Toothache with a cold
introduction
Who does not know it? Cough, runny nose, hoarseness, mostly headache, maybe also fever and a general malaise.
The cold has hit you hard.
In addition to these typical symptoms, toothache can suddenly appear and make the common cold even more unpleasant.
How toothache and cold are related is explained in the article below.
Read more on the topic: Toothache after a cold
Definition of a cold
If you have a cold, it is usually an infection of the upper respiratory tract. The lining of the nose, including the sinuses, is affected, as is the throat and bronchi. Triggers are mainly various viruses, such as the Rhino, Entero- or Mastadenoviruses. Bacteria can also be added to the clinical picture. The disease-causing viruses are transmitted via droplet infection through the air, either directly or indirectly, through contaminated objects. Whether a cold breaks out after contact with the virus depends on the amount and the infection power (virulence) the pathogen and the state of the immune system. In most cases, after the incubation period is over, the common cold is harmless, and after two weeks almost 90% of cases have resolved.
The clear division into a flu or a cold is not easy. In the case of flu, there are usually severe pain in the limbs and a high fever.
The symptoms of a cold are many. They range from sore throats to inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes to headaches and body aches. In the case of a severe cold, the paranasal sinuses can also be inflamed (sinusitis), tonsillar angina or an otitis media burden the organism (Otitis media). But toothache is also a common side effect.
Causes of toothache
Usually the causes of toothache are often due to tooth decay, too high fillings or unsuitable dentures causing an incorrect bite. Toothache and cold do not seem to be compatible with each other at first glance, as a cold is a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract. So how can the tooth hurt? As with many medical questions, the body is to be viewed as a complete system, the individual components of which do not exist separately from one another, but everything is connected. With a cold, medium to severe toothache can usually be identified, but this also depends on the pain perception of the respective person. The toothache also has a negative effect on the suffering and slows healing.
One reason is that the painful teeth were attacked even before the cold. Until the cold, the body had enough energy and its own defenses to fight the inflammation in the tooth. However, this energy is now needed to fight the common cold and its viruses, so that the inflammation on the teeth can be seen. Another cause lies in the paranasal sinuses. The frontal sinus is one of the paranasal sinuses (Frontal sinus), the ethmoid cells (Ethmoid sinus), the maxillary sinuses (Maxillary sinus) and the sphenoid sinus (Sphenoid sinus). They are created in pairs, filled with air and hollow. Their tasks are, on the one hand, to reduce the weight of the skull and to condition the air you breathe. This includes humidifying and warming the inhaled air, as well as filtering out bacteria and germs. They are lined with the so-called respiratory epithelium, which has tiny fine hairs and produces bronchial mucus. If you now suffer from a cold, the removal of the mucus is disturbed, which means that the germs remain in place and cause inflammation. This creates a sinus infection as a side effect of a cold. With this inflammation, the mucous membranes swell and cause pressure, which presses on the tooth roots of the upper jaw, causing toothache.
Read more on the topic: Pain at the root of the tooth
Toothache intensifies with physical exertion. The pain can also migrate in the further course, so that in a particularly severe sinus infection, the entire lower and upper jaw can hurt. An exact localization of which tooth or where exactly the pain is is not possible. Toothache in the upper jaw is therefore not uncommon with a cold, but the lower jaw is only affected in particularly severe cases.
Another reason that pain also occurs in the lower jaw can be due to the fact that infections from the ear, nose and throat area can also spread to the floor of the mouth salivary glands and the temporomandibular joint, which then trigger a pain symptom in the lower jaw.
In order not to put additional strain on the immune system, alcohol should generally be avoided during a cold.Strict abstinence from alcohol is called for, especially if toothache occurs as part of a cold, as this can also trigger toothache.
Read about this: Toothache after consuming alcohol
Toothache on the molar
During a cold, toothache usually occurs in the upper teeth. The teeth most commonly affected are the canines or the large lateral molars. The reason for this is that the roots of these teeth are very long and protrude far into the jawbone. It is possible that the tips of the roots protrude into the maxillary sinus. Since the maxillary sinus is one of the paranasal sinuses, there is a connection between the tooth and the nose. If the nose is blocked, the maxillary sinus is often filled with nasal secretions. Since the fluid runs downwards according to the law of gravity, the secretion is on the floor of the maxillary sinus. Exactly where the roots of the teeth are.
Since the nerves run into the teeth through a small hole in the tip of the root, the weight of the fluid presses on the nerves, which then leads to pain. The pain is like a feeling of pressure, as if the tooth was being pushed out of its socket. The pain is often pulsating, as arteries and veins run through the hole at the tip of the root and are also squeezed. Pain in the lower molars could be due to the fact that the gums are reddened, slightly swollen and inflamed from the cold. The quality of the pain is similar to that of the upper molars. But don't underestimate the pain. Sinus infection can also affect the roots of the teeth and initiate resorption. If the inflammation persists, it is important to watch the teeth. If the pain persists after the cold, there could be another cause.
Read more on the topic: Toothache
Toothache in the upper jaw
When a toothache is not always the problem is a sick tooth, the typical pulling pain can also be caused by other diseases. Toothache in particular with a cold is often localized in the upper jaw.
