Teeth can hurt during a cold because sinus pressure presses on the roots of the upper teeth.
Why
The upper teeth roots sit close to the maxillary sinuses. When these fill with mucus and swell, pressure presses on the nerves, so teeth ache.
How to tell
- Several upper teeth hurt at once.
- Pain changes when you bend over.
- Other signs: congestion and facial pressure.
Relief
- Decongestants and saline spray.
- Warm compress on the face.
- Fluids and rest.
See a dentist
If one tooth hurts or the pain lasts after the cold is gone.
Sinus pressure
The roots of the upper back teeth lie close to the maxillary sinuses, which sit under the cheeks. When sinuses become inflamed and fill with fluid during a cold, the pressure presses on nerves near these teeth and creates a dull ache.
Typical features
Sinus related tooth pain usually affects several upper back teeth at once, and often both sides. It gets worse when bending forward, and it comes with nasal congestion, facial pressure and sometimes fever.
Dental causes of pain
A cavity, cracked tooth, abscess or gum infection causes pain in a specific tooth that may be sharp, throbbing or triggered by hot or cold, and chewing.
Other contributors
- Teeth grinding when you sleep with a blocked nose.
- Mouth breathing, causing a dry mouth and more bacteria.
- Decongestants and antihistamines drying the mouth.
- Dehydration.
Relief
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Use a saline nasal rinse or spray.
- Apply a warm compress to the face.
- Inhale steam.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- A decongestant for short term use, up to 3 days for nasal sprays.
Timing
Pain from a cold should improve as the cold clears in 7 to 10 days. If it lasts longer or gets worse, it could be bacterial sinusitis.
See a dentist if
Pain affects a single tooth, lasts after the cold is over, causes swelling or tenderness when biting, or comes with a bad taste or fever.
Antibiotic note
Most sinus infections are viral and do not require antibiotics.
Why teeth can ache with sinus pressure
The maxillary sinuses sit just above the upper back teeth, and their roots can lie very close to the sinus floor. When the sinuses are inflamed and filled with fluid during a cold, pressure can make several upper teeth feel sore, often on both sides, and the ache may worsen when you bend over. Dental pain from a cavity or abscess usually affects one tooth and gets worse with chewing or hot and cold foods. Most sinus infections are viral, and bacterial causes account for a small percentage of cases, only about 0.5 to 2 percent.
Relief and when to see a dentist
Saline nasal rinses, steam, a humidifier, staying hydrated, decongestants for a few days and pain relievers help. Antibiotics are generally not recommended for the first 7 to 10 days of a cold or viral sinusitis. Pain usually resolves as congestion clears, within a week or two. See a dentist if pain focuses on one tooth, lasts after the cold is over, or comes with swelling, a bad taste, fever or sensitivity to temperature. A dentist can use an X-ray to tell whether the cause is dental. Grinding teeth during sleep when congested can also produce soreness.
Based on data from the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the American Dental Association
