Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I'm Sick? Causes & Treatment of Tooth Pain

Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I'm Sick?

It's common to experience tooth pain or sensitivity when you're sick. But why exactly do teeth hurt when you're ill? The answer has to do with how your immune system responds to infection and inflammation throughout the body.

Though toothaches seem localized, there are actually many connections between your oral health and the rest of the body. Teeth pain when sick is usually temporary, but can signal the need for dental care in some cases.

How Illness and Inflammation Affects Teeth

When you get sick, your immune system releases a cascade of inflammatory chemicals to fight infection. This systemic inflammation impacts tissues throughout the body, including those in the mouth. The result can be increased sensitivity and pain in teeth.

Specifically, inflammation around tooth roots, nerves, and other dental structures puts pressure on teeth and exposes nerve endings. This stimulates pain receptors, leading to tooth discomfort and sensitivity.

Congestion and sinus pressure from illnesses like colds and flu can also radiate pain to upper back teeth. Clenching or grinding teeth more during illness puts added stress on teeth as well.

Certain illnesses even impact the saliva glands. Reduced saliva flow eliminates the protective effects of saliva on teeth. Additionally, getting dehydrated from fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during sickness decreases saliva production.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain When Sick

Viral and bacterial infections are some of the most frequent reasons teeth hurt when you're under the weather. The body’s immune response to these illnesses creates inflammation that makes teeth prone to pain.

Specifically, the following illnesses often cause tooth sensitivity and pain:

• Colds and Flu - Postnasal drip, congestion, and sinus pressure impact upper molars.
• Strep Throat - Toxins from streptococcal bacteria cause inflammation and pain.
• Ear Infections - Shared nerves between the ear and teeth can radiate pain.
• COVID-19 - Inflammation from the virus leads to tooth pain in some cases.
• Herpes Simplex - Oral herpes outbreaks cause lesions and inflammation around teeth.
• HIV/AIDS - Teeth are impacted by a weakened immune system.

The pain is temporary and usually resolves once the sickness goes away. However, some viral infections like chickenpox and shingles can lead to permanent tooth damage and nerve pain.

Other Contributing Factors

Besides illness itself, other issues that arise when you're under the weather can also affect dental health and cause tooth sensitivity:

• Dehydration - Reduced fluid intake leads to dry mouth and loss of protective saliva.
• Medications - Some cold medicines and antibiotics impact saliva flow.
• Clenching/Grinding - Stress and disrupted sleep amplify bruxism and teeth grinding.
• Poor Oral Hygiene - Skipping brushing and flossing when sick increases bacteria and plaque buildup.
• Drops in Immune Function - Impaired immunity makes teeth prone to problems.

These factors allow oral health problems to develop, which then cause tooth sensitivity when you're already inflamed and tender from sickness.

Protecting Teeth When Under the Weather

You can help minimize tooth pain and sensitivity when ill by sticking to some simple self-care habits:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.
• Rinse with warm saltwater to soothe irritation and loosen mucus.
• Use medicated mouthwash to prevent bacterial overgrowth.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and stimulate saliva.
• Avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages.
• Gently brush and floss teeth at least once daily.

See a dentist promptly if you have severe oral pain, swelling, redness, or other concerning symptoms. They can examine your mouth and determine if any dental treatment is needed.

When Tooth Pain May Indicate an Infection

In some cases, toothaches that develop when sick are actually due to a dental infection rather than just being a side effect of the illness.

Tooth infections should be suspected if you have:

• Consistent, severe tooth pain and sensitivity
• Swelling or redness in the mouth
• Gum issues like tenderness or abscesses
• A chip, crack, or other dental injury
• A history of cavities and dental problems

See a dentist immediately if you suspect an infection, as prompt treatment is needed to prevent the spread of bacteria and serious complications.

Common Dental Infections

Some common dental infections that may initially flare up when you're already sick include:

• Dental Caries - Cavities allow bacteria to infect tooth pulp.
• Abscessed Tooth - Pus builds up in tooth roots or gums.
• Pericoronitis - Wisdom teeth space becomes infected.
• Periodontal Disease - Gum infection spreads to tooth structures.
• Cracked Tooth - Cracks allow bacteria inside the tooth.

Seeking prompt treatment with antibiotics, root canals, or tooth extraction helps clear infections before they deteriorate surrounding oral tissues.

When to See a Dentist

Schedule a dental appointment if any of the following signs indicate an underlying tooth infection:

• Severe, constant, throbbing toothache
• Pain that worsens with hot or cold foods/drinks
• Swelling around gums
• White, yellow, or green discharge from gums
• Loose teeth
• Unexplained bad breath

Dentists can diagnose the cause of tooth pain and provide appropriate antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or dental treatment. Prompt care helps resolve infections before they spread deeper into dental pulp or jawbone tissues.

When Tooth Pain Signals Other Health Issues

In rare cases, toothaches that arise when sick may indicate health problems beyond just a routine infection.

See a dentist and physician promptly for evaluation if tooth pain occurs alongside:

• High fever, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures
• Swelling in the face or difficulty breathing
• Numbness or paralysis in the face
• Vision changes
• Unexplained weight loss

These serious symptoms may indicate issues like:

• Bacterial meningitis - Toothaches can be an early sign of meningitis, along with headache, fever, and neck stiffness.
• Facial cellulitis - A spreading skin infection that causes facial swelling and tooth pain.
• Sinus infection - Postnasal drip from sinusitis impacts upper teeth.
• Heart attack - Chest pain from heart attacks can radiate to the jaw and teeth.
• Sinus or throat cancers - Toothaches may signal fast growing facial cancers.

Prompt medical evaluation helps diagnose and treat any serious underlying health conditions that initially manifest with tooth pain.

The Bottom

FAQs

Is tooth pain when sick serious?

Mild to moderate tooth sensitivity or pain when sick is usually just temporary and not serious. But severe or persistent pain can indicate a dental infection needing treatment.

Can colds or flu cause toothaches?

Yes, colds and flu can cause tooth pain due to congestion and sinus pressure impacting upper teeth, inflammation of dental nerves, and impaired oral health habits when sick.

What helps tooth pain when sick?

Rinsing with warm saltwater, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, using medicated mouthwash, staying hydrated, and gently brushing can help reduce tooth pain when you're sick.

When should I see a dentist for tooth pain?

See a dentist right away if you have severe constant pain, swelling, tooth fractures or injuries, or discharge indicating a possible dental infection needing treatment.

Can toothaches be a sign of COVID-19?

Tooth pain can sometimes occur with COVID-19 due to inflammation and reduced saliva flow. But it's more common to have COVID-related toothaches due to brushing less while sick.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.