Do Colds Affect Teeth?

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Cold weather teeth

Dental professionals often state a correlation between the number of visits they receive and the time of the year. When it is increasingly cold and the weather is changing, people have a tendency to get sick and have colds. Those who have a cold may notice that they’re experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain and visit their dentist in distress that it may be a serious problem. Tooth discomfort caused by sickness and colds is usually temporary but can be startling if unfamiliar with what it is and how it is caused.

Tooth Pain

The most common side effect of a cold on teeth is pain in the upper teeth and gums. When one is sick, their sinuses tend to become inflamed and expand. The sinuses are located above the teeth on either side of the nose, and when they expand they press down upon the top of the teeth roots. The roots of the teeth are very sensitive and when the sinuses are pressing into them, it causes a sharp shooting pain in the teeth and can also cause more discomfort in the sinuses. Tooth pain is not a symptom that affects everyone with a cold as some have shorter teeth roots and some have smaller sinuses. Tooth and gum discomfort is the most prevalent effect on teeth caused by colds, and other side effects are rare.

Relieving Tooth Pain

Relieving tooth pain caused by colds can be difficult because the only way to alleviate the pain is by decreasing the inflammation of the sinuses. For the sinuses to return back to their regular size, the cold typically needs to end. Waiting for the cold to end can be tedious, but the tooth pain can be muffled by medication in the meantime. Visit with a dental professional or a general health care provider to discuss medication options and what would be best for you, or if there are any alternative options that might be beneficial. Over-the-counter painkillers can help to stifle the oral pain if prescription medication is unavailable.

Oral Pain: Caused by a cold or something else?

Although having a cold can cause pain in the mouth, it’s necessary to confirm that it is the reasoning behind the oral discomfort. Following a regular dental hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day and flossing can help remove uncertainty that the oral pain could be caused by something more severe like tooth decay or gum disease. A proper oral hygiene routine helps to avoid unwanted bacteria and illnesses that can worsen the state of a cold by causing a disruption in one’s immune system. When unsure whether or not the oral pain being experienced is caused by a cold or by severe dental problems, it is important to check with a dental professional to avoid any potential further damage. A dentist will be able to distinguish the difference between a sinus inflammation and tooth decay or gum disease and put an end to suffering.


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