A sore throat is one of the first symptoms of a cold, but when it occurs with oral pain, it could be the sign of a tooth infection or something even more serious.
In South Africa, dental issues are alarmingly common. Studies show that 60% of South African children suffer from tooth decay before the age of six and up to 90% of adults experience some form of gum disease in their lifetime.
Like your gut and skin, your mouth is home to bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes that live on your teeth, tongue, cheeks, palate, gums and saliva. When there’s a balance, this diverse microbiome lives in harmony with our immune system, and when the balance in the bacterial community is disrupted – often due poor oral hygiene – harmful bacteria can grow too quickly, causing bleeding gums, cavities, tooth infections, and gum disease.
Sore throats caused by dental problems
Sore throats often accompany these most common oral conditions, all of which will need to be seen to by a dentist/ doctor:
- Untreated cavities. Tooth decay is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene: when you don’t brush regularly, food particles and sugars start build up, allowing for the growth of plaque and bacteria. If a decaying tooth isn’t filled, bacteria can enter the inside (the pulp) of the tooth, and if left long enough, the bacteria turn to pus leading to a tooth infection or abscess. Because the nerves and blood vessels are found in the pulp, a tooth infection can be very painful. A tooth infection can affect your throat in three ways:
- The infection spreads from the tooth to the surrounding gums and the throat causing inflammation and pain.
- When your body’s natural immune response kicks in to fight off the bacteria, the lymph nodes in the neck and under the jaw can cause the throat to swell.
- Infections can cause swelling in the gums and jaw, which puts pressure on the throat.
- Wisdom teeth issues. When your wisdom teeth don’t have space to fully erupt from the gum, the gum tissue on the tooth creates a breeding ground for infection since it harbours food particles and bacteria.
- Peritonsillar abscess. Tooth and gum diseases puts you at risk of developing a peritonsillar abscess, an infection which forms in the tissue at the back of the mouth. This is usually a complication of tonsillitis, when the infection spreads from the tonsil to the throat, resulting in a severe sore throat and trouble swallowing. This infection can lead to further complications if not treated quickly.
Cavities, gum disease and oral infections can affect your ability to eat, speak and even impact your overall well-being. Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is crucial for preventing infections, tooth decay and serious health complications.
Fortunately, good oral care habits can significantly reduce these risks and help maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums. Here are six practices to incorporate:
- Brush your teeth twice daily: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is fundamental. Ensure you brush for about two minutes at least one of the times, covering all areas, including the front, back and chewing surfaces. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean all surfaces of your teeth. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
- Floss daily: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach, particularly between teeth and under the gumline. Daily flossing prevents the buildup of plaque, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Use mouthwash: Incorporating an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash into your routine can provide additional protection. Mouthwash helps reduce bacteria in the mouth, strengthens enamel and reaches areas missed by brushing and flossing. Use mouthwash only as advised – most over-the-counter mouthwashes can be used a maximum of twice a day.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking and the use of other tobacco products increase the risk of gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer. Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions for your oral and overall health.
- Maintain a balanced diet: Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages, as they can erode tooth enamel and contribute to decay. Opt for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains to support oral health.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and stimulates saliva production, which neutralises acids and protects your teeth. Aim to drink water after meals and throughout the day.
- Get enough rest: Stress has also been linked to disruptions in the balance of the oral microbiome, so get enough rest and sleep.
- Protect your teeth: If you play any contact sports, use a gum guard to prevent injuries to your teeth or mouth area.
- Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and examinations. Regular check-ups allow for early detection and treatment of potential issues, preventing them from becoming more serious.
References
- American Society for Microbiology. (2013). FAQ: Human Microbiome. Washington (DC): American Society for Microbiology. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562894/. doi: 10.1128/AAMCol.1-2013
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022a). Oral Hygiene. Cleveland Clinic. Available from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene (Accessed: 4 February 2025)
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022b). How to Properly Brush Your Teeth. Cleveland Clinic. Available from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-brush-your-teeth (Accessed: 28 February 2025) [CC]
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Fluoride. Cleveland Clinic. Available from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11195-fluoride (Accessed: 4 February 2025)
- Dallas Dental Wellness. (n.d). Tooth Infections and Sore Throats: What You Need to Know. Available from: https://www.dallasdentalwellness.com/tooth-infections-and-sore-throats-what-you-need-to-know/ (Accessed 3 February 2025)
- Davison, G.M. & Prince, Y. (2023). Brush your teeth! Bad oral hygiene linked to cancer, heart attacks and renal failure. The Conversation. Available from: https://theconversation.com/brush-your-teeth-bad-oral-hygiene-linked-to-cancer-heart-attacks-and-renal-failure-214169 (Accessed 3 February 2025)
- Dental Health Society. (2023). Can an Infected Tooth Cause a Sore Throat?. Dental Health Society. Available from https://dentalhealthsociety.com/oral-surgery/can-an-infected-tooth-cause-a-sore-throat/ (Accessed: 4 February 2025)
- Government of South Africa. (2020). National Oral Health Month 2020. South African Government Official Information and Services. Available from https://www.gov.za/NationalOralHealthMonth2020#:~:text=Gum%20disease%20ranks%20second%20only,the%20problem%20at%20some%20point (Accessed: 4 February 2025)
- Kaufman, M. & Kaufman, W. (n.d.). Does Drinking More Water Protect Your Teeth?. Kauffman Dentistry. Available from https://kaufmandentistry.com/2024/09/27/does-drinking-more-water-protect-your-teeth/#:~:text=Many%20people%20wonder%20about%20this,and%20keeping%20our%20teeth%20strong (Accessed: 4 February 2025)
- Kimmie-Dhansay, F., Barrie, R., Naidoo, S., & Roberts, T. S. (2021). Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in South Africa: Protocol for a Systematic Review. JMIR Research Protocols. 10(8), e25795. https://doi.org/10.2196/25795