Why Cold / Sinusitis Can Produce Toothache? How to Relieve Pain Induced from Cold

Many of us might have suffered from cold and flu, but some might also have experienced accompanied toothache. Toothache can originate not only from dental decay and gum swelling but sometimes even cold and sinusitis can cause toothache. If you are suffering from stuffy nose, headache, and facial pain, sinus infection might be the reason for your toothache. Hence knowing the source of pain is very important for treating toothache.

Why cold and sinusitis can produce toothache?

Toothache is common problem in cold and sinus infection. Especially the upper back teeth (molars) are frequently affected.

The good news is that there is nothing wrong with your teeth, although you still must visit your dentist to confirm. When you suffer from cold, there is high possibility of it getting translated into sinus infection. This often causes congestion in the maxillary sinus which is located close to the teeth in upper jaw. Cold and flu can often cause accumulation of mucus in sinuses which normally remains filled with air. The mucus becomes thick and yellow if there is infection caused by bacteria in the sinus. It puts pressure on the nerve endings in the cavity which is closely connected with the molar teeth in upper jaw.
That is the reason many people experience pain in upper teeth when they have cold and sinusitis. The sinus infection caused due to cold can also produce referred pain in lower teeth as well as surrounding facial area.

Symptoms of Cold Toothache:

A few tips can help to distinguish toothache caused by cold or tooth cavity.

  • Toothache cause by cold and sinus infection is typically dull and radiates to a larger area of upper jaw. The upper part of face feels heavy from pressure.
  • Toothache caused due to cavity or tooth abscess is experienced as throbbing pain and it originates from one spot. The pain is sharp and shooting.
  • Person may also have other symptoms of cold such as stuffy nose, running nose, headache, mild fever, besides pain in upper molar.

How to Relieve Toothache Induced from Cold:

Normally cold is viral disease which gets relieved on its own within seven days. If there is infection in the sinus, this may take some time more and you may also require to consult your doctor.

Treatment of toothache caused from cold and sinus infection is:

  • Inhale steam two to three times in a day. Steam will loosen the mucus present in sinus and reduce pressure inside the sinus.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat spicy food as this may help to relieve cold. Drink warm tomato or chicken soup.
  • Put few drops of saline water to clear of mucus in sinuses.
  • Rinse your mouth with salt water; preferably the water must be warm.

If the cold or sinus infection does not improve in one week, check with your dentist. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines to combat the infection.