If you're a runner who has experienced a sudden toothache mid-stride, you're probably wondering why this is happening. It's not just you, and no, it's not all in your head.
Your teeth can indeed feel pain while running, although the cause isn't usually direct damage from the physical activity. Let's take a closer look at why this happens.
Understanding Tooth Pain During Running
Teeth can be sensitive to various factors that change while running. Here are some of the most common:
Temperature Changes: During running, you inhale and exhale rapidly. Cold, dry air or even hot, humid air can trigger sensitivity in your teeth, especially if you breathe through your mouth.
Sinus Pressure: Sinus pressure changes and congestion can often masquerade as a toothache. In particular, upper teeth are located close to your sinuses and might feel pain due to sinus issues rather than a legitimate dental problem.
Increased Blood Flow: Running increases your heart rate and blood flow, which might cause a brief alteration in sensation in your teeth (your gums, jawbone, and teeth do have blood supply, after all).
Teeth Clenching or Grinding: Some runners clench or grind their teeth while running, which can trigger a toothache feeling.
Factors that Can Amplify the Pain
Certain conditions can make your teeth feel more sensitive while running:
Extreme Temperatures: Hot, humid days or cold, dry days can make the tooth pain feel more severe.
Hard Running Surfaces: Your head bounces more while running on hard surfaces. This might exacerbate perceived tooth pain, particularly if it's due to sinus issues or teeth clenching and grinding.
Gum Disease or Cracked Tooth: In some rare cases, gum disease discomfort could be exacerbated by the increased blood flow during running. A cracked tooth could also be exacerbated by pressure changes.
Can Running Hurt Your Teeth?
Running itself won't harm your teeth unless you clench or grind them during the activity. However, you may notice pain in your teeth while running due to the factors listed above.
Ways to Prevent or Mitigate Tooth Pain While Running
Here are some tips to manage tooth pain during your runs:
Choose Softer Surfaces: If the impact of each stride is bothersome, opt for running on softer surfaces like grass or a track.
Breathe Through Your Nose: If air sensitivity is an issue, try to close your mouth and breathe through your nose.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: If possible, avoid running in extreme temperatures, especially if they bother your teeth.
Avoid Clenching and Grinding: Stay conscious of your jaw while running, and make sure you're not clenching or grinding your teeth.
Final Thoughts
Remember, if tooth pain persists, especially outside of running, it's important to see a dentist. It might be a sign of an actual dental issue, like tooth decay, that needs to be addressed.
Running shouldn't be a painful activity, especially not for your teeth.
With the right understanding and preventive measures, you can enjoy your runs, toothache-free.
FAQs
How do I stop my teeth from hurting when I run?
Minimizing tooth pain during running often involves addressing the root cause. If it's temperature sensitivity, try breathing through your nose instead of your mouth. For sinus-related pain, consider a decongestant before running. If teeth clenching or grinding is causing discomfort, consciously relax your jaw while running. Always consult with your dentist if the pain persists.
Why do my teeth hurt when exercising?
Like running, other forms of exercise increase heart rate and blood flow, and may involve heavy breathing, which can cause similar tooth sensitivity. Grinding or clenching your teeth during a workout may also contribute to tooth pain. If you're experiencing consistent tooth pain during exercise, it's best to consult with a dentist.
Why do my teeth hurt when I walk or run?
Walking or running, especially outdoors in extreme temperatures, can lead to teeth sensitivity due to rapid inhalation and exhalation of air. Additionally, sinus pressure, teeth clenching or grinding, and increased blood flow can also cause discomfort. It's best to speak to a dentist if you're regularly experiencing tooth pain during these activities.
Why do my teeth hurt when I run outside?
Running outside can expose your teeth to extreme temperature conditions. Rapid inhalation and exhalation of cold and dry, or hot and humid, air can trigger sensitivity in your teeth. Similarly, changes in sinus pressure due to temperature and environment changes could cause toothache-like symptoms.
Why do I feel pressure in my teeth when I walk?
Pressure in your teeth when walking could be due to sinus issues, as your upper teeth are located close to your sinuses. Changes in altitude, weather, or temperature can affect your sinuses and cause a sensation of pressure in your teeth. If you're consistently experiencing this, it might be worth discussing with a medical professional.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.