Key Takeaways

  • Tooth pain during a cold is often caused by sinus pressure, as inflamed and congested sinus cavities can place pressure on the roots of the upper teeth.

  • Nasal congestion and mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, which may irritate gums and reduce saliva's ability to protect against plaque buildup and tooth decay.

  • Certain cold medications, including decongestants and pain relievers, can contribute to dry mouth and increase oral discomfort while you're sick.

  • Persistent tooth pain, especially in the upper molars, may be a sign of a sinus or ear infection rather than a dental problem and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

  • Staying hydrated and addressing underlying cold symptoms can help relieve tooth and gum discomfort, but ongoing or severe pain should be checked by a dentist or doctor.

As if being sick isn’t enough of a drag, suffering from tooth pain can make being sick that much worse. The average American has one to three colds per year, leading to1 over 1 billion colds annually.2

On top of the discomfort of endless coughing, sneezing and nighttime congestion, many Americans also experience tooth pain or gum pain when they have a cold.
Most of the time, tooth pain or gum pain when you’re sick isn’t an indicator of anything serious.

But lasting or severe tooth pain when you’re under the weather could be a sign of a sinus or ear infection. Tooth tenderness or gum tenderness or pain when you have a cold could be because of a few reasons. And knowing when to see the doctor can help you find relief sooner than later.

Causes of tooth pain when you have a cold

From sinus pressure to dry mouth, here are the reasons why your teeth may hurt when you have a cold, and how to find relief.

Sinus pressure

When you have a cold, your sinus cavities can get blocked with excess mucus.3

Since the maxillary sinuses sit behind the cheeksyou have sinus cavities near your upper molars, this pressure can press on tooth nerves, causing sinus pain and makinge your teeth feel sore. A cold virus can also lead to acute sinusitis, and the inflammation and higher histamine levels that come with cold symptoms can exacerbate tooth pain. This kind of discomfort often affects several upper rear teeth rather than one tooth, and it may feel worse with sudden head movements. To relieve the pressure, you can place a warm, damp towel around your nose, cheeks, and eyes. If the pain is lasting or persistent, consult with your doctor to see if you may have a sinus or ear infection.

Dry mouth

Nasal congestion is a common side effect of having a cold. A stuffy nose often leads to mouth breathing, which can reduce saliva flow and dry out your teeth, gums, and lips.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. And since saliva is one of your mouth’s most powerful defenses against tooth decay, helping protect teeth by neutralizing acids and washing away bacteria, a dry mouth while you’re sick can lead to more plaque build-up on your teeth.

Be sure to drink plenty of water when you’re sick to stay hydrated and relieve dry mouth and irritated gums. Cold medications, including some over-the-counter medicines, can also reduce saliva flow and worsen drynessDecongestants and painkillers can also cause dry mouth, so be sure to follow them all medications with a glass of water. Maintain oral hygiene by brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing away food particles, using a soft toothbrush if your gums are tender, and trying a saltwater rinse or sugar-free cough drops while you’re sick.

Sinus or ear infection

Although tooth pain when you’re sick typically doesn’t mean anything serious, your toothache could be a symptom of a sinus infection.³

Symptoms include lasting pain or pressure in the upper molars near your sinus cavity, and sinus-related discomfort may also come with throat pain, a sore throat, or thick yellow drainage that points to a sinus problem rather than a dental issue.

If your toothache is persistent, contact your dentist to ensure the pain isn’t a sign of something else, like teeth grinding or an underlying medical issue. Pain limited to one tooth, throbbing pain, fever, swelling, or a bad taste may signal an infected tooth, tooth abscess, cracked tooth, or wisdom tooth problem.

Tooth pain on top of your other cold or flu symptoms is a recipe for misery. And certain medications you’re using to treat your illness (or your other medications) could be causing you oral health issues.

If you have concerns about your dental insurance coverage, it is important to review your policy. If you are suffering from sinus pressure, dry mouth, or a sinus infection, contact your primary care physician, and keep up with regular dental care to maintain optimal oral health and help prevent complications when you’re feeling under the weather.

  1. Common Cold (Viral Rhinitis) A to Z, Harvard Health Publishing, February 5, 2026.

  2. Common Cold: Overview, WebMD, March 1, 2026.

  3. Sinus Infection vs. Cold: How To Tell the Difference, Cleveland Clinic, September 18, 2025.Acute Sinusitis, Cleveland Clinic, 2023

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Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax, legal, investment or medical advice. It is not dental care advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your dentist. If you have any concerns about your dental health, please contact your dentist's office.