There may be various reasons for why teeth hurt when running; sometimes the cause doesn’t even lie with your teeth themselves! Sinuses located behind cheeks, eyebrows and jaw can sometimes create discomfort here.
Many runners and athletes unwittingly develop an unconscious habit of clenching their jaw, which can wear down tooth enamel over time.
Sinus Issues
Sinus infections and inflammation often contribute to toothache-like discomfort experienced when running, usually as the result of fluid accumulation on nerves, leading to pressure that sends signals back to the brain that are misinterpreted as tooth pain signals.
Sinus issues are all too familiar in springtime due to increased pollen counts. Utilizing saline spray or applying a warm compress prior and after your run can help clear out your sinuses, decreasing the likelihood that running will hurt your teeth.
If you suspect that sinus issues are the source of your tooth pain, be sure to visit a dentist immediately. He or she can use a swab to collect samples from within your sinuses for analysis and may order a CT scan if a diagnosis remains uncertain. A dental specialist will then offer treatment that addresses both the root issue and alleviates symptoms long-term.
Temperature Changes
If your teeth hurt while running, the source may not be directly related to the impact of each foot strike on the ground. Instead, clogged sinuses could be to blame – they’re located right behind your teeth, making it easy for fluid build-up in them and exert pressure upon them – but often this type of discomfort is easily alleviated once the root cause of its cause has been addressed.
As you run, another possibility is that your teeth clench or grind when running – a condition called bruxism. Each step you take sends vibrations through your body; if locked together they could trigger dental discomfort as well.
If that’s the case for you, try breathing through your nose more frequently while exercising and avoid extreme temperatures when possible; this should help stop teeth grinding and alleviate sensitivity symptoms. Furthermore, visit a dentist as soon as possible for dental sensitivity treatment or an exam; treating early will prevent further damage to enamel and gums.
Enamel Erosion
Tooth erosion is an increasingly prevalent problem that makes your teeth hurt when running. Acidic foods, beverages and gastric acids from reflux and bulimia slowly erode away at tooth enamel’s mineral content until finally its layers erode away exposing softer dentine that doesn’t offer as much protection against external stimuli like hot or cold temperatures, sweet, sour or acidic foods and drinks as does enamel – leaving your teeth more susceptible to cavities as bacteria attack the damaged shell of each tooth.
Running can exacerbate erosion by drying the underlying dentin and opening tubules that carry nerve signals to innervated teeth, while heavy mouth breathing during exercise exposes its surface to air. To combat erosion’s root causes, try limiting acidic foods and beverages, drinking plenty of water with meals, using straws when drinking carbonated beverages, chewing sugar-free gum between snacks and treating conditions such as GERD or bulimia.
Dental Fractures or Microcracks
Identifying why your teeth hurt while running is of utmost importance if they do hurt during exercise. Your dental discomfort could be caused by anything from sinus issues to cracked teeth.
symptoms of tooth fracture include sensitivity to cold air or sweetness, discomfort when biting or chewing and visible cracks in the tooth. Fractured cusps usually develop around dental restorations such as fillings; larger cracks that extend from root to chewing surface occur less often and typically require extraction and subsequent implant placement for repair.
Establishing an accurate diagnosis will ensure your pain is quickly addressed. In the meantime, try using a topical over-the-counter oral anesthetic to relieve symptoms. Also remember to consume water throughout your workouts instead of sports drinks which may irritate teeth and gums further. Lastly, always check with a healthcare provider or dentist prior to undertaking any new fitness regime.
