Whats The Connection Between Sinus Infection And Toothache
Toothache or tooth pain from a sinus infection is actually fairly common. Your sinuses are air-filled pockets in the face there are four pairs, located near your eyes, forehead, and behind the cheekbones. When theyre working properly, their primary function is to produce mucus, which moistens the nose, protecting it from irritants and germs. When the sinuses become blocked, trapped germs can lead to infection.
Once infected, the blocked sinuses may swell and cause pressure in the face. A sinus infection can cause toothache because the swelling and build-up of mucus inside the sinuses may put pressure on nerves running to the roots of the teeth.
There are four pairs of what are called paranasal sinuses, or sinuses around the nose. They are the:
- Maxillary sinuses: located in the cheek,
- Ethmoid sinuses: located between the eyes, on each side of the nose,
- Frontal sinuses: located on either side of the forehead, and
- Sphenoid sinuses: located behind the ethmoid sinuses.
Generally, tooth pain associated with sinus infection is felt only in the top, rear teeth because the roots of these teeth and jawbone are closest to the maxillary sinuses. Although it can feel like a toothache, it is actually what doctors call referred pain, as the cause is not in the teeth themselves, but comes from the sinus pressure.
Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused By Tooth Decay
If you suffer frequent sinus infections, you might want to talk with your dentist about it. It could be your chronic sinus problems stem from a deeply decayed or infected tooth.
Sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces in the front of the skull associated with nasal passages. The largest, the maxillary sinuses, are located just behind the cheekbones and above and to the rear of the upper jaw on either side of the face. These sinuses can become painfully congested when infected.
One possible cause for an infection in the maxillary sinus can occur in certain people whose upper back teeth have roots that are close to or even protrude into the sinus. This is normally a minor anatomical feature, unless such a tooth becomes infected.
An infection in teeth with advancing decay or whose nerve tissue has died will eventually reach the root tip through tiny passageways called root canals. If the roots are close to or penetrating the maxillary sinus, the infection could move into the sinus. This is known as Maxillary Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin .
A case of MSEO could potentially go on for years with occasional flare-ups of sinus congestion or post-nasal drip. Because of the nature of the infection within the sinus, the affected tooth itself may not show the normal signs of infection like sensitivity or pain. Doctors may attempt to treat the sinus infection with antibiotics, but because the actual source of the infection is within the tooth, this therapy is often ineffective.
What Can Be Done To Relieve A Sinus Toothache
If you have a sinus infection or your sinuses are inflamed, it can cause a toothache. Although your tooth hurts, the problem here is not your tooth but your sinuses. Sinus pressure and drainage from sinusitis can lead to toothache, usually in the upper rear teeth that are close to the sinuses. Understanding whether a toothache is caused by sinus problems helps to determine the right treatment. If you have a sinus infection, your dentist wont be able to do much about it, although they will be able to tell you if your toothache is linked to your sinuses.
When you have a sinus toothache, there are various things that can be done to help relieve the pain.
Recommended Reading: How Often To Use Saline Nasal Spray For Sinus Infection
Tooth Pain And Other Symptoms Of Sinus Problems
Chances are you dont give your sinuses much thought outside of cold and flu season. An upper respiratory infection can make life miserable, particularly when your sinus walls become inflamed and swollen, preventing normal mucus drainage.
Sinus infections are obvious when youre dealing with a cold, but sometimes, there are more unusual symptoms. Whenchronic sinusitis takes hold, youll have symptoms lasting three months or more, even with treatment.
When this is the case, you may needsinus surgery to enlarge drainage spaces.Alexis Furze, MD is your choice in Newport Beach for minimally invasive sinus procedures. Contact Dr. Furzes office to investigate any of these unusual symptoms of sinus infection.
Whats The Difference Between Tooth Pain And Sinus Pain
Like many others, you might fail to notice the differences between sinus pain and regular tooth pain. Both of these conditions have similar symptoms, but you will feel pain in the upper molars when suffering from sinus tooth pain. The pain will be spread in several teeth and will intensify or reduce with particular movements. For instance, it will intensify when you jump up or bend over and reduce when you sit or lie down.
On the flip side, tooth pain caused by a dental problem will be focused on one tooth. This pain will not intensify with particular movements. Unlike when suffering from a sinus infection, toothache caused by a dental problem is likely to be accompanied by a dental swelling.
