If suffering from cold is one challenge, dealing with tooth pain during that condition is another. Some people tend to experience pain in their teeth or gums when they have cold and often do not know as to why it is happening. On top of the discomfort of endless coughing, sneezing, and nighttime congestion, many people also experience tooth or gum pain when they have cold.
However, persistent pain or severe toothache when you are a little under the weather could be an indication of an ear infection or sinus. Further, there may be other reasons for the tenderness in your teeth or gums when you have cold. It is essential to know when to see your doctor to avoid any complications. Here are some of the common reasons why your teeth may be in pain and also how to relieve yourself of the condition.
Sinus Pressure
Often when you have cold, there is a chance that your sinus cavities get blocked with excess mucus. Because the sinus cavities are located right above the upper molars, the pressure exerted can lead to sore teeth.
To relieve this pressure, you could take a damp, warm towel and place it around your eyes, cheeks, and nose. If the pain still does not go and remains persistent, you should see your doctor for a possible case of ear infection or sinus infection.
Dry Mouth
Another common side effect of having a cold is nasal congestion. This condition makes you breathe from your mouth more often due to blockage in the nose and leads to drying of gums, teeth, and lips. Coughing could also lead to inflamed, dry teeth and gum tissue. Saliva, which usually fights off tooth decay, becomes thicker and less flowy and thus, may lead to more plaque build-up.
To avoid this or solve this, make sure to drink a lot of water when you are sick and stay hydrated to relieve irritated gums and dry mouth. Further, make sure to take all your medications with a glass of water as painkillers and decongestants sometimes can contribute to dry mouth.
Sinus or Ear Infection
Tooth pain is common when you are sick and may not mean anything serious. However, it could be due to a sinus infection. If so, you may experience prolonged pain or pressure in your upper molars near the sinus cavity.
You must contact your dentist if your toothache remains persistent and make sure that the pain is not due to teeth grinding or other underlying medical and dental issues.
Another cause of tooth pain is ear infections. You should consult your doctor if you think you don’t know the source of pain and must get the right diagnosis and treatment in order to get rid of the condition.
If your tooth pain continues to exist even after your cold is gone, you should consult your dentist and get a proper diagnosis.