Do you ever get a headache when you’re sick? How about a sore throat? What about tooth pain? Believe it or not, all of these symptoms are related. When you’re sick, your body is working hard to fight off a foreign invader. This can cause inflammation and pain in various parts of your body, including near your teeth. In this article, we will discuss why teeth hurt when you’re sick and what you can do to ease the pain.
Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I’m Sick?
As we mentioned, when you’re sick, your body is fighting off some foreign invader. This means your immune system has to work overtime. This causes inflammation in various parts of your body, including your sinuses (pictured above). Your sinuses are the cavities behind your cheekbones and forehead. They’re filled with air and lined with mucus membranes.
In a healthy body, sinuses create mucus to trap bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders. The mucus is then cleared out by tiny hairs called cilia. However, when you’re sick, the sinuses can become inflamed and stuffy. This is the same thing you are experiencing when your nose becomes stuffy during a cold.
When you have sinus inflammation, the tissues surrounding your sinuses swell. This can put pressure on your teeth and cause pain. Your teeth are full of nerves, so even a small amount of pressure can cause pain. The good news is that this type of tooth pain is usually temporary and will go away once your sinuses have cleared up.
What Can I Do to Ease my Pain?
If you’re dealing with tooth pain due to sinus inflammation, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain. The most common way to ease your pain is to use a decongestant. Decongestants can help to reduce the swelling in your sinuses and ease the pressure on your teeth. You can find decongestants over the counter at your local pharmacy.
Taking over-the-counter pain medication can also help. Ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are both effective at reducing pain and inflammation.
In very extreme cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, however, they will only be effective if the tooth pain is caused by an infection.
Other than that, it is important to treat the root of the problem: being sick. Be sure to drink lots of fluids, eat healthily, rest as much as possible, and talk to your doctor if your symptoms are severe.
What Happens if the Pain Doesn’t go Away After I Recover?
Sinus inflammation and the resulting tooth pain should go away once your body has fought off the infection. However, if you’re still experiencing pain after you recover, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. This can include:
- A cavity
- An infection in the tooth root
- Fractured tooth
- Dry Socket
- An abscessed tooth
- Damage to the tooth’s nerves.
If you’re still experiencing pain after your sickness has passed, be sure to talk to your dentist. They will be able to determine if there is a more serious problem and provide you with treatment options.
Closing Thoughts
While it’s never fun to deal with the pain while you’re sick, hopefully, this article has helped you understand why your teeth may hurt and what you can do to ease the discomfort. Remember to see your dentist if the pain is severe or if it does not go away after you recover. And always brush and floss regularly, even when you’re feeling under the weather!
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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