Why do our teeth hurt while running? What causes such a confusing and unpleasant situation?
There are several reasons. A dentist in Zagreb, Ivan Antolković, listed the primary ones:
BRUXISM
Bruxism is the unconscious habit of grinding or “clenching” your teeth. In many people it occurs as a result of nervousness or fatigue.
When you run or walk faster, your feet strike the ground. Each step sends vibrations all the way up to the top of your head. If you have the habit of clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth, you will feel the pressure of these vibrations in your teeth as well.
Work on relaxing your jaw, keep your muscles relaxed, and slightly separate your jaws. This can reduce the strength of the vibrations felt with each step. Also check that your running shoes are not worn out and that they are tied tightly enough.
Can’t stop clenching your jaw? Consider investing in a protective dental mouthguard.
SINUS PROBLEMS
Sometimes when you feel tooth pain, it may not actually be related to your teeth at all. Occasionally, a sinus infection or another sinus issue can cause toothache.
Your sinuses sit right behind your cheeks, eyebrows, and jaw, and they can cause pain when a problem occurs. After treating the sinus issue, you may notice that your teeth no longer hurt while running or walking.
SENSITIVITY TO COLD
Some people have teeth that react to hot and cold temperature changes, and this includes air. Is it cold where you run? That could be the reason you feel tooth pain while running or walking.
Try breathing through your nose for a while and see if the pain decreases.
If you notice that the problem is truly related to temperature sensitivity, schedule a free check-up with your dentist.
Dr. Ivan Antolković emphasizes that the reasons listed above are only some of the possible causes. “No tooth pain is natural or acceptable”, which is why it is very important to visit your dentist as soon as you first feel pain.
Sensitive teeth can be a symptom of a larger health problem, such as periodontal disease or inflammation of the dental nerve. As blood flow increases while walking or running, it can worsen inflammation and pain in the mouth, causing your teeth to hurt while running.
Be sure to talk to your dentist about any pain or discomfort in your mouth that you experience during exercise.
