When you feel unwell, sometimes your teeth hurt when sick too. It might feel strange, but many people notice their teeth hurting during a cold, flu, or sinus infection. You may feel a dull pain in your back teeth or a sharp ache when you bite down. This happens because your body is working hard to fight off the illness. As your nose and head get full of pressure or your body gets inflamed, your teeth can feel the pressure too. Even just breathing through your mouth when sick can dry out your mouth and make it worse. Knowing what causes this can help you feel better and stop worrying. In this blog, we will explain why this happens in easy words and show you how to feel better at home.
What It Means When Your Teeth Hurt When Sick (In Simple Words)
When your teeth hurt when sick, it can feel strange and scary. But don’t worry, it happens to many people. Your teeth might hurt because your body is fighting a cold, flu, or another illness. Sometimes your nose gets stuffy, and that pressure can push down on your upper teeth. This makes them feel sore or achy. Your body also gets weak when you’re sick, and this can make your gums or teeth more sensitive. Breathing through your mouth, skipping brushing, or clenching your teeth when resting can also cause pain. It’s not always a tooth problem—it might just be your body reacting to being sick. The good news is, the pain usually goes away once you start feeling better.
Top 5 Common Reasons Your Teeth Hurt When Sick
There are a few common reasons why your teeth hurt when sick. First, sinus pressure from a cold or flu pushes down on your top teeth. Second, when you’re sick, you might breathe through your mouth more, and that dries out your mouth, causing pain. Third, fever and inflammation can make your gums sore and your teeth feel extra sensitive. Fourth, medicine like cough syrup has sugar, which can bother your teeth if you don’t brush well. Lastly, when you sleep more while sick, you may grind your teeth without knowing it. All these things can make your teeth feel sore or tender. But remember, the pain usually goes away when your body heals.
Is It Sinus or Toothache? Easy Way to Tell When You’re Sick
Sometimes it’s hard to know if you have a real toothache or just sinus pain when sick. Here’s a simple way to tell. If many top teeth hurt at once, it’s probably sinus pain. It feels like pressure pushing down on them. But if only one tooth hurts and it feels sharp, it might be a real toothache. Another tip: if the pain gets worse when you bend over or touch your face, it’s likely from your sinuses. If you feel sick, have a runny nose, or blocked nose along with tooth pain, it’s probably not a tooth problem. But if the pain stays even after you’re better, it’s a good idea to visit the dentist.
Can the Flu or a Cold Make Your Teeth Hurt? Yes, Here’s How
Yes, the flu or a cold can make your teeth hurt. When you’re sick, your body fights germs, and this causes swelling in your nose and sinuses. These sinuses are very close to your upper back teeth. So when they get full or swollen, they press on your teeth and cause pain. Also, when you have a fever or feel tired, you may not brush your teeth well. This lets germs grow and can cause gum pain too. If you’re breathing through your mouth or coughing a lot, your mouth gets dry, and that can also lead to sore teeth. So yes, even though the flu or a cold is not in your mouth, it still affects your teeth.
Teeth Hurt When Sick? Here’s What to Do at Home
If your teeth hurt when sick, you can try some easy things at home to feel better. First, drink warm water or tea to stay hydrated and reduce pressure. Use a soft toothbrush and keep brushing even if you feel tired. If your nose is stuffy, try a warm steam or use a nasal spray to clear your sinuses. This may help remove pressure from your teeth. A warm towel on your face can also ease the pain. Rest a lot so your body can heal. Avoid very cold or hot foods. If the pain stays after you get better, go see a dentist. Taking care of your mouth while you’re sick is just as important as resting.
Conclusion
When your teeth hurt while you’re sick, it’s usually not something scary. It’s your body’s way of saying it needs rest and care. The pain often comes from your nose, sinuses, or even from not brushing while sick. Just be gentle with yourself and keep your mouth clean.
Most of the time, your teeth will feel fine again once you’re better. But if the pain sticks around or feels sharp in just one spot, talk to a dentist. Always take small steps to feel better, like drinking warm water, cleaning your mouth, and resting well.
FAQs
Q: Can a cold make my teeth hurt?
A: Yes! A cold can cause sinus pressure that pushes on your teeth and makes them sore.
Q: Should I brush my teeth when I’m sick and they hurt?
A: Yes, gently brush your teeth to keep them clean, even if they feel sore.
Q: When should I see a dentist if my teeth hurt while sick?
A: If the pain doesn’t go away after you feel better or only one tooth hurts a lot, visit a dentist.
