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Sinuses are hollow spaces in your skull connected to the nasal cavity. Since your top rear molars and sinus cavities are closely located, any infections in one can quickly spread into another and infect both areas simultaneously.
Odontogenic sinusitis is a dental infection with symptoms including pain, swelling and pressure in the cheekbones and teeth.
Dental Infection and Sinus Symptoms
Sinus infections and toothaches can share similar symptoms, making it hard to pinpoint the cause. Dental infections and sinus problems can be related in two ways:
- Toothache from sinus infection: Sinus inflammation can cause pain in nearby teeth, especially upper back teeth, which are close to the sinuses.
- Sinus infection from tooth infection: An infection in an upper back tooth’s root can spread to the sinuses, causing maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin (MSEO). Symptoms include congestion, facial pain, and a foul odor, without typical tooth pain.
Consult a dentist or doctor to determine the underlying cause if you experience tooth pain or sinus symptoms.
Sinusitis
Sinuses are air-filled cavities that line the face. They produce mucus to trap dust and bacteria before it enters your lungs, but when this mucus dries up or gets blocked it can cause sinusitis which causes headaches, nasal congestion, postnasal drip and facial pain; fever, swollen glands and runny nose can also result.
People with upper molars or premolars that extend into the sinus cavity may develop maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin (MSEO), a dental infection originating in their roots and spreading into their sinus cavities. Unlike traditional toothaches, MSEO usually does not cause pain while chewing and temperature sensitivity is very rare.
Healthcare providers can diagnose this condition by conducting an examination of your nose for blockage or drainage, taking a nasal swab for viruses and bacteria testing, reviewing medical histories of both parties involved, as well as imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans to gain more information about sinuses.
Headache
Sinuses are four air-filled spaces within facial bones located behind cheekbones and above and below the upper jaw bone, that help warm and moisten the air you breathe, filter it through their network of filters, produce mucus that drains into your nose, warm it when needed and produce mucus as waste products that drain into it.
When they become infected, however, symptoms include pain in your mouth, head, neck or forehead that cause discomfort or headache.
Dental problems can result in infections of the sinuses that resemble sinusitis symptoms, including pain or pressure in the teeth, head or face; build-up of bacteria; and swelling in the face, nose or throat. Resolving dental issues will ultimately eliminate these symptoms long-term.
Dental professionals can often identify infection through panoramic imaging, which displays the sinus cavities of the maxilla (upper jawbone). Furthermore, they may check for “sinus communication,” which occurs when bacteria from an infected tooth penetrates delicate sinus lining during root canal treatment and spreads infection throughout.
Swelling
An infection of your sinus passages may swell and lead to facial pressure and pain, spreading throughout your eyes and brain and potentially leading to serious complications.
Top-rear teeth are in close proximity to the maxillary sinus cavity, making an infected tooth vulnerable to bacteria entering through its root and into your sinuses causing dental-sinus infections commonly referred to as “odontogenic sinusitis.” Tooth pain from this infection often manifests itself in your upper back teeth due to pressure in your sinuses causing pressure-related issues in this region of the mouth.
As soon as your dental infection starts causing sinus issues, the best way to diagnose it is to visit your dentist for an evaluation. Root canal treatment usually resolves and prevents further issues while an X-ray or CT scan may also help identify it – however in more severe cases a CT or MRI might be required.
Toothache
Dental infections that spread to sinuses can produce painful symptoms like bad breath, sore mouths, swollen cheeks and stuffy noses. Such infections can also lead to long-term sinus issues and recurring infections; it’s crucial that they’re addressed quickly so as to prevent any further medical complications that require antibiotics or other forms of therapy in order to manage.
Tooth pain associated with sinus pressure typically manifests itself in your top rear teeth (your maxillary teeth). Their roots are located close to your maxillary sinuses, leaving only a thin layer of bone between them.
This proximity allows bacteria to travel from tooth into sinus easily causing infection known as Odontogenic Sinusitis which affects up to 30% of patients; other possible sources include gum infections, Bruxism or cavities.
How to Differentiate Between a Toothache and a Sinus Infection
To differentiate between a toothache and a sinus infection, consider the following factors:
Toothache:
– Localized pain in one tooth or specific mouth area.
– Sensitivity to temperature changes (hot or cold).
– Pain when biting or chewing.
– Swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth or gums.
– Visible signs of dental issues like cavities or tooth decay.
Sinus infection:
– Pain or pressure in sinus areas (cheeks, forehead, between eyes).
– Pain affecting multiple upper back teeth.
– Nasal congestion or stuffiness.
– Runny nose or post-nasal drip.
– Facial pain or tenderness.
– Headache behind the cheekbones.
– Fever or low-grade fever.
Note that tooth pain can be referred from a sinus infection and vice versa. Consult a dentist or doctor for an accurate diagnosis. If dental causes are ruled out, consult a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of Maxillary Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin (MSEO)
Symptoms of Maxillary Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin (MSEO) include:
– Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing.
– Runny nose and nasal discharge.
– Post-nasal drip and throat discomfort.
– Facial pain or pressure in the cheeks and around the eyes.
– Foul odor in the nose or breath.
– Absence of tooth pain, even in the infected tooth.
– Mimics regular sinusitis symptoms.
If you suspect that you may have MSEO or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek consultation with a dentist or endodontist. They will provide a proper diagnosis and recommend suitable treatment options.
Can a Dental Infection Cause a Sinus Infection
A dental infection has the potential to lead to a sinus infection. It is worth noting that there exists a relationship between oral issues and sinus infections. Let’s explore how dental problems can contribute to sinus infections:
The spread of infection is a common occurrence where an infection in the teeth or gums can extend to the sinuses, resulting in a sinus infection. This transmission primarily takes place when patients experience severe infections in their teeth and/or gums.
The upper jaw’s back teeth host the largest sinuses, with some roots even reaching into the sinus cavity. As a consequence, inflammation within the sinuses can cause discomfort in nearby teeth.
Maxillary Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin (MSEO) is a sinus infection resulting from an infection in the root of one of the upper back teeth. Symptoms of MSEO include congestion, a runny nose, post-nasal drip, facial pain, and a foul odor.
Unlike typical tooth infections, MSEO doesn’t cause tooth pain or sensitivity to temperature. This absence of discomfort occurs because the infected tooth has already died and the pressure that usually accompanies an infected tooth is absent since the infection drains into the maxillary sinuses instead.
In cases where a sinus infection occurs, it is worth mentioning that tooth pain, especially in the upper back teeth, can also be a symptom. If uncertainty arises regarding the cause of your symptoms, seeking advice from a dentist or doctor for an accurate diagnosis is advised. They possess the necessary expertise to assess your symptoms through examination and may recommend additional tests or imaging if deemed necessary.
