How Allergies Can Cause Tooth Pain
Posted on March 7th, 2025 | Christopher Neal
Seasonal allergies can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. But can allergies cause tooth pain? If you’ve ever experienced an unexplained toothache during allergy season, you’re not alone. Allergies and tooth pain can be closely linked due to sinus pressure, inflammation, and other factors.
As spring approaches, it can be common for many people to experience allergy-related tooth pain. In this blog, we’ll explore how allergies make your teeth ache, why it happens, and what you can do to relieve the discomfort.
How Do Allergies Cause Tooth Pain?
With allergies, teeth can hurt and feel sensitive. This is because when the body reacts to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander, it triggers inflammation and mucus production. This response can lead to sinus congestion and pressure, which may be the culprits behind sore teeth. Other common allergy-related symptoms can also play a role.
Below, we discuss a few reasons why your child might complain of dental pain when they have a runny nose.
1. Sinus Pressure and Tooth Pain
The sinuses are located just above your upper teeth. When they become inflamed or filled with excess mucus, they can put pressure on the surrounding nerves. This pressure can create a sensation that feels like a toothache, especially in the upper molars.
2. Dry Mouth From a Stuffy Nose or Allergy Medications
Allergy symptoms, like nasal congestion, can make it difficult to breathe through the nose. In response, your child might be doing a lot of mouth breathing during allergy season, causing dry mouth. Medications like antihistamines can also cause dry mouth by reducing saliva production.
Since saliva helps wash away bacteria and protects teeth, a dry mouth can make teeth more sensitive and increase the risk of tooth pain. Dry mouth also increases the risk of tooth decay in kids and adults.
3. Clenching and Teeth Grinding
Allergy-related discomfort can lead to jaw tension, clenching, or teeth grinding (bruxism), especially during sleep. This added pressure on the teeth can cause enamel erosion, soreness, or pain, even if there are no cavities or infections.
How To Relieve Tooth Pain From Allergies
If allergies make your child’s teeth hurt, managing sinus pressure can help. Here are a few effective solutions:
1. Treat Allergy Symptoms
Managing your child’s allergic reactions is the first step in reducing tooth pain caused by allergies. Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, or allergy shots may help reduce inflammation and relieve sinus congestion.
2. Use a Saline Rinse or Nasal Spray
Flushing out allergens with a saline rinse or nasal spray can help clear sinuses and reduce pressure on teeth. A neti pot with saline solution can also provide relief.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus and prevent dry mouth, which can worsen allergy-related tooth pain.
4. Apply Warm Compresses
Placing a warm washcloth on your child’s face can help reduce inflammation and relieve sinus pain and pressure that may be affecting their teeth.
5. Use a Home Air Purifier
You might not be able to do anything about the allergens outside, but you can reduce them inside your home. An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander from indoor air. Reducing airborne allergens can minimize sinus congestion and help your child feel more comfortable.
6. Visit Your Dentist for Persistent Tooth Pain
If your child’s tooth pain continues even after allergy treatment, it’s a good idea to see a dentist. Sometimes, what feels like allergy-related discomfort can actually be a cavity, gum disease, or an underlying dental issue.
When To See a Dentist About Tooth Pain
While allergies can cause teeth to hurt, dental discomfort isn’t always normal. You should take your child to see a pediatric dentist if they experience:
- Sharp or persistent tooth pain that doesn’t improve with allergy treatment
- Swelling or redness around the gums
- Pain in only one specific tooth, rather than multiple teeth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks
Your dentist can help determine whether your child’s toothache is caused by allergies, sinus pressure, or an actual dental issue, ensuring they receive the right treatment.
Find Relief for Allergy-Related Tooth Pain
At Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, we can assess your child’s dental health and make sure their tooth pain isn’t caused by tooth decay or gum issues. We offer top-quality dental care for young patients, including cavity treatment and prevention, dental sealants, fillings, and more.
Schedule an appointment today to discuss any concerns about your child’s oral health. Call (708) 448-6700 or contact us online— We’re here to help keep your child’s smile healthy and pain-free!
