Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Run – Unraveling the Mystery

Running is a wonderful form of exercise that has many positive effects on your general health. However, you might be curious as to what might be causing this discomfort if you’ve ever felt tooth sensitivity or pain while exercising.

We will solve the puzzle of why your teeth hurt when you run in this article. We’ll look into potential causes like sinus pressure, teeth grinding, and underlying dental problems.

We’ll also offer helpful hints and preventative measures to help you lessen tooth sensitivity and guarantee a comfortable and pain-free running experience. Join us as we explore the causes of tooth pain experienced while exercising and lace up your running shoes.

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What Do Teeth and Exercise-Related Pain Have in Common?

You might react by saying, “That makes sense,” which is a reasonable reaction. But why is your Philadelphia-based expert in hair restoration and dentistry telling me this? What has a dentist to do with physical warning signs like toothache and hair loss that are related to exercise?

You might be surprised to learn that people frequently experience tooth pain while running. Some people also experience pain or sensitivity in their teeth and gums when they engage in other types of exercise.

We may experience tooth or gum pain while running or working out for a variety of reasons, but they typically stem from two main causes. The care of a dental expert is necessary for both of these serious issues. They involve gum disease, tooth infections, or jaw or tooth trauma.

Causes of Tooth Pain During Exercise

While increased blood flow is the main reason for tooth pain when you exercise, other factors, such as clenching, dental sensitivity, gum disease, cracked teeth, or sinus issues, may also contribute to pain.

Clenching Teeth (Bruxism)

Especially if it’s their first time running, many people clench their teeth when they do so. Your jaw and teeth may experience pain as a result. Running on concrete or asphalt can be particularly jarring to your teeth and clenching your mouth can make the pain worse.

Dental Sensitivity

An increase in blood flow of any size can hurt your teeth if you have dental sensitivity. Running or walking could result in mouth breathing pain if your teeth are particularly sensitive to cold temperatures.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Tooth pain while exercising is frequently brought on by gum disease. The increased blood flow can exacerbate the inflammation and hurt you if you have gum disease. You should discuss this issue with your dentist right away to stop the disease from harming your mouth any further.

Cracked Teeth

Even a little pressure can hurt a cracked tooth if you have one.

Sinus Problems

The pressure from the increased blood flow can hurt your teeth if you have sinus issues.

When to Call a Dentist

You should always visit your dentist if your teeth become more sensitive when you exercise to make sure there isn’t an underlying issue. Your dentist can rule out these possibilities or, if necessary, provide treatment to address the issue. Cavities or tooth decay, gum disease, and other conditions can all result in increased sensitivity. Running is strenuous exercise, so it’s crucial to maintain a healthy body—including your teeth and gums—free of unnecessary pain so you can accomplish all of your goals as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

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Preventing Tooth Pain During Exercise

Use a Mouth Guard

For anyone who works out frequently, a mouthguard is a crucial piece of gear. Your mouth is frequently open while you exercise, and your jaw moves up and down. Your gums and teeth may be put under a lot of stress as a result, which could cause discomfort.

The risk of developing tooth pain while exercising can be decreased with the aid of a mouth guard, which also helps to protect your teeth and gums from this stress.

Keep Your Mouth Closed

Keep your mouth closed as much as you can during exercise to help prevent tooth pain. Your teeth will be more stable and experience less movement as a result of this.

Don’t forget to hydrate well both before and after your workout. This will aid in keeping your mouth hydrated and assist in rinsing out any debris or bacteria that might cause discomfort.

Avoid Running on Pavement Or Asphalt

It’s possible that you’ll be tempted to run on concrete or asphalt in order to get in a good workout when you go for a run. However, running on these harsh surfaces while exercising can actually cause tooth pain.

This is because the impact of your feet striking the ground can cause pain in your teeth as they vibrate. Try running on a softer surface, such as grass or dirt, to prevent this. Wear a mouthguard to help protect your teeth if you must run on asphalt or paved surfaces.

Avoid Running in Cold Conditions

It is widely acknowledged that exercising while running in cold weather can cause tooth pain. This is because breathing in cold air can cause teeth to contract, which can hurt. There are several approaches to avoiding this issue.

First things first, before running outside in the cold, you should warm up. Run gradually for the first few minutes to achieve this.

Second, it’s crucial to dress properly for the weather. This entails covering the face with a hat and scarf to keep the cold air off.

For the sake of keeping the mouth from drying out, it’s crucial to drink plenty of fluids both during and after exercise.

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Conclusion

An oral splint can lessen the likelihood that you’ll experience tooth pain after a run and can help protect your teeth and gums from stress during exercise. If you’re exercising on pavement or asphalt, make sure to hydrate well before and after your workout and wear a mouthguard. Additionally, to maintain healthy teeth, schedule routine dental visits.