Can Allergies Cause Toothache​?

by | Sep 1, 2025

Can Allergies Cause Toothache

Yes, allergies can sometimes cause tooth pain, especially in the upper jaw. Many people confuse this discomfort with a dental problem, but it often comes from sinus pressure, nasal congestion, or swelling in the mouth.

How Allergies Can Lead to Tooth Pain

When you have allergies, your sinuses can become inflamed and congested. This pressure often builds right above the roots of your upper molars, creating tooth-like pain.

✔ Sinus pressure feels like a balloon inflating behind your cheeks. It pushes against the roots of your teeth, making them sore.

✔ Pain pattern: Allergy-related pain is usually dull and spreads across several teeth, unlike cavities that affect just one tooth.

✔ Other symptoms: Facial pressure, headaches, postnasal drip, and ear fullness often appear along with the toothache.

Types of Allergies That May Cause Tooth Discomfort

Not all allergies affect the teeth, but some are more likely to trigger pain:

✔ Seasonal allergies (pollen, grass, weeds)

  • Causes sinus inflammation and pressure that radiates into the mouth.
  • Common during spring and fall in areas like San Antonio.

✔ Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

  • Triggered by raw fruits and vegetables (e.g., apples, melons, peaches).
  • Leads to tingling or discomfort in gums, tongue, or jaw.

✔ Food or latex allergies

  • It can cause swelling inside the cheeks, lips, or palate.

  • This pressure sometimes transfers to nearby teeth.

✔ Severe reactions (angioedema)

  • Intense swelling in the lips or face may press against the jaw.
  • Pain can feel sudden, sharp, and very similar to a toothache.

Do Allergy Medications Contribute to Tooth Pain?

While allergy treatments help relieve symptoms, some can indirectly cause oral discomfort:

✔ Antihistamines

  • Dry out the mouth by reducing saliva.

  • Less saliva means more bacterial growth and tooth sensitivity.

✔ Decongestants

  • Reduce mucosa, but also dry oral tissues

  • Teeth may feel more sensitive to hot or cold.

✔ Nasal sprays

  • Sometimes irritates the nasal tissues close to the tooth nerves.

  • It can cause mild aching or tingling in the upper teeth.

How to Relieve Tooth Pain Caused by Allergies

You don’t always need dental treatment. Often, simple steps can ease the pain:

✔ At-home remedies

  • Use warm compresses on the cheeks.
  • Inhale steam or use saline sprays to clear sinuses.
  • Drink plenty of water to reduce inflammation.

✔ Over-the-counter treatments

  • Antihistamines or decongestants for allergy control.
  • Alcohol-free mouth rinses to keep gums hydrated.

✔ When to see a doctor or dentist

  • Pain lasts longer than expected.
  • Discomfort spreads or interferes with daily life.
  • You’re unsure if it’s an allergy or a dental issue.

How to Tell If It’s Allergies or a Dental Problem

A big challenge is figuring out whether the ache is from allergies or your teeth themselves.

Allergy-related pain

✔ Dull and shifting.

✔ Affects several upper teeth.

✔ Comes with nasal symptoms like sneezing or congestion.

Dental pain

✔ Sharp, stabbing, or throbbing.

✔ Stays in one tooth.

✔ Worsens with sweets, hot drinks, or chewing pressure.

Long-Term Relief

If allergies are the root cause of your toothache, consistent allergy management can make a big difference. Options like allergy testing and treatments (including immunotherapy) help reduce sinus inflammation and prevent future pain.

 

That Nagging Tooth Pain Might Not Be What You Think

It’s wild how one small thing like congestion can throw your whole head out of balance. That deep ache near your teeth? Turns out, it might not even be about your teeth at all.

The pressure from blocked sinuses can mimic dental pain, especially near the upper molars. So if your teeth start to throb right when allergy season kicks in, your sinuses might be the real culprit here – not a cavity or cracked tooth.

At Juniper Allergy, we’ve seen how often this confusion leads people to the dentist first. Let’s help you breathe freely and feel better with our expert allergy testing and personalised treatment.

Book a visit today – your sinuses (and teeth) will thank you.

    team of allergy doctor

    FAQs

    Do seasonal allergies really make your teeth hurt?

    Yes, pressure from inflamed sinuses is right above the upper teeth. During allergy season, this causes dull pain or aching sensations, especially in molars.

    Can food allergies be responsible for tooth sensitivity?

    Yes, especially if the allergy causes lip, gum, or mouth swelling. Reactions to certain fruits or latex can produce oral irritation felt near the teeth.

    How can I tell if my tooth pain is from allergies and not an infection?

    Pain from allergies spreads across the upper teeth and worsens with sinus pressure or head movement. Infections center on one tooth and don’t change with nasal symptoms.

    Can allergies affect the bottom or front teeth, too?

    It’s less common, but intense sinus pressure, oral allergy reactions, or facial swelling can spread discomfort to other areas, including lower teeth or gums.