Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Run? Here Are 6 Common Reasons, Plus How to Prevent It

You’re mid-run, enjoying the feeling of movement and the fresh air when suddenly a sharp pain shoots through your teeth. While this might seem like a strange place for discomfort to arise, tooth pain when running is more common than you think. From sinus pressure to jaw clenching, there’s a surprising connection between your oral health and your fitness routine. 

Let’s take a closer look at the six most common reasons your teeth hurt when you run, and how you can stop it.

1. Increased blood flow

During exercises like running, your body will naturally support your muscles and organs by increasing the blood flow throughout. This happens all over your body — and your mouth is no exception. Your mouth consists of tiny blood vessels that provide oxygen and other nutrients to your gums, teeth, tongue, and other oral surfaces. When running, these blood vessels start to swell. If any underlying dental issues are present, the increased blood pressure to the area will lead to discomfort. 

2. Cavities or decay

A cavity may form when bad bacteria start to invade the top layer of your tooth, the enamel. The longer the cavity sits untreated, the more enamel will be worn away. Eventually, the cavity will expose the nerves in your tooth, which will cause sensitivity. The pain may worsen during intense exercise due to the increased blood flow in your body. Also, the body’s natural vibrations during running could start to irritate the exposed nerve in your tooth.

3. Jaw clenching

If you normally clench or grind your teeth while sleeping, you most likely do it even more while running. This happens unknowingly while you’re intently focusing and your body is under stress during exercise. The wear and tear on your teeth will lead to tooth sensitivity and jaw pain. Additionally, the gradual thinning of enamel on your teeth will increase sensitivity coming from the air or when having cold or hot beverages. 

4. Sinus pressure

Sometimes, the pain that you feel in your teeth is actually not coming from your teeth at all. This is considered “referred pain.” Sinus pressure from inflammation or sinus infection can lead to sensitivity in your upper teeth. This is all due to how close your teeth are to your sinus cavities. 

Also, your upper teeth share many nerve channels with your maxillary sinus. While exercising, the lining of your sinus cavity tends to swell. This increases the sinus pressure and can worsen tooth sensitivity.

5. Improper exercise form

When running or doing any intense exercise, you’re working many different muscle groups in the body. Certain facial muscles can become fatigued when used in the wrong way and can cause referred pain to your teeth.

Additionally, some people tend to run with their mouths open. The increased air flow can dry out your mouth and reduce saliva — the first defense against bad bacteria. This running habit can lead to cavities or gum disease and can cause tooth sensitivity over time.

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6. Weather changes

Changes in weather patterns can also cause slight tooth sensitivity or pain — especially when exposed to cold air. While exercising, you tend to breathe heavier. If you’re running in cold or dry air, inhaling the air through your nose can lead to inflammation in and around your sinus cavity. The pain signals in the area can mimic or trigger tooth pain. You can also have tooth pain if you have underlying tooth sensitivity and your teeth are exposed to cold air for a prolonged period of time while exercising. 

What can you do to prevent or relieve tooth pain while running?

There are a few things you can do to prevent tooth pain while running. Try these tips below in preparation for your next run:

• Check for underlying issues: Stay up to date with your regular dental visits to identify possible dental issues like cavities or gum disease. This may significantly lower the chances for tooth sensitivity.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to counteract dry mouth caused by open-mouth breathing while running. Also, staying hydrated can thin sinus congestion — helping to reduce referred pain.

• Manage stress during or before you run: Clenching and grinding your teeth may be a result of increased stress or anxiety. Incorporate relaxation techniques into your exercise routine, like yoga or meditation, to help reduce stressful clenching.

• Address sinus issues: If the culprit is sinus congestion, consider using over-the-counter sinus sprays to clear the congestion. If you do this before running, you may decrease sinus pressure and help relieve tooth pain. If this doesn’t do the job, consider seeing your primary care provider or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a proper sinus evaluation.

• Consider wearing a mouthguard: A custom mouthguard will help alleviate any tooth pain being caused by clenching or grinding. Also, it will help protect your teeth from chipping during strenuous or impactful exercises.

• Focus on your form: Aligning your body during exercise and practicing correct form will reduce the likelihood of muscle pain arising. Getting a personal trainer may help you learn these skills. 

When should you see a dentist for tooth pain while running?

Tooth pain while running doesn’t always mean that you should see a dentist, but there are certain signs you don’t want to ignore. You may want to see a dentist or your primary care provider for any of these symptoms below:

• If tooth pain persists after you stop exercising

• Fever

• Feeling unwell

• Intense headache

If you have swelling in the gums or in any area around the face, don’t delay in getting care. This could warrant immediate attention by a dentist or medical professional.

If recent dental work was done, you may need a little more time to heal or a minor adjustment before exercising. Speak with your dentist about the proper way to incorporate your exercise routine after treatment is done. 

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Written by:

Zack Youngblood, DMD

Zack Youngblood, DMD, is a dentist who strives to change the general look of dentistry. Before stepping foot in the clinical field, he authored multiple works that helped dental students and dentists find their unique path in dentistry.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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