Last updated 07.27.2026
Why do my teeth ache after being sick with a cold or the flu?
Learn why a cold or the flu can make your teeth ache, how to tell sinus pressure from a tooth problem and when to see a dental provider.
If your teeth start aching during a cold or the flu, the cause usually isn't your teeth—it's your sinuses. Your upper back teeth sit just below your sinuses, so when those spaces fill with mucus and become inflamed, the pressure can spread to the tooth roots and cause a dull, aching sensation. For most people, the discomfort goes away as the congestion clears and they recover.
What you'll learn in this article:
Sinus pressure from a cold or the flu can make your upper back teeth ache, even when your teeth are healthy.
If several upper teeth hurt on both sides and the aching gets worse as your congestion worsens, your sinuses are the most likely cause.
Mouth breathing, dehydration and some cold medicines can make tooth sensitivity worse while you're sick.
If the discomfort is limited to one tooth, feels sharp or throbbing, or doesn't go away after you recover, it's time to see your dental provider.
If your teeth are still aching after your cold or flu has resolved, schedule an appointment with your Aspen Dental provider to rule out any underlying dental concerns.
Why sinus congestion makes your teeth ache
The maxillary sinuses (the large air-filled cavities on either side of your nose) sit directly above the roots of your upper molars and premolars. When those sinuses swell and fill with mucus, the pressure pushes downward on the bone and nerve endings surrounding those roots. The result is a dull, heavy ache that can feel like a toothache but is actually coming from your sinuses.1
Which teeth are usually affected?
Because of this anatomy, it's the upper back teeth on both sides that most commonly feel sore. If several upper teeth ache at once rather than one specific spot, and the feeling gets worse when you bend forward or press on your cheeks, sinus pressure is almost certainly the reason.
How is sinus aching different from a real toothache?
Sinus-related aching is usually dull and feels like pressure. It often affects several upper teeth at once and may move from one tooth to another. A true toothache is more likely to affect one specific tooth, feel sharp or throbbing, and get worse when you bite down or eat or drink something hot or cold.
Knowing the difference can help you decide whether to wait for your cold to improve or schedule an appointment with your dental provider.
Other ways being sick can affect your teeth
Sinus pressure gets most of the blame, but it's not the whole picture. How you breathe when you're congested, the medications you reach for and any dental concerns that were already present can all play a role in how your mouth feels while you're sick.
Does mouth breathing cause tooth sensitivity?
Yes. When a stuffy nose forces you to breathe through your mouth, your mouth dries out more quickly. Saliva does more than keep your mouth moist. It washes away food, neutralizes acids and helps protect your teeth and gums. When saliva levels drop, your teeth and gums can become dry and more sensitive.
The good news is that this type of sensitivity usually goes away once your congestion clears and you can breathe through your nose again.
Can cold and flu medications make it worse?
They can. Many antihistamines and decongestants reduce fluid secretion throughout the body, and saliva production is no exception. If your teeth feel worse after starting cold medication, this is likely why. Drinking extra water throughout the day can help offset the effect.
Can being sick make an existing dental issue feel worse?
It can. If you already have an untreated cavity, a cracked tooth or early gum disease, being sick can make those areas feel more tender than they normally would. Being sick doesn't create new dental problems, but it can bring existing ones to your attention.
How to ease tooth discomfort while you're sick
Most illness-related tooth aching responds well to simple measures:
Stay hydrated. Water supports saliva production and helps thin mucus, easing sinus pressure.
Use a saline nasal rinse. Flushing mucus from the nasal passages reduces sinus pressure and the referred aching in your upper teeth.
Apply a warm compress. A warm, damp cloth held over your cheeks and sinuses helps relieve pressure.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Ibuprofen reduces both sinus inflammation and tooth discomfort. Follow label directions, and check with a pharmacist if you're already taking other cold medications that may contain a pain reliever.
Keep brushing and flossing. It's tempting to skip your routine when you feel unwell. Don't. Your teeth need that protection especially when your immune system is already stretched.
When should tooth aching while sick concern me?
Sinus-related tooth discomfort should improve as your congestion clears. If it doesn't — or if you notice any of the following — it's worth contacting your dental provider:
Aching that stays in one specific tooth rather than spreading across several
Sharp or throbbing discomfort rather than a dull pressure
Swelling in the jaw, gums or face
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
Discomfort that continues more than a few days after your other symptoms have resolved
These signs suggest the aching may have a dental cause rather than a sinus one.
Sinus pressure usually improves on its own, but tooth discomfort that doesn't go away deserves a closer look. If you're concerned, your dental provider can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the next steps.
Why do my teeth ache after being sick with a cold or the flu? FAQs
If you still have questions about tooth aching during a cold or the flu, these answers cover some of the questions patients ask most often.
How long does tooth aching from sinus congestion usually last?
For most people, it clears within 7 to 10 days as the cold or flu resolves. If a sinus infection develops (which can happen when a cold lingers), the aching may last longer and sometimes requires medical treatment. Any tooth discomfort that persists beyond your recovery is worth a provider evaluation.
Can sinus pressure affect lower teeth too?
Rarely. The maxillary sinuses sit above the upper jaw, so sinus-related referred aching almost always affects upper teeth. Aching in the lower teeth during a cold or flu is less likely to have a sinus connection and more likely to point to a separate dental concern, especially if it's limited to one tooth.
Should I cancel my dental appointment if I'm sick with a cold or the flu?
Yes, it's best to reschedule. Coming in while you're contagious puts other patients and staff at risk, and most dental offices ask that you call ahead if you're feeling unwell. When you do call, let the office know if you've been experiencing any tooth discomfort. They can help you decide whether it needs to be seen sooner or whether it can safely wait until you've recovered.
Sources
1Mayo Clinic. "Sinus infection and toothache: Any connection?" https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-sinusitis/expert-answers/toothache/faq-20058299