Tooth Pain Caused by Allergies

If you’ve got a toothache, you may think you have a cavity, or maybe you’ve been clenching your jaw. What you may not consider, though, is that your throbbing tooth could be related to your allergies. While most people are familiar with the common symptoms of allergies, like a runny nose or itchy eyes, fewer know that sinus inflammation from seasonal allergies can result in toothaches. What is it about allergies that can cause your tooth to hurt? More to the point, what can you do to fix the problem?

• The symptoms of allergy-related toothaches are typically felt in the upper premolars and molars. They feel a lot like a toothache that’s the result of infection, with hypersensitivity to cold or heat, pain when chewing, and a painful throbbing sensation.
• Why does this happen? When the sinus cavity becomes inflamed because of allergies, the nerves surrounding it can be affected. This causes pain to the surrounding teeth that can appear suddenly, without an easily identifiable cause. The reason the upper teeth are the primary ones affected is because of their proximity to the sinus cavities.
• How do you know your toothache is the result of allergies? You’ll probably have other allergy symptoms to let you know you’re having a reaction to something. Still, it’s wise to have a dental exam, to rule out any other cause of toothaches and confirm that allergies are the cause of your pain.
• You can take steps to prevent allergy-related toothaches. The best way to do this is to treat the congestion that’s causing the pain. Try combining an antihistamine like Claritin, Allegra, or Benadryl, a decongestant like Sudafed or Claritin-D, and a topical nasal spray like Afrin. Of course, before you start any kind of medication, even over the counter medicines, consult your doctor to make sure these are a good choice for you.
• Your dentist can help. If you’ve tried addressing the issue of allergies and the pain persists, it’s time to seek dental treatment. A checkup of your teeth and gums can help determine that there’s nothing more serious going on, like a cavity, gingivitis, or a tooth infection. Your dentist can also address the problem of oral dryness, which can accompany allergies and be exacerbated by allergy medications. It’s important to deal with this issue because a lack of saliva increases your risk of gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath.

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