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Sinus infections can sometimes result in toothache if their inflamed sinuses swell up and put pressure on nerves running along the roots of upper back teeth, usually upper back molars; though front or lower front molars may also experience discomfort from this source. This condition is typically limited to upper back molars.
Your healthcare provider will diagnose a sinus infection by conducting a physical exam and ordering imaging studies such as CT scans or nasal swabs.
Can a Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Pain?
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, can cause tooth pain specifically in the upper back teeth that are in close proximity to the sinuses. The largest sinuses are located just above the back teeth of the upper jaw, and it is possible for the roots of these teeth to be very near or even extend into the sinus cavity.
Consequently, inflammation within the sinuses can result in pain affecting neighboring teeth. Similarly, if a tooth becomes damaged or infected, it may lead to persistent (chronic) sinusitis. The nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain are connected to both the gums, teeth, and sinuses.
Hence, when experiencing a sinus infection with accompanying inflammation due to an infection, pressure on these shared nerves can trigger pain signals sent to your brain which then causes discomfort in your sinuses, gums and teeth.
If you’re uncertain whether your toothache is caused by a sinus infection or dental issue, it’s advisable to consult your doctor or dentist for an examination aimed at determining the underlying cause of the pain.
Symptoms
Sinus infection symptoms often resemble regular tooth pain, making it hard for you to tell which is causing it.
Symptoms of a sinus infection include:
– Postnasal drip
– Discolored nasal discharge (greenish)
– Nasal stuffiness or congestion
– Face tenderness (under eyes or at nose bridge)
– Frontal headaches
– Tooth pain
– Cough
– Fever
– Fatigue
– Bad breath
– Runny and stuffy nose
– Facial pain or pressure
– Mucus dripping down throat (post-nasal drip)
– Sore throat
– Ear pressure or pain
– Tiredness
Symptoms of a sinus infection can often resemble those of a cold or allergies, which is important to note. If there’s uncertainty regarding whether you’re dealing with a sinus infection, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with your doctor for an examination and determination of the underlying cause behind the symptoms.
Causes
Sinus infections occur when viruses or bacteria invade the sinus lining, typically by infiltrating through your nostrils and into four air-filled cavities situated between your facial bones near your eyes, forehead and cheekbones.
Sinuses provide warmth, moisture and filtering of air as you breathe through your nose; in addition, they produce mucus to clean it all out! When symptoms of sinus infection strike their effects are usually felt in upper molars but sometimes lower teeth too.
Roots of upper back teeth lie close to maxillary sinuses on either side of the nose, meaning any fluid accumulation or swelling within those sinuses could place pressure on their roots and result in tooth pain that mimics that caused by traditional cavities.
Drink plenty of fluids and use a humidifier to keep your nose moist, while eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin C to counteract histamines that cause inflammation in your sinuses. Applying cold compresses or using over-the-counter pain relievers may also help alleviate sinus infection tooth pain.
Treatment
If your sinus infection does not respond to over-the-counter medicines, consulting an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor could be helpful. Prescription decongestants and corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and swelling; while mucolytics help thin out excess mucus to allow your sinuses to drain more effectively.
Your upper back teeth (molars) are located close to the maxillary sinuses, meaning when these cavities become inflamed or infected or become congested and swell up, this puts pressure on nerves at the roots of your teeth causing toothache.
Sinus tooth pain should be distinguished from regular dental tooth pain as the former tends to spread throughout your molars and worsen or ease with specific movements, while dental pain typically remains focused and generally does not alter when subjected to different forms of movement.
Sometimes dentists will suggest root canal therapy for severe, long-lasting toothache that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments or medical remedies.
Prevention
Preventative measures can significantly lower your chances of sinus tooth pain. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to hydrate and thin out mucus buildup in your sinuses, relieving pressure.
Furthermore, adding foods rich in calcium and vitamin C into your diet helps inhibit production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to inflammation in your sinuses.
Make sure that you brush your teeth regularly using sensitive tooth toothpaste in order to safeguard their enamel from being damaged, and increase its efficacy of brushing. Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth as this could contribute to sinus tooth pain by inflaming and damaging its roots.
When your tooth pain persists, visit a dentist to rule out gum disease and cavities as possible causes. Furthermore, an assessment will reveal whether sinusitis or another medical issue could be contributing to it.
How Can a Dentist Differentiate Between Tooth Pain Caused by a Sinus Infection and a Dental Issue
A thorough examination is essential. Sinus infections can cause tooth pain, especially in the upper back teeth near the sinuses. The large sinuses located above the upper back teeth, with roots close to or extending into the sinus cavity, can lead to tooth pain when inflamed.
Additionally, damage or infection in a tooth may cause persistent sinusitis. Nerves responsible for transmitting pain are shared by gums, teeth, and sinuses. Sinus inflammation from an infection will press on these nerves, sending pain signals to your brain, causing pain in sinuses, gums, and teeth.
To differentiate between tooth pain from a sinus infection and a dental issue, the dentist considers:
- Pinpoint the Pressure: Testing upper teeth and gums for discomfort to rule out toothache.
- Symmetry: Sinus flare-ups rarely affect only one side of the face; symmetric pain indicates a sinus issue.
- Type of Pain: Toothache is often centralized in the mouth, while sinus pressure presents as a dull, widespread ache.
- Other Symptoms: Sinus infections cause additional symptoms like postnasal drip, discolored nasal discharge, congestion, facial tenderness, headaches, coughing, fever, fatigue, bad breath, runny/stuffy nose, mucus dripping down the throat, sore throat, ear pressure/pain, and tiredness.
If uncertainty arises regarding the cause of your toothache, whether it be a sinus infection or dental issue, seeking an examination from your dentist is advised.
Determining the source of the pain is crucial as symptoms of a sinus infection can resemble those of a common cold or allergies. Therefore, obtaining an accurate diagnosis will ensure proper treatment.
What Are Some Home Remedies for Relieving Tooth Pain Caused by a Sinus Infection
There are various home remedies available to alleviate tooth pain caused by a sinus infection. Below, we will highlight some effective methods for relief:
Staying hydrated is essential. It helps in thinning out the mucus and reducing blockages and pressure. Warm drinks can provide additional relief, while steam can open up your sinuses and promote drainage. Consider steaming your face or taking a hot shower for added benefits.
To alleviate sinus pressure and tooth pain, consider using a humidifier. By introducing moisture into the air, a humidifier can provide relief. Place one in your bedroom or any other space where you spend significant time.
To relieve sinus pressure and tooth pain, one can apply warm compresses. By placing a warm, damp towel over the face or using a warm compress on the forehead or cheeks, individuals may experience soothing relief.
To alleviate sinus pressure, consider using saline nasal spray. This handy solution can effectively flush out your sinuses, providing relief. You can easily acquire saline nasal spray from most drugstores or create your own by simply mixing salt and water.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin, can be used to alleviate toothache pain. It is important to note that both ibuprofen and aspirin can also help reduce inflammation, which in turn may alleviate sinus pressure causing dental discomfort.
Eating spicy foods can be beneficial for reducing mucus density, thereby promoting smoother flow and alleviating discomfort.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining overall health and can effectively alleviate sinus pressure and tooth pain.
It is important to acknowledge that the provided home remedies might offer temporary relief. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dentist for a thorough examination to identify the underlying cause of your pain and receive appropriate treatment.
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