After a 5-mile run, you expect your calves and quads to hurt. But what about your teeth?
Jeffrey Laubmeier D.M.D. is a Lakewood dentist and member of The Academy for Sports Dentistry.
Let’s begin with the good. When your feet touch the ground, the impact travels upwards through your body. Laubmeier says that if you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, it will cause pressure to your teeth. This is the main cause of teeth pain. To minimize shock absorption, make sure your shoes don’t get too worn. Also, try not to clench while you walk.
Laubmeier warns that aching teeth in the middle of the day could be an indication of other health problems. One is that the pain could indicate a sinus infection. Many people have the roots of their upper teeth protruding into the maxillary sinuses. These are the largest sinus cavities below your cheeks and sides. He explains that if the sinus lining becomes infected or irritated, the nerves leading to the roots of the teeth may also become infected. The nerves can become stimulated if the feet strike the ground. This can cause sharp pain.
A sign of a cavity or infection is pain on the run. Laubmeier says that working out in any form can increase your blood pressure and cause an increase in blood flow, which can lead to an increased likelihood of a dental infection.
Cavities, on the contrary, are painful due to exposure to air during inhalation and exhalation. Cavities are nothing but holes in your teeth. This means that liquids, air and food can get inside. He says that when you run, especially when it’s cold out, your breath pulls cold air into the mouth and through the tooth. This causes pain and stimulates nerves.
Most people won’t know the difference between a sinus infection or tooth pain until it becomes full-blown. However, you can use the pain as a warning sign that other symptoms may be developing. Laubmeier suggests that you consult your dentist if the problem persists. To diagnose the problem or rule it out, your dentist can take an Xray.
Infection or Cavity
Cavities are caused by bacteria buildup in your mouth. This is one of the most common causes of tooth pain. If this bacteria isn’t removed by regular dental visits and brushing, it can eat through the enamel and dentin layers of your teeth, causing pain.
Cavities often go unnoticed in the beginning. Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of a problem, regardless of whether it is related to temperature or running. Extreme temperatures such as hot coffee or ice cream can cause sharp, severing pain in the mouth.
Similar pain can be caused by extreme weather conditions. Running through your nose while you breathe can help reduce pain. Dry mouth can also be reduced, which can lead to tooth decay.
You might feel tooth pain while running due to increased blood flow to areas inflamed by infection.
Untreated cavities can cause more severe pain and infection. Infections can occur in the tooth pulp and in the jaw bone in severe cases. This can lead to extreme discomfort that may require surgery.
A filling can be done at the dentist to fix cavities before they become serious.
Gritting Your Teeth
Running can also cause tooth pain. Running causes shock waves to your feet and jaws. The impact of your foot striking the ground while running can cause pain. This type of tooth pain is felt by most people as soon as the foot touches the ground. The impact of running can make the problem worse, regardless of whether you grind your teeth while running or not.
Although it is rare, structural damage can occur to your teeth. It’s important that you have your teeth examined by a dentist if you’ve suffered trauma to your face. Most people know about structural damage when it is visible with the naked eye, or it feels rough when you run your tongue across it.
Sinus infection is one cause of toothache that might surprise you. Inflamed sinuses and the resulting mucus buildup can lead to referred pain. This is when pain is felt elsewhere in the body. Inflammation in the sinuses can lead to tooth and jaw pain. Similar symptoms can be caused by an ear infection.
If your dentist has not found the root cause of your pain, you may need to examine your running alignment. You may be able to compensate for an injury by relying more heavily on the side you are hurt. A slight shift in your alignment could cause an injury on one side of your body. This can lead to pain in your teeth.
Visit Your Dentist
Whatever the cause of your tooth pain, it’s very important to visit your dentist to create a treatment plan. Gather as much information as you can about your pain to help your dentist diagnose it. Take note of when it starts and stops. Also, take note of if it is sharp or dull.
Once you’ve made an appointment with your dentist, there are a few short-term fixes to reduce pain. To reduce swelling and pain, you can try an over-the-counter antiinflammatory. Clove oil can be used to reduce nerve pain. Massage your jaw, neck, and face can help relieve tension and begin the relaxation process.
Proper oral care at home, as well as regular visits to the dentist, are the best ways for long-term tooth pain relief. Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes, and floss once per day to reach the spaces between teeth. Visit your dentist for cleaning once or twice a year. You can resume your normal routine once your pain has subsided.