Yes, allergies can cause tooth pain, but not directly. The pain is usually an indirect result of the body's inflammatory response to allergens.
How Allergies Lead to Tooth Pain
Allergic reactions often cause sinus inflammation and swelling. Because the sinuses are located close to the teeth's nerve endings, this swelling can put pressure on the teeth, leading to pain and sensitivity. This pressure mimics the feeling of a toothache.
Several mechanisms explain this connection:
- Sinus Pressure: Swelling in the sinuses from allergies increases pressure, which is transmitted to the teeth's roots and nerves. This pressure can cause a dull ache or throbbing pain, particularly in the upper teeth. [Source: University of Tennessee Knoxville Dentists, Buddiga]
- Inflammation: Allergic reactions cause inflammation throughout the body, including in the gum tissue and tooth roots. This inflammation can increase tooth sensitivity to temperature changes (hot or cold) and pressure. [Source: Gateway Family Dentistry]
- Referral Pain: The pain felt in the teeth might actually originate in the sinuses. The brain may misinterpret the signal from the inflamed sinuses as originating from the teeth. [Source: 172 NYC Dental]
- Jaw Muscle Tension: Dealing with allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and nasal congestion, can lead to jaw muscle tension. This tension can cause pain that feels like a toothache. [Source: Dental Care Professionals Australia]
It's crucial to understand that the allergy itself doesn't directly attack the teeth. Instead, the consequences of the allergic reaction, namely sinus pressure and inflammation, are the culprits. Additionally, a sore throat resulting from allergy-related inflammation can indirectly contribute to tooth pain. [Source: Unnamed reference]
In some cases, the pain can be severe enough to be mistaken for a dental emergency. If you experience tooth pain alongside typical allergy symptoms, consulting both a dentist and an allergist is advisable for a proper diagnosis and treatment. [Source: Dhamadison Dental]
