Why Teeth Ache When You’re Sick and How to Help

When you come down with a cold, flu, or sinus infection, you may notice that your teeth hurt when sick—even if you haven’t eaten anything too hot or cold. This puzzling pain can make being sick even more uncomfortable. Fortunately, understanding why this happens can help you manage the discomfort effectively.

In this article, we’ll explore the main causes of tooth pain during illness, home remedies, and the best dental advice today for preventing and relieving that pain safely.

Why Do Teeth Hurt When You’re Sick?

Tooth pain during illness isn’t uncommon. It usually has less to do with the teeth themselves and more with the way your body reacts when fighting infection. When you’re sick, several physical and biological changes occur that can affect the mouth, gums, and jaw.

1. Sinus Pressure and Congestion

One of the top reasons teeth hurt when sick—especially during a sinus infection—is due to pressure in the maxillary sinuses, which are located just above your upper molars.

When these sinuses fill with mucus or become inflamed, they can push down on the roots of your upper teeth, causing dull, throbbing pain. This pain can mimic a toothache but is actually caused by sinus congestion, not dental decay.

Key Signs of Sinus-Related Tooth Pain:

• Pain or pressure in the upper back teeth
• Discomfort that worsens when bending over
• Stuffy nose or nasal congestion
• Pain that shifts or affects multiple teeth

2. Dehydration and Dry Mouth

When you’re ill, especially with a fever or stomach flu, dehydration is common. Medications like antihistamines, decongestants, or cold medicine can also dry out your mouth.

A dry mouth means less saliva, which your teeth rely on to wash away bacteria and neutralize acids. This creates an environment where bacteria thrive, leading to sensitivity, gum irritation, and potential tooth pain.

Dental advice today:
Stay hydrated with plenty of water or herbal teas. Avoid sugary drinks that can worsen bacterial growth.

3. Clenching or Grinding Teeth (Bruxism)

When your body is stressed or in pain, you may unconsciously clench your jaw or grind your teeth—especially while sleeping. This pressure on the teeth and jaw can cause soreness, especially around the molars and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

This is a common reason teeth hurt when sick, as your muscles tighten while fighting infection.

Signs of Grinding:

• Jaw stiffness or tenderness
• Headaches or earaches
• Worn-down or sensitive teeth

Using a soft mouthguard or practicing jaw relaxation techniques can reduce strain.

4. Gum Inflammation During Illness

When your immune system is working overtime, your gums may become more sensitive to bacteria in the mouth. If you’re too tired or nauseated to brush properly, plaque and bacteria can build up quickly, leading to gum inflammation or even early gingivitis.

This gum irritation can cause the sensation that your teeth hurt when sick, especially around the gumline.

5. Temperature Sensitivity from Fever or Infection

Fever can temporarily heighten nerve sensitivity throughout your body, including your teeth. You might notice your teeth feel more reactive to hot or cold foods.

In some cases, underlying dental issues—like small cavities or exposed dentin—become more noticeable when your immune system is compromised.

Dental Advice Today: How to Relieve Tooth Pain While Sick

Even though tooth pain during illness often improves once you recover, there are several effective ways to reduce discomfort and protect your oral health in the meantime.

1. Manage Sinus Congestion

If sinus pressure is the culprit, relieving congestion will often ease your tooth pain.

What Helps:

• Use a warm compress over your cheeks and forehead to reduce sinus swelling.
• Try steam inhalation (inhale warm steam for 5–10 minutes) to open nasal passages.
• Use saline nasal sprays or a neti pot to clear mucus naturally.
• Rest and keep your head elevated while sleeping to help mucus drain.

2. Keep Your Mouth Hydrated

Since many cold and flu medications can dry out your mouth, combat dryness with these tips:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.
• Use a humidifier at night to keep nasal and oral passages moist.
• Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you further.

3. Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene

When you’re sick, brushing and flossing can feel like a chore—but it’s vital to prevent further dental problems.

Dental advice today:

• Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.
• If your mouth feels sore, rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of water).
• Replace your toothbrush after recovery to prevent re-infection.

4. Soothe Sore Teeth Naturally

If your teeth hurt when sick, try these simple home remedies to ease discomfort:

• Cold Compress: Apply to your cheek for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling.
• Warm Saltwater Rinse: Helps fight bacteria and soothe gums.
• Clove Oil: Apply a small amount with a cotton swab for natural pain relief.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation when used as directed.

5. Avoid Aggravating Foods

When your teeth are sensitive or sore, avoid foods that can worsen the pain:

• Extremely hot or cold foods
• Sugary snacks or drinks that feed bacteria
• Acidic foods like citrus and vinegar that erode enamel

Stick to soft, mild foods like soups, smoothies, and oatmeal until the pain subsides.

When to See a Dentist

While most tooth pain during illness goes away once you recover, there are times when professional care is necessary.

See a dentist if:

• Pain persists for more than 3–5 days after you’ve recovered.
• You notice swelling, pus, or fever near your gums or jaw (possible abscess).
• You have sharp or localized pain in one tooth.
• You have a history of sinus or dental infections that return frequently.

Your dentist may perform X-rays to rule out underlying infections, cavities, or nerve inflammation that might be worsening your symptoms.

Preventing Tooth Pain During Future Illnesses

Preventive care is the best dental advice today for avoiding discomfort when you get sick. Here’s how you can protect your teeth even when your immune system is down:

1. Brush and floss daily, even when you don’t feel well.
2. Stay hydrated to keep saliva flowing.
3. Eat nutritious foods that support immunity and oral health (fruits, leafy greens, lean proteins).
4. Avoid frequent sugary cough drops—choose sugar-free versions instead.
5. Replace your toothbrush regularly, especially after being sick.
6. Schedule regular dental checkups every 6 months to catch small issues before they worsen.

Conclusion

If your teeth hurt when sick, it’s usually due to sinus pressure, dry mouth, inflammation, or temporary sensitivity—not necessarily a dental emergency. Still, understanding the link between your illness and tooth pain can help you take the right steps toward relief.

The best approach combines home care, hydration, and professional dental advice today. By maintaining gentle oral hygiene and addressing sinus or dehydration issues, you can ease discomfort and keep your smile healthy—even when you’re feeling under the weather.

Remember: if your tooth pain lingers after recovery, it’s time to consult a dentist to rule out underlying dental issues. With the right care, you can stay both healthy and pain-free—no matter the season.