through cryptocurrency. 

People Also Ask

1. Is it normal for teeth to hurt when sick?

Yes, it’s common to experience tooth pain due to sinus pressure, inflammation, or dehydration when sick.

2. What is the 3-3-3 rule for toothaches?

The 3-3-3 rule suggests taking 3 ibuprofen (600 mg total), 3 times a day, for 3 days to help reduce inflammation and pain. However, always consult a doctor before taking any medication.

3. Is there a virus that makes your teeth hurt?

Some viruses, like the flu and COVID-19, can cause body-wide inflammation, which may lead to tooth sensitivity or pain.

4. How do you relieve sinus pressure on your teeth?

Inhaling steam, applying warm compresses, and drinking enough of water can all help ease toothache and sinus congestion.