Feeling unwell is already uncomfortable, but when your teeth start to ache on top of it, things can get even worse. Many people notice teeth hurting when sick, whether it’s during a cold, sinus infection, or flu. While this pain might seem unrelated to your illness, there are several medical and dental reasons behind it.
At Dental Advice Today, we aim to help you understand why tooth pain can happen when you’re sick, what it means, and how you can ease the discomfort effectively.
Why Do Your Teeth Hurt When You’re Sick?
When you fall ill, your body responds in multiple ways, and those reactions can sometimes affect your mouth. Tooth pain during illness doesn’t always mean something is wrong with your teeth themselves—it could be due to pressure, inflammation, or dehydration.
Here are the most common reasons your teeth might hurt when you’re sick:
1. Sinus Pressure and Congestion
One of the leading causes of teeth hurting when sick is sinus pressure. The roots of your upper teeth, especially the molars, are very close to your sinus cavities. When you have a sinus infection or severe congestion, these sinuses fill with mucus and become inflamed. This inflammation creates pressure that can radiate down into your teeth, causing dull, aching pain.
Key Point:
Tooth pain from sinus pressure usually affects the upper back teeth and may worsen when you bend over or lie down.
2. Inflammation and Immune Response
When you’re sick, your body releases chemicals to fight off infection. However, these immune responses can also increase inflammation in different parts of your body, including your gums and jaw tissues. This can make your teeth feel tender or sore, even if there’s no cavity or dental issue.
Key Point:
General inflammation can heighten tooth sensitivity and discomfort during illness.
3. Dehydration and Dry Mouth
Many people underestimate the role hydration plays in oral health. When you’re sick, especially with fever or vomiting, your body can become dehydrated. Some cold or flu medications also dry out your mouth by reducing saliva production. Without enough saliva, bacteria can grow faster, and your mouth becomes more acidic—irritating gums and making teeth more sensitive.
Key Point:
Dry mouth increases the risk of tooth pain, cavities, and gum irritation during illness.
4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Illness often leads to stress, discomfort, and trouble sleeping. Some people unconsciously clench or grind their teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism), which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and sensitive teeth. This type of pain may feel like a toothache but is actually muscular.
Key Point:
Stress or poor sleep during sickness can lead to grinding, worsening dental discomfort.
5. Gum Irritation from Breathing Through the Mouth
When your nose is congested, you tend to breathe through your mouth, especially while sleeping. This habit dries out your gums and exposes them to more bacteria. As a result, you might experience gum soreness, bad breath, or a burning sensation along with your tooth pain.
Key Point:
Mouth breathing leads to gum dryness, making your teeth and gums more sensitive to pain.
How to Relieve Tooth Pain During Illness
Luckily, most causes of teeth hurting when sick can be managed at home with proper care and comfort measures. Here are some effective remedies and tips recommended by Dental Advice Today to ease the discomfort:
1. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and help your body recover faster. Staying hydrated also helps thin mucus in your sinuses, reducing pressure on your upper teeth.
2. Use a Saline Nasal Spray
If sinus pressure is the cause of your toothache, using a saline spray or steam inhalation can help clear nasal congestion. As your sinuses drain, tooth pain usually subsides.
3. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Even when you’re sick, don’t skip brushing and flossing. Bacteria thrive when oral hygiene declines, and this can worsen discomfort. Brush gently twice daily and rinse with a mild mouthwash to keep your mouth clean.
4. Try Warm Salt Water Rinses
A saltwater rinse helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
5. Apply a Warm Compress
If you feel sinus pressure or jaw pain, applying a warm compress to your face can help improve circulation and relieve discomfort.
6. Rest and Manage Stress
Getting enough sleep and relaxation helps your body heal and reduces tension in your jaw muscles. Deep breathing or light stretching can also help if stress is making your tooth pain worse.
7. Avoid Sugary or Acidic Foods
While sick, your immune system is already working hard. Sugary or acidic foods can increase bacterial activity and worsen tooth sensitivity. Stick to soft, mild foods that are gentle on your teeth.
When to See a Dentist
While tooth pain during illness is often temporary, sometimes it can signal an underlying dental problem. You should schedule a dental appointment if:
- The pain lasts longer than a few days after your illness ends.
- You notice swelling, bleeding, or pus around your gums or teeth.
- The pain is sharp or localized to one specific tooth.
- Over-the-counter painkillers don’t provide relief.
At Dental Advice Today, we always recommend seeking professional help if your symptoms persist. A dentist can check for cavities, abscesses, or other infections that might be contributing to your pain.
Prevention Tips from Dental Advice Today
To reduce your chances of developing tooth pain during future illnesses, consider these prevention tips:
- Keep your nasal passages clear using saline or humidifiers.
- Brush and floss regularly, even when you’re feeling tired or sick.
- Stay well-hydrated to prevent dry mouth.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
Key Point:
Consistent oral hygiene and hydration play a major role in preventing teeth hurting when sick and maintaining overall dental health.
Final Thoughts
Tooth pain during sickness is more common than most people realize. From sinus congestion to dehydration, several factors can cause your teeth to ache when you’re unwell. The good news is that most of these causes are temporary and can be managed with simple care at home.
At Dental Advice Today, we emphasize the importance of understanding how your overall health connects to your dental well-being. By keeping your mouth clean, staying hydrated, and paying attention to changes in your body, you can minimize pain and protect your smile—even when you’re under the weather.