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Why do my teeth hurt when I have flu?

Author

Jessica Hardy

Updated on March 01, 2026

Why do my teeth hurt when I have flu?

When patients have congestion associated with the cold, flu or a sinus infection, they may experience pressure that can result in the discomfort of the upper teeth or even the roof of the mouth. This is because the area is swollen and is putting pressure on that area of your face.

Similarly, you may ask, can flu cause teeth to ache?

When you are sick with the cold or the flu, your entire body may feel sore, including your teeth. Sinus inflammation is the primary cause of most illness related tooth pain. The upper molars on both sides of the mouth are positioned directly underneath the maxillary sinuses.

Furthermore, can a viral infection cause toothache? Acute sinusitis tooth pain can be triggered by a virus or bacterial infection. Its symptoms include thick yellow or greenish mucous draining from the nose or down the throat, pain and pressure around your eyes, cheeks, and nose, and nasal congestion.

Keeping this in consideration, why do my teeth hurt when I have a cold?

Your teeth can be under a lot of pressure when you're sick with the common cold or a sinus infection. Pressure from head congestion, infection, and inflammation can cause your upper teeth to ache due to your maxillary sinuses being close neighbors to your upper tooth roots.

How can I stop my teeth from hurting when I have a cold?

Take Care of Your Enamel

  1. Avoid acidic foods and drinks.
  2. Don't chew ice or abrasive foods.
  3. Apply prescribed fluoride or desensitizing treatments.
  4. Brush and floss every day.
  5. Have teeth sealed by your dentist.

Can heart problems make your teeth hurt?

Heart disease and lung cancer can also cause toothaches. In some cases, toothache may be a warning sign of a heart attack. Heart and lung disease can cause toothache pain due to the location of your vagus nerve. This nerve runs from your brain to the different organs in your body, including your heart and lungs.

How do I relieve sinus pressure in my teeth?

Tips For Relieving Sinus Infection Tooth Pain
  1. Drink Fluids and Use Steam. Water helps to thin the mucus which can be useful, according to Harley Street Nose Clinic.
  2. Eat Spicy Foods.
  3. Use an Expectorant.
  4. Hum Yourself to Sleep.
  5. Position Your Head for the Best Drainage.

How can you tell the difference between a toothache and a sinus infection?

This pain is usually centralized and felt in a specific tooth. Sinus infection pain is a less intense and less localized feeling that is usually described as more of an 'aching' feeling than a sharp or severe pain. It may also be felt over a wider area, impacting an entire section of the jaw instead of a single tooth.

Why does running make my teeth hurt?

When running or doing other exercises, we increase the blood flow in the body. Increased blood flow may cause inflammation in our teeth or gums if exacerbating an already existing problem. Another reason for pain may be teeth-gritting or jaw clenching.

Does a throbbing tooth mean infection?

Throbbing tooth pain usually indicates that there is an injury or infection in the mouth. In most cases, this will be a cavity or an abscess. A person cannot diagnose the cause of throbbing tooth pain based on their symptoms alone, and it is not always possible to see injuries or abscesses.

How do I know if my tooth infection is spreading?

Signs of a tooth infection spreading to the body may include:
  1. fever.
  2. swelling.
  3. dehydration.
  4. increased heart rate.
  5. increased breathing rate.
  6. stomach pain.

Why do my teeth and gums hurt when I have a cold?

Dry mouth. Nasal congestion is a common side effect of having a cold. This congestion could cause you to breathe through your mouth more often, which can dry out your teeth, gums, and lips. Coughing can also contribute to dry, irritated teeth and gum tissue.

Do roots of teeth go into sinuses?

The roots of your upper teeth are extremely close to your sinus lining and sinus cavity. In some cases, the root can actually poke through the floor of the sinus.

Can a cold make your bottom teeth hurt?

The congestion and pressure that accompany a sinus infection can cause discomfort or pain in your upper teeth. This is because the roots of your upper teeth and jawbone are near your sinuses. Sometimes, this is what's known as referred pain, the discomfort spreads to your lower teeth as well.

How do I stop my teeth from edging?

Treatments to stop pain and sensitivity might include:
  1. Fluoride treatment. Your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel.
  2. Dietary changes.
  3. Healthier brushing habits.
  4. Wear a mouth guard.
  5. Dental procedures.

When I wake up my teeth hurt?

Many people experience tooth pain in the morning due to clenching their jaw or grinding their teeth at night. In most cases, this is a result of chronic stress. It's a subconscious habit known as bruxism and is common with adults.

Why are all my bottom teeth aching?

If all your teeth are aching and you have no signs of tooth decay or gum disease, you could have bruxism. This is the technical term for grinding your teeth which can be brought on by stress. In addition to aching teeth, signs of bruxism include: Morning headaches.

What should I do if I have severe toothache?

Do
  1. take painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 should not take aspirin) – a pharmacist can advise you.
  2. try rinsing your mouth with salt water (children should not try this)
  3. use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth – this can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets.

Will a tooth eventually stop hurting?

Toothaches can be extremely uncomfortable but the pain isn't permanent as long as it's treated. Your dental professional can relieve your pain and prevent any infections in your mouth from spreading in your body.

Will antibiotic stop tooth pain?

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat bacterial infections. When it comes to toothaches, however, an antibiotic prescription should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Which tooth is connected to the heart?

Wisdom teeth, on the other hand, connect to the central nervous system, heart, liver, and intestines. They can also signal high blood pressure, eczema, headache, liver disease, pain in the extremities, and cardiovascular disease.

Does cold weather affect teeth?

Winter weather can cause the same tooth pain as consuming cold foods or drinks. During cold spells, your teeth can contract, resulting in tiny fissures in the enamel – the outer, protective surface of your teeth.

Does salt water help sensitive teeth?

Healthy gums protect teeth and prevent tooth sensitivity. Making a mouthwash out of salt and water can help reduce tooth sensitivity quickly. Salt water balances the pH level inside the mouth, creating an alkaline environment that reduces bacterial growth. It also reduces plaque in the process.

Can tooth sensitivity go away on its own?

Routine dental procedures such as professional cleanings, crown placements, fillings, and tooth restorations may provoke tooth sensitivity. The good news is this type of sensitivity is typically temporary and goes away on its own over the course of a few weeks.

Why does my teeth hurt when I drink cold water with braces?

Tooth sensitivity is a condition that often develops due to receding gums. Symptoms include a sharp pain that worsens with pressure on the exposed tooth or when drinking hot or cold beverages. If you are undergoing an orthodontic treatment such as braces, sensitivity is not uncommon.

What does a sinus toothache feel like?

A toothache that's accompanied by sinus problems usually includes some or all of the following symptoms: Pressure or tenderness around the eyes or forehead. Bad-tasting nasal drip. Thick, discolored mucus.

Can enamel be restored?

Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be brought back. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Although toothpastes and mouthwashes can never “rebuild†teeth, they can contribute to this remineralization process.