Can catching a cold cause pulpitis?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on March 14, 2025
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Common pulpitis is generally caused by the invasion of certain bacteria, leading to inflammation of the dental pulp and instances of infection and necrosis in the pulp tissue. It is not particularly related to the patient catching a cold, but if the patient does catch a cold and their resistance decreases, their immunity may be lower. Therefore, it is advised that patients pay attention to their lifestyle and take care not to catch a cold.

Furthermore, when a patient experiences pulpitis, they must seek medical attention at a hospital promptly, as the pain associated with dental inflammation is typically intense and can significantly inconvenience the patient's eating habits. It is recommended that patients visit a dental hospital promptly for treatment. Methods such as pulp opening for decompression can effectively alleviate pulpitis. Additionally, patients should be mindful of their diet and lifestyle habits and maintain oral hygiene.

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
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Pulpitis is sensitive to cold or heat?

Pulpitis is sensitive to both cold and heat, and this sensitivity is a symptom of the condition. The dental pulp is protected by enamel and dentin, and generally does not exhibit sensitivity. However, if there are deep cavities, split wedge-shaped defects, severe wear, or fractures that compromise the outer protection, it can lead to inflammation of the dental nerve and sensitivity to temperature changes. In such cases, nerve removal treatment, also known as root canal treatment, is required. Root canal treatment involves the removal of the pulp and necrotic material from the root canal, disinfecting it, and tightly filling the root canal to eliminate any infection that could adversely affect the surrounding periapical tissue and prevent re-infection. Root canal treatment requires three to four follow-up visits and can be costly. Therefore, it is important to detect and treat cavities early.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
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How is pulpitis caused?

Pulpitis is generally caused by the progression of dental caries. Bacteria infect the hard tissues of the tooth, which is referred to as dental caries in the early stages. If the decayed parts are not removed in time for dental filling, meaning the teeth are not filled promptly, the bacteria will further infect the pulp tissue, leading to pulpitis. Pulpitis is actually the outcome of further bacterial development. However, if pulpitis is not treated in time, the inflammation can advance to the root apex, causing apical periodontitis. Therefore, pulpitis requires prompt endodontic treatment of the tooth. After controlling the inflammation, the root canal is filled. Following the filling of the root canal, the top of the tooth crown is sealed, which involves the filling of the tooth.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
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Can pulpitis be treated by tooth extraction?

Pulpitis should not be treated by extraction. Pulpitis is simply a painful response caused by an infection of the pulp tissue and can be managed by preserving the tooth through root canal treatment. First, drill to remove the infected dental tissue, and when the dental nerve is exposed, apply a nerve-killing medication. After the nerve is destroyed, thoroughly remove the infected tissue, then seal the root canal, and after inflammation is controlled, fill the root canal. With treatment, it is possible to preserve teeth with pulpitis and extraction should not be performed. Removing a tooth during an active episode of pulpitis may lead to the systemic spread of inflammation.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
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How to deal with the pain from molar pulpitis?

Pulpitis in molars can be painful and requires dental treatment. During the treatment of pulpitis, the first step is to use a drill to remove the infected dentin and bone. If the dental nerve is exposed and the inflammation of the pulp is severe, a nerve-killing treatment can be conducted. In cases of acute inflammation, it is necessary to first open up the tooth. Once the inflammation subsides, nerve-killing treatment can proceed. Otherwise, the pressure is too great and the pain may intensify. If the pain is unbearable during the drilling process in the treatment of pulpitis, local anesthesia can be administered to the tooth. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the pain will be significantly less during the drilling stage.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
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Do I go to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for pulpitis?

Pulpitis requires a visit to the department of stomatology or the department of dental cariology and endodontics. Some hospitals, with more detailed department divisions, differentiate between adults and children. Generally, individuals under 18 years old fall under the pediatric dentistry department. Those 18 and older need to visit the department of dental cariology and endodontics. Pulpitis is a painful condition caused by bacterial infection of the dental nerve, clinically manifested by pain when eating, night-time pain, localized pain, and worsening pain upon exposure to hot and cold stimuli. Treatment for pulpitis involves root canal therapy. This involves drilling to remove the infected dental tissue, then performing root canal medicament filling, followed by inflammation control and root canal filling.