You May Like: How Many Advil Sinus Can I Take
How To Relieve Front Tooth Pain Under The Nose From Sinus Pressure
The pain of a tooth has been the worst pain ever. There are many reasons behind this pain, one is sinus pain. Sinusitis or sinus infection is caused when bacteria or viruses infect the lining of the sinus. As a result of these, various symptoms such as headache, facial pain, and front tooth pain under the nose show up. The sinus is the cavity that is filled with air.
On the surface of the sinuses, there are small hairs present, which are called cilia. These hairs trap dirt, pollution, and every foreign invading particle by a process of filtration. This area makes the air which you inhale warm in temperature. You will want to know that how to get rid of sinus pressure, then read this piece of writing till the end. It will surely help you.
There are two types:
Signs A Sinus Infection Might Be Causing Your Toothache
People with sinus disease can commonly have tooth pain, said Eugene Chang, MD, an otolaryngologist at BannerUniversity Medical Center Tucson Campus.
Look for these telltale signs that a sinus problem may be driving your pain:
- You have other sinus symptoms besides a toothache.Isolated tooth pain by itself without other sinus symptoms is usually not related to sinus disease, Dr. Chang said. Sinus symptoms could be a runny or stuffy nose, facial pressure, colored nasal discharge, headache, post-nasal drip, cough, sore throat, or a change in your sense of smell.
- Your toothache is in the back of your upper teeth. Your cheek sinuses, also called maxillary sinuses, contact the roots of your upper molars. So, youre more likely to notice a sinus-related toothache there. Toothaches in your bottom teeth or front teeth are less likely to be sinus related.
Recommended Reading: How To Relieve Severe Sinus Pain
How To Treat An Intense Toothache
To treat a toothache, the patient must reduce the pressure on the nerve of the tooth by reducing the pressure and fluid in the maxillary sinus. Taking a cold medicine that contains a decongestant will reduce the inflammation and fluid production in the nose and maxillary sinus. Just like any cold symptom, it will take a few days for a toothache to disappear.
A patient should contact our emergency dental clinic if a toothache does not disappear with cold or allergy symptoms. A toothache that is sharp or waking you up at night, warns a dental visit in an emergency dental clinic in Lincoln, NE as soon as possible. These characteristics are not typically seen with sinus toothaches and will likely need different treatment, such as a root canal treatment or removing an infected tooth.
Dental Sinus Infection Symptoms
When an anomalous channel inside your mouth drains from a persistent abscess that originated from a dead or almost dead tooth is called dental sinus.
If someone has a history of past tooth infections and root canal, there is a chance that it will happen again. And this time it can be more dangerous than before.
So, if you feel intense or continuous pain in your mouth, consult with your dentist. If the pain goes away after some time, it may be because of some kind of irritation.
But if the pain remains for more than 24 hour or even two to three days, it can be a dental sinus. So, look out for the common symptoms. They are
- Swelling of your face.
- Pain while eating cold or hot foods.
- Fever or consistent cough.
Also Check: Best Medicine For Runny Nose And Sinus Pressure
Can Dental Work Mess With Your Sinuses
There has been a well-established diagnosis of otogenic sinusitis for more than 100 years. It is possible to develop sinusitis if a dental infection or dental/oral surgery ruptures the schneiderian membrane. It is common for maxillary sinusitis to have the same symptoms, whether they are caused by dental decay or not.
Sinus Toothache Symptoms And Causes
If you have both a sinus infection and tooth pain, the first thing you need to know is this: A sinus toothache is caused by the same inflammation of your sinuses that causes sinus headaches, the combination of sinusitis and tinnitus, and sinusitis and hearing loss.
Sinus infections can cause swelling and inflammation within the sinus cavities located along your jawline. When this occurs, your back upper teeth may begin to hurt due to the inflammation and increased pressure.
Runny Nose And Postnasal Drip
When you have a sinus infection, you may need to blow your nose often because of nasal discharge, which can be cloudy, green, or yellow. This discharge comes from your infected sinuses and drains into your nasal passages.
The discharge may also bypass your nose and drain down the back of your throat. You may feel a tickle, an itch, or even a sore throat.
How To Identify A Toothache Vs Sinus Pressure
Mouth pain. It not uncommon and many of us have or will likely experience it in some capacity at some point throughout our lives. However, just because youe noticing a degree of oral pain, it important not to self-diagnose or come to a conclusion on your own. Here is where wee going to describe how to identify a toothache versus sinus pressure.
