An aching in the teeth is a common and confusing experience when suffering from a cold, flu, or sinus infection. This phenomenon often leads people to worry they have developed a cavity or a serious dental problem overnight. However, the discomfort is frequently a temporary symptom of the systemic illness, rather than a true dental issue. This tooth pain is often referred pain, meaning the source of the sensation is located elsewhere in the body. The discomfort typically resolves as your main illness symptoms begin to clear.
Understanding Referred Pain from Sinus Pressure
The primary reason for tooth discomfort during a respiratory illness is the close anatomical relationship between the maxillary sinuses and the upper jaw. The maxillary sinuses are the largest facial cavities, situated directly above the roots of your upper back teeth, specifically the molars and premolars. When an infection causes the lining of these sinuses to become inflamed (sinusitis), the sinuses fill with fluid and mucus.
This fluid buildup and swelling create mechanical pressure inside the sinus cavity. Because the nerve endings of your upper teeth are located near the sinus floor, this internal pressure irritates the dental nerves, which then transmit a pain signal. Your brain interprets this signal as a toothache, even though the tooth itself is healthy. This sensation is commonly called a sinus toothache.
The pain is often characterized as a dull, constant ache or a feeling of deep pressure, commonly affecting several upper teeth at once. A giveaway sign that the cause is sinus-related is that the pain may worsen when you bend over or suddenly change the position of your head. These movements cause the fluid and pressure within the sinuses to shift, temporarily intensifying the discomfort.
How Illness Symptoms Affect Tooth Sensitivity
Beyond mechanical pressure, the systemic state of being ill creates secondary environmental changes that increase tooth sensitivity. One major factor is the reduction in saliva flow, often a result of fever, mouth breathing due to nasal congestion, or side effects from cold medications like antihistamines. Saliva acts as a natural protective barrier, washing away bacteria and neutralizing acids in the mouth.
When saliva production is reduced, the mouth becomes dry, eliminating this protective effect and allowing acids to linger on the tooth surface. This dry environment can accelerate enamel breakdown and significantly heighten sensitivity to temperature changes or sweets. Dehydration from reduced fluid intake during illness also contributes directly to this dry mouth state.
Furthermore, severe illness symptoms like vomiting or chronic acid reflux can expose the teeth to highly corrosive stomach acid. This acid rapidly erodes the outer layer of enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and vulnerability. If this occurs, rinse your mouth immediately afterward with water or a fluoride rinse, rather than brushing. Brushing immediately after an acid attack can scrub the softened enamel away, causing more damage.
Managing Pain and Protecting Your Teeth While Sick
Managing the discomfort associated with a sinus toothache involves treating the underlying cause: the sinus congestion. Decongestants, either oral or nasal sprays, can help reduce the swelling of the sinus linings, which alleviates the pressure on the tooth roots. Pairing medication with non-pharmacological methods like steam inhalation or using a saline nasal rinse can help drain the sinuses and provide gentle relief.
Hydration is important, as drinking plenty of water combats the dry mouth and dehydration that contribute to sensitivity. Sufficient water intake helps maintain saliva flow, which is the mouth’s natural defense against acid and bacteria. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can reduce both the general inflammation of the sinus tissue and the resulting dental pain.
Adjusting your oral hygiene routine during illness is also protective. Continue to brush gently twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid sugary or acidic comfort items like certain cough syrups, lozenges, or fruit juices, which can further erode weakened enamel. If you must use these, consume them quickly and rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize contact time with your teeth.
When Pain Signals a Deeper Dental Problem
While most tooth pain during illness is temporary and sinus-related, certain signs indicate a true dental issue requiring a professional evaluation. The clearest differentiator is the location of the pain; sinus-related pain generally affects multiple upper molars, but dental pain is typically localized to a single tooth. If the pain is sharp and throbbing in only one tooth, or if it is located in a lower tooth, it is highly unlikely to be caused by sinus pressure.
Another warning sign is pain that persists or worsens long after the main cold or flu symptoms have resolved, usually beyond seven to ten days. A lingering ache suggests the presence of a deeper underlying issue, such as an undetected abscess, decay, or a cracked tooth.
A dental professional is needed to distinguish between a temporary sinus issue and a serious dental infection. Seek dental attention if the pain is accompanied by:
- Visible swelling in the gums or face.
- Pain when biting down or chewing.
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, with the sensitivity lasting for more than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed.