Cavity vs The Common Cold
Quick Answer: Tooth pain during a common cold is almost always caused by sinus pressure on the upper teeth and goes away when the cold does. A true cavity hurts whether you’re sick or not, is usually localized to one tooth, gets worse with sweets or temperature changes, and won’t improve until treated.
Key Dental Terms for Understanding Cavity vs. Cold-Related Tooth Pain
Maxillary Sinus Pressure
Inflammation or mucus buildup in the maxillary sinuses that pushes on upper tooth roots, creating cold-related toothache.
Referred Dental Pain
Tooth discomfort that originates from sinus pressure rather than a tooth problem, commonly seen during colds or flu.
Pulp Sensitivity Response
Heightened reaction of the tooth nerve (pulp) to cold, heat, sweets, or pressure—often a sign of early cavity formation.
Localized Caries Pain
Sharp, pinpoint tooth pain caused by decay affecting a single tooth rather than multiple teeth.
Sinus-Induced Toothache Pattern
A dull, achy sensation affecting several upper teeth at once, typically worsening when bending forward.
Periapical Inflammation
Swelling or infection around the tip of a tooth root—seen in advanced cavities or abscesses, not cold-related discomfort.
Dental Abscess Warning Signs
Throbbing, persistent pain with swelling, fever, or a bad taste, indicating infection requiring urgent treatment.
Occlusal Tenderness
Pain when biting down on one tooth—often a cavity, cracked tooth, or infection rather than sinus pressure.
Upper Arch Sensory Overlap
Shared nerve pathways between upper molars and the maxillary sinuses, explaining why colds mimic dental pain.
Cold-Related Tooth Hypersensitivity
Temporary sensitivity caused by mouth breathing, dry mouth, or sinus pressure during illness.
Why Chicago Patients in Lakeview and Lincoln Park Ask This Question Every Winter
Every fall and winter, our phones at EliteFixDenture light up with the same worried question: “I have a cold and my teeth are killing me – do I have cavities?”
The good news? In most cases, the answer is no. The bad news? It’s easy to panic when your upper molars feel like they’re going to explode.
How Sinus Pressure Mimics a Toothache (The Science)
Your upper back teeth (premolars and molars) sit directly beneath the maxillary sinuses – two large air-filled cavities behind your cheeks. When you have a cold, flu, or sinus infection, those sinuses fill with mucus and swell. The pressure pushes down on the nerves of the teeth, creating pain that feels exactly like a dental problem.
According to the American Dental Association and Mayo Clinic:
- Up to 85% of “toothaches” during a cold are actually referred pain from inflamed sinuses.
- The pain is usually in several upper teeth at once (not just one).
- It feels worse when you bend over, jump, or fly (classic sinus pressure signs).
Side-by-Side Comparison: Cavity vs. Cold/Sinus Tooth Pain
| Feature | True Cavity | Cold or Sinus Tooth Pain |
| Location | Usually one specific tooth | Several upper teeth (both sides common) |
| Timing | Constant or triggered by sweets/cold drinks | Only while you’re congested |
| Improves with cold medicine | No | Yes – decongestants often help dramatically |
| Pain when bending head down | No | Yes – gets much worse |
| Sensitivity to sweets | Very common | Rare |
| Lingering brown/black spot | Usually visible | Never |
| Bad breath or bad taste | Common | Possible (from post-nasal drip) |
| Goes away when cold ends | Never | Yes – within 3-10 days |
Can a common cold really cause toothache?
Yes — it’s one of the most common non-dental causes of tooth pain. The American Dental Association notes that sinus congestion affects millions every year, and the proximity of sinuses to upper teeth creates that confusing ache.
Why do my teeth hurt when I have a head cold?
Inflammation in the maxillary sinuses presses on the nerves shared with your upper teeth. Patients in Chicago’s windy, dry winters often notice this more because cold air and indoor heating worsen congestion.
Is it a cavity or sinus pressure?
Test it yourself: If the pain is in several upper teeth and eases when you clear your sinuses (steam shower, decongestant), it’s likely sinus-related. Sharp pain in one tooth that lingers after eating sweets? Schedule a dental exam.
Can being sick make your teeth sensitive?
Absolutely. Dehydration from fever or mouth-breathing reduces saliva, while inflammation makes gums and teeth more sensitive. Grinding from stress or discomfort during illness adds to the problem.
When should I see a dentist if my teeth hurt while sick?
If pain lasts longer than 10 days, is localized to one tooth, includes swelling, fever over 101°F, or you notice a bad taste/pus — come in right away. It could be an abscess or untreated cavity taking advantage of your lowered immunity.
Real Patient Story from Our Lincoln Park Office
Last January, Sarah from Lakeview came in convinced she had four cavities. She’d been miserable for a week with a head cold and throbbing upper teeth. After a quick exam and digital X-rays, we found zero decay. Two days of Sudafed and saline rinses later, she texted us: “Tooth pain 100% gone – thank you for saving me an unnecessary filling!”
When You SHOULD Worry (Red Flags That It’s More Than a Cold)
Come see us right away if you have:
- Pain localized to one tooth that stays after the cold is gone
- Visible hole, dark spot, or white chalky area on a tooth
- Swelling in the gum or face
- Pus or bad taste that won’t rinse away
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Sensitivity that has been getting worse for weeks
Home Relief Tips Chicagoans Swear By
- Take an over-the-counter decongestant (pseudoephedrine) – it shrinks sinus swelling fast.
- Use a saline nasal spray or neti pot 3–4 times a day.
- Sleep with an extra pillow to drain sinuses.
- Warm compress on cheeks for 10 minutes, 3× daily.
- Stay hydrated – thick mucus = more pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a common cold really cause tooth pain?
A: Yes – sinus inflammation presses on the roots of upper teeth. It affects millions every winter.
Q: Why do only my upper teeth hurt when I have a cold?
A: The maxillary sinuses sit directly above the upper back teeth. Lower teeth rarely hurt from colds.
Q: How long should tooth pain last with a cold?
A: Usually 3–10 days. If it’s still there two weeks after your cold is gone, it’s probably a cavity or other dental issue.
Q: Will antibiotics fix tooth pain from a cold?
A: No – colds are viral. Antibiotics only help if you develop a bacterial sinus infection.
Q: I’m flying while I have a cold – will my teeth explode?
A: The pressure change can be brutal. Take a decongestant 1 hour before takeoff and use Afrin nasal spray.
Q: Can sinus tooth pain and a cavity happen at the same time?
A: Yes, and that’s why an exam is important if pain is strong or weird.
Q: Does tooth pain from COVID feel different?
A: Some patients report longer-lasting jaw or tooth pain with COVID, but the mechanism is still sinus-related.
Q: I’m in Chicago – when should I call EliteFixDenture instead of waiting?
A: If pain is severe, one-sided, or lasts longer than your cold – call us the same day. We keep emergency slots open in Lakeview.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist with any questions regarding a medical or dental condition.
Ready for peace of mind?
→For expert denture care in Chicago, visit EliteFixDenture.com or call today for your free consultation!
Reviewed by Dr. Iqbal Ali, General & Emergency Dentistry
