Cavity vs. The Common Cold: How to Tell the Difference
When you’re dealing with a common cold or sinus infection, your teeth can sometimes come under pressure too. Congestion, inflammation, and infection can make your upper teeth ache because your maxillary sinuses are situated very close to your upper tooth roots.
It’s not unusual to experience tooth pain and sensitivity after getting sick, which often leaves people wondering whether this sensitivity is just a result of being unwell or if it signals a dental issue. Here’s how to tell the difference between a cavity and discomfort caused by a cold.
How Colds Can Cause Tooth Pain
When you’re sick, congestion in your sinuses can put extra pressure on your upper teeth, often resulting in tooth pain. Swelling in your sinus cavities may even cause slight misalignment, making it uncomfortable when you bite or chew. Allergies, colds, and infections can all lead to sinus irritation, which can directly impact how your teeth feel during illness.
Sinus Pressure
Your body has several sinus cavities, and pain can arise from any or all of them at once. If you have an infection in multiple sinus cavities, you may also feel discomfort behind your nose and eyes. Typically, sinus pain feels like a dull, persistent ache, while an abscessed tooth tends to cause more intense, sharp pain, especially if you press on it. In some cases, swollen sinus tissue can even shift your teeth slightly, changing your bite.
An infection from an abscessed tooth can also travel to the sinus cavity, so it’s possible to have both a sinus infection and a tooth abscess at the same time. Paying attention to these signs can help you understand what your body might be telling you.
Dry Mouth
Nasal congestion often leads to mouth breathing, which can dry out your teeth, gums, and lips. Coughing can also contribute to dryness. Saliva is one of your mouth’s best defenses against tooth decay, so when dry mouth occurs, your teeth become more vulnerable to plaque build-up and decay.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to relieve dry mouth and stimulate saliva production. Decongestants and some over-the-counter pain medications can also cause dry mouth, so always follow up any medication with a glass of water.
Sore Throat
Sore throats are common with colds and typically appear alongside other symptoms, like coughing, sneezing, muscle aches, fatigue, and a runny nose.
Bad Breath
Postnasal drip is caused by excess mucus dripping into the back of your mouth and down your throat. Colds, allergies, and bacterial infections can all lead to postnasal drip. This excessive mucus creates a favorable environment for bacteria growth, which often leads to bad breath. If you experience bad breath while dealing with a cold, it’s likely due to bacteria in your postnasal drip.
Ear Infections
Chest or ear pain can signal an ear infection. Since the ear is close to the jaw, ear infections can sometimes cause referred pain in the teeth. If you think you may have an ear infection, consult your doctor for proper treatment.
If Your Cold Goes Away But Your Tooth Pain Does Not…
If your sinus pain or tooth pain lasts longer than a week, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor. They may prescribe an antibiotic to treat any lingering infections.
However, if your congestion clears up but your tooth pain remains, consider visiting your dentist. A tooth abscess could be the underlying cause, and untreated tooth decay should be addressed promptly to protect the affected tooth.
At Your Community Dental, we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy and address any concerns about tooth pain. Call us today if you have questions about tooth pain or discomfort!