Why Do Your Teeth Hurt When You Are Sick?

A sinus infection, the common cold, an ear infection: All of these could be reasons for your toothache. You may have experienced some type of sickness spell this season, it has been one of the worst, but did you notice your teeth were aching? Your Community Dental is holding down the fort in Wilmington with a tidy office, but we have notice a few patients who have had toothaches due to their illness. This is actually quite common. Just like how oral health and overall health go hand-in-hand so does sickness and tooth pain. The rest of your body is achy, so why wouldn’t your teeth be?

Everything is connected. From sinusitis issues to chest pain, it’s all connected with your oral health too. Tooth pain is commonly associated with being sick, especially when it comes to sinus infections and ear infections. The ears, nose, and throat all run together. This means when one hurts, they could all hurt. So if you have a nasty ear infection, this could cause your throat to be sore because your ears drain through the throat. It could also cause your teeth to ache. The same goes for a sinus infection. Sinus infections are most commonly known for causing irritation in the nose and oftentimes a sinus headache but since it is all connected, a toothache could be part of the drill. 

Tooth pain and sickness can also go beyond the basic sinus or ear infection. Things like a common cold, the flu, or any other sickness really, can cause a little toothache. But if you find the tooth pain lingering around after the sickness has run its course, then it is time to schedule a dental exam. If the tooth pain continues or gets even worse, call Your Community Dental and schedule an appointment. One of our dentists will examine your teeth, help you better understand the pain, and help you find a solution. For now, just remember to wash your hands and stay clean during the season of germs.