With "normal" toothache, the person affected can usually name exactly which tooth is hurting him. Toothache with a cold, however, is more difficult to localize because it is usually diffuse. One side of the upper jaw usually hurts.
The inflammation in the paranasal and maxillary sinuses is responsible for this. The inflammatory tissue there exerts pressure on the tooth nerves. Most people perceive this as an uncomfortable pulling in the upper jaw that becomes stronger or weaker depending on the position of the head.
Other patients feel that the toothache increases steadily regardless of posture. In this case, it is possible that a tooth in the upper jaw was not completely healthy and the cold caused the inflammation in the tooth to spread. Therefore, even if you suspect a toothache caused by a cold, it is worth visiting the dentist for clarification.
Read on below: Toothache associated with a sinus infection
Toothache in the lower jaw
A visit to the dentist is also useful if the toothache affects the lower jaw when you have a cold. Because, in principle, irritation of the maxillary sinus in the course of a cold only affects the teeth in the upper jaw. The lower jaw does not belong to the anomic neighborhood of the paranasal sinuses. Therefore, a cold is not the cause of toothache in the lower jaw.
Especially when the other cold-related complaints such as cough, runny nose, hoarseness are already improving, but the toothache is getting worse. In this case, it is likely that inflammation that has nothing to do with the common cold will spread to the lower jaw. This usually happens particularly quickly if the teeth are damaged there in advance. The risk of inflammation in the area of the teeth (i.e. tooth root inflammation) is that the inflammation will also spread to the jawbone. Therefore, a visit to the dentist is strongly recommended.
Ultimately, it is often difficult for those affected to determine where the symptoms are coming from. However, toothache in the lower jaw is very uncomfortable. They can radiate into the ears.
Learn more at: Root inflammation
Accompanying symptoms of a cold with a toothache
A cold infection with a toothache can cause numerous other accompanying symptoms:
- to cough
- sniff
- hoarseness
- fever
- Headache or pressure in the forehead or cheek area
- impaired sense of smell and taste
- obstructed nasal breathing
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- reduced physical performance
- Bad breath
- Pain when chewing
a headache
The headache and feeling of pressure probably isn't coming directly from the toothache. But rather from the cold. The nose and its sinuses are filled with fluid. Since the bones do not give in under the fluid, there is increased pressure in the skull. This pressure also affects the nerves, causing pain. However, a kind of migraine or headache can retrospectively occur if one complains of a toothache. The jaw muscles can become tense due to severe pain in the teeth. The close connection between the jaw muscles and the neck and head muscles can lead to headaches, especially in the temples.
Read more on this topic at: Headache with a cold
Earache
Earache and toothache are often associated, especially if you have a cold. Toothache caused by an earache comes from the outside in. This means that the pain comes from the ear. If an otitis develops that also affects the middle ear, this inflammation can spread to the sphenoid sinus and ethmoid cells. Since all sinuses are connected to one another, the pathogens have an unlimited area to spread further. It can also happen that the bone itself is attacked in this process.
If the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is very pronounced, the teeth also start to hurt because, as mentioned above, pressure builds up, which presses on the tooth roots. This explains why an ear infection can also lead to toothache.
Body aches
A cold with a toothache is often accompanied by a general feeling of illness. Patients feel tired and weak. Body aches are also common symptoms associated with a viral infection. Like toothache, it can be treated symptomatically with mild pain relievers.
The drug of choice here would be ibuprofen, as it also has an anti-inflammatory effect. If the patient has a fever, he can also take paracetamol. Quiet is often enough, however.
Read on below: Why do you get body aches when you have a cold?
Sore throat
A sore throat is a classic symptom of the common cold. The cold viruses, which often infect the sinuses and thus trigger toothache, can also cause inflammation in the throat.
Similar to toothache, symptomatic therapy with pain relievers is recommended. Ibuprofen can be taken as a tablet. Or there are now also sprays with flubiprofen that can be sprayed directly onto the inflamed tissue in the throat.
Lozenges with local anesthetics also alleviate the symptoms. Gargling with sage or fresh ginger tea is just as helpful.
That could be interesting for you: Sore throat
Eye pain
In addition to toothache, eye pain can also occur as part of a cold. Eye pain is often associated with a cold when the sinuses are affected by the infection. The frontal sinus and the sphenoid sinus in particular are in close proximity to the eyes. But also an inflammation of the maxillary sinus can radiate and cause not only toothache but also eye pain.
In contrast to diseases that directly affect the eyes, patients tend to feel a dull feeling of pressure behind the eyes or in the head. However, if the eye pain does not improve over time, it makes sense to consult an ophthalmologist.
What to do?
Is the cause of Toothache a cold and no direct illness on tooth, the dentist will not do anything to a healthy tooth. Most of the time, however, the tooth is already a little bit damaged, so that completely healthy teeth rarely experience pain just because of a cold. However, it is important that the cold passes and with it the toothache too. In the first place, an appointment should of course be made with the family doctor who can assess the symptoms and prescribe medication for healing.
