Are you suffering from a sinus infection? The symptoms are bad enough, but the addition of a toothache can make life quite difficult. But are the two related, and can sinus cause tooth pain?
This article will talk about how sinus infections work and how a sinus infection can cause tooth pain. Next, we’ll let you know how you can treat the condition effectively.
Can Sinus Cause Tooth Pain?
Yes! Both sinus inflammation and infection can cause tooth pain. Let’s dive into how the sinuses can become inflamed to understand why this happens.
Your sinuses are hollow sacs that reside within your face, near the forehead, eyes, and just behind your cheekbones. Their function is to warm, moisten, and filter the air you breathe and produce mucus that drains into the nasal cavities to help keep the nose clean. They’re normally filled with air but can become congested with mucus and fluid, opening the doors to bacterial or viral infection. When inflamed, the sinuses can swell and cause a feeling of pressure in nearby areas.
The roots of your upper teeth are very close to your sinuses, so toothache is one of the most common sinus infection symptoms.
How Do I Know I Have A Sinus Toothache?
Although the symptoms of a dental toothache vs. sinus toothache are similar, there are some differences.
Normally, a toothache with dental causes is accompanied by more focused pain in a specific area. On the other hand, sinus toothache often affects several teeth at once. You primarily feel the pain of a sinus toothache in your upper molars, and the pain may worsen with movements like bending over and lessen as you lie down. This is because the pressure exerted by the sinuses shifts as you move.
Other Symptoms of Sinus Infections
If you suspect that you have a toothache related to your sinuses, see if you’re experiencing any of these other symptoms of a sinus infection:
- Pressure, soreness, or tenderness around your eyes, nose, or cheekbones.
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Postnasal drip. This means mucus dripping down into the back of your throat.
- Sore throat
- Mucus that is thicker than usual, often discolored
- Bad breath
If your toothache primarily affects several of your upper teeth, and your other symptoms match up with any of the above, your toothache is likely related to a sinus infection.
Conclusion: Treatment Options
A sinus infection resolves within a week or two, as the body requires time to fight it. In the meantime, though, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin.) If your toothache is severe, you can apply a topical anesthetic gel such as Orajel to your teeth to relieve pain.
It’s important to note that you should visit a dentist immediately if your toothache is unbearable. Any tooth pain is a sign of a serious condition that requires prompt treatment.
Pasadena Dental Doc offers state-of-the-art dental care with fair, transparent prices. We specialize in a wide variety of dental procedures. We also have flexible office hours and accept most insurance plans. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call us at (713) 947-0293. We pride ourselves on being the best dentist in Pasadena, TX.
BY GARGLE