Winter is around the corner, and you catch the flu. Bad scenario, and you realize you have toothache as well. Connecting these conditions in your head can make you think, “Does the flu make your teeth hurt?” It certainly can, due to the pressure on your sinuses.
Why Do My Upper Teeth Hurt When I Have a Cold?
If your upper teeth hurt due to the flu, the following are the possible reasons:
Sinus Pressure and Upper Tooth Pain
When you have a cold, congestion, and inflammation in your sinuses can create pressure that causes discomfort in your upper teeth. Dr. Aditi Gupta of Ace Dental says, “The sinuses are close to the upper teeth. When they get inflamed, the pressure can affect the roots of your upper teeth. You can feel it in the molars, causing a dull or throbbing pain.”
Tooth Sensitivity to Temperature Changes
A cold can also make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. When you have a cold, the infection and fever can change how your teeth nerves respond. This makes them more sensitive to temperature. Drinking hot drinks or breathing in cold air can cause discomfort or sharp pain in your teeth.
Neglecting Oral Hygiene During Illness
Even when you’re sick, it’s important to keep up with brushing and flossing to manage tooth pain and avoid oral health problems. Dr. Aditi Gupta advises, “Your body’s defenses are lower after an illness, even a mild one. So keep brushing with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day to keep your mouth healthy.”
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How to Relieve Toothache During a Cold or Flu?
When you have a cold or flu, tooth pain and pressure can be uncomfortable. Following is how to find relief:
Manage Sinus Congestion:
• Use over-the-counter decongestants to ease sinus pressure.
• Try saline nasal sprays or gargle with warm salt water to clear your nasal passages.
Alleviate Pain:
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Apply a cold compress wrapped in a towel to your cheek for up to 15 minutes at a time.
Stay Hydrated:
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and support your immune system.
• Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks that might trigger tooth sensitivity.
Maintain Oral Hygiene:
• Continue to brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush and sensitive toothpaste.
• Floss regularly to keep your mouth healthy.
Dr. Aditi Gupta says, “Even if you’re not feeling well, it’s important to keep brushing and flossing. They are your best defense against toothache and other oral health problems.”
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When Should You See a Dentist for a Toothache Due to the Flu?
Tooth pain during the flu usually goes away as you recover. However, sometimes a visit to the dentist is important:
• Persistent Pain: If your tooth pain continues after your flu, it might be due to something else, like tooth decay or a lingering sinus infection.
• Severe Symptoms: If you have severe pain, sinus pressure, swelling, or fever, get to a dentist right away. These could be signs of a serious dental infection or abscess.
• Urgent Symptoms: If you have facial swelling, trouble swallowing or breathing, or pus, see a dentist immediately. These are serious symptoms that need urgent care.
• Long-lasting Symptoms: If your tooth pain and flu symptoms last more than 10 days, see your doctor. You might need antibiotics to clear the infection.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the connection between flu and toothache can help you figure out, “Does the flu make your teeth hurt?” Dr. Aditi Gupta says, “If your discomfort is due to sinus problems, you probably don’t need to see a dentist.” But if the pain continues or gets worse, see a dentist quickly for a proper check-up and treatment.