You should drink plenty of fluids, preferably tea, so that the mucus can loosen. ginger-Tea is particularly suitable because, freshly prepared, the immune system strengthens. A hot bath with essential oils will help you relax. stress should be avoided as this weakens the body unnecessarily and prolongs the duration of the cold. Lots of rest, fresh air and short walks help the body recover. It also strengthens the intake of zinc the immune system and protects the mucous membranes. Even if you should make sure that the body is always kept warm, dry heated air is unsuitable for the recovery of the mucous membranes.
If the cold is over, but the teeth still hurt, there is a direct dental problem, which among other things Caries may have as a cause. In this case, an appointment with the dentist is the right decision.
Therapy of toothache with a cold
In most cases, a cold is harmless to a healthy person. But since symptoms such as cough, runny nose, hoarseness and toothache are often very annoying, they can be treated.
- Steam inhalations are helpful for a cold. This loosens the secretion and the mucous membranes swell. This also improves the toothache.
- Medicines (e.g. ACC, Gelomyrtol ®) can also be taken to improve the mucus solution.
- To treat the pain, e.g. Ibuprofen as it also works against fever and inflammation. It is therefore useful for both toothache and cold.
Find out more at: What to do against a cold
homeopathy
Depending on the type of pain that occurs, a different homeopathic must be selected. Aconitum 30C and Belladonna 30C are helpful for pulsating pain that often occurs during a cold. Arnica 30C is also recommended during a cold, especially when you feel tired and weak. You should take 5 globules in the morning, at noon and in the evening. If the pain extends to the head and jaw area, Hypericum is considered the drug of choice. Here you also take 3 times 5 globules. In the case of inflammation in the throat and pharynx, the pathogens can spread to the gums. If the pain comes from the inflamed periodontium, one resorts to Mercurius solubilis.
Home remedies
There are many home remedies for colds and toothaches. They make the healing process easier and make the pain seem a bit more bearable. Home remedies for a cold range from rinsing your nose with salt water to drinking chamomile, ginger or sage tea. Honey combats bacteria in the mouth and throat. Some home remedies can also be found for toothache. In the case of toothache, it is often advised to cool the painful area, which does not seem very useful during a cold, as one should always keep warm. However, heat is not advisable for toothache caused by tooth decay, so you should find a healthy average during this phase of the disease. It is therefore advisable to rinse the mouth with chamomile or sage tea, or if you prepare a little more concentrated, dab it on the affected area with a cotton swab. These types of tea also have a positive effect on the healing process of the common cold.
Cloves can also be used in the form of a tincture or for chewing. Pregnancy is an exception, however, as cloves have a labor-inducing effect. The onion found in any kitchen can be chopped into small pieces, wrapped in a cloth and held on the painful area. A positive side effect is the healing effect on any earache. Savoy cabbage leaves are also a well-known remedy of choice.
Read more on the topic: Home remedies for toothache
Inhalation for toothache caused by a cold
Steam inhalations work very well for toothache caused by colds. The inhalation loosens the secretion in the paranasal sinuses and promotes the swelling of the mucous membrane. You can breathe more freely again and the toothache is less.
Essential oils or cold balm, which can simply be dissolved in water that is no longer boiling, are particularly suitable for this. Particular care is required to avoid scalding yourself.
Ready-made inhalation sets from the pharmacy also alleviate the symptoms. These are especially suitable for children.
For more information, see: Inhalation if you have a cold
Which drugs help with toothache?
On the one hand, typical pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol help. Ibuprofen has the advantage that it also has an anti-inflammatory effect. In this way, any inflammation of the nose or throat can also be combated. Medicines that eliminate the common cold can help fight the cause of toothache. Expectorants such as Sinupret, GeloMyrtol or decongestant nasal drops help against blocked sinuses. The nasal secretions are flushed out with nasal irrigation. It is important to ventilate and moisten the nose during a cold, otherwise the body cannot fight the bacteria. Flavored steam baths are then helpful. Antibacterial mouthwashes with chlorhexidine components help against bacteria in the mouth, for example when a sore throat occurs.
Read more on the topic: Pain relievers for toothache
Duration of toothache with a cold
There is no specific time when this toothache occurs or disappears. If they are associated with a cold, the duration will also vary depending on the cold. The pain should go away with the cold, for example. If the toothache persists beyond the supposed cause, the cause of the pain may be different. During a sinus infection, resorption processes can occur at the root tip, whereby these are destroyed. On the other hand, the body is weakened during a long-lasting cold and other pathogens can more easily attack the teeth. Therefore periodontitis or tooth decay can be the cause of the pain. If the toothache persists significantly longer, it is advisable to visit a dentist.
Summary
A cold in winter is very uncomfortable in itself, but unfortunately it hits everyone at least once a year. Every body is different and reacts differently to the pathogen, so it does for some Toothache can come as a concomitant phenomenon. These arise either from slightly damaged teeth or from an acute one Sinus infectionwho have favourited pressure, especially on the teeth im upper jaw, exercises. Also a headache, Earache and frequent, heavy sneezing can make toothache worse. Many run in the face annoy close together so that the common cold can express itself in many different ways. If treated well, the symptoms should go away after a certain time and the cold will be gone for the time being.