What is a toothache?
Simply put, a toothache can be defined as experiencing pain in or around a tooth. Toothaches can be caused by a variety of dental issues, including: tooth decay, an abscess, cracked or damaged teeth, a loose or broken filling, grinding your teeth, or an infection.
How do I know if I have a toothache?
If you have a toothache, you may be experiencing symptoms like: sharp or throbbing pain in a localized area in your mouth, swelling, a fever or headache, or a foul taste/smell from the infected tooth. If there is swelling, youl want to schedule an appointment with your dentist ASAP. Additionally if the pain is severe if you start to develop pain in your ear, head or when opening your mouth or if youe having difficulty swallowing or breathing,youl want to contact your dentist to help remedy the problem as soon as possible.
How will my toothache be treated?
How can I prevent a toothache?
What is sinus pressure?
But why do my teeth ache when I have a sinus infection?
How do I know if I have sinusitis?
Recommended Reading: Medicine That Helps With Sinus Infection
How Can You Tell If A Blocked Sinus Is Causing Your Toothache
Theres one MAIN way to know if your tooth pain is due to blocked sinus.
Try bending over. Does the pain increase? If so, your tooth pain is caused by a sinus problem. The pressure shifts in your sinus when you bend over, causing pain in your teeth.
If you experience more pain when you bend over, your toothache is caused by a sinus infection. The pain might also increase right after you have a cold or flu, or when you are on an airplane.
If you have tooth pain related to a blocked sinus, you will experience certain symptoms. One of the main symptoms is that your face, jaw and nasal area will feel tender and sore. Many people describe the pain as a constant dull ache, rather than a sharp pain.
If you feel a sharp and increasing pain, you might have an abscess in your mouth. If you have an abscess, you need to seek treatment right away.
While most people feel their blocked sinus pain in their upper teeth, the ache can spread to the lower teeth as well. This is called referred pain, and it is very common in the mouth. Your dentist or doctor can help to determine what is going on with your teeth and sinuses. Even if you feel pain in an unrelated tooth, theyll be able to determine the real problem.
If any of these sound familiar, it is time to head to the doctor. An acute maxillary sinus infection can go unnoticed for a long time. It can be easily confused with chronic nasal congestion. Your doctor can tell you exactly what is wrong and help you to end the pain.
What Are Sinus Cavities
Sinus cavities are four air-filled spaces just under your eyes. The job of your sinuses is to produce mucus that moisturizes the inside of your nose. This mucus layer is important because it protects your nose from dust, dirt, micro-organisms and pollutants in the air. The mucus in your nose moistens and warms the air that you breath, and also serves as a filtering system to keep dust out of your lungs.
Unfortunately, sinus cavities can easily become irritated and infected. The moist, warm environment created by your sinuses can become a Petri dish for viruses and bacteria. Once the sinuses become infected, its very difficult to eliminate the germs because the environment is so perfect for their survival.
You May Like: If Sinus Infection Is Left Untreated
Sore Throat And Hoarse Voice
Postnasal drip can leave you with a raw and aching throat. Although it may start as an annoying tickle, it can get worse.
If your infection lasts for a few weeks or more, mucus can irritate and inflame your throat as it drips, resulting in a painful sore throat and hoarse voice. Frequent coughing and throat clearing can make a hoarse voice worse.
Sinus Pressure In Teeth
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are so common that many of the telltale signs are recognizable: congestion, postnasal drip, facial pain and tenderness, sore throat, fatigue, and fever. But many people also experience teeth pain. Well explore the connection between sinus infection and toothache, and take a look at some rare complications from sinus infection.
You May Like: Can You Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics
How Long Does A Sinus Toothache Last
To answer the question of how long does a sinus toothache last, we must mention two basic types of sinusitis: chronic and acute.
Chronic sinus infections usually persist for more than twelve weeks or they continue to return during this period. Dentists agree that the principal criteria for sinus infection involve constant facial pain, congestion, and nasal discharge.
Acute sinusitis only lasts for about four weeks, way shorter than the chronic one, and is usually followed by cold or other respiratory diseases.
Both acute and chronic sinusitis have common symptoms. The best way to determine if you are suffering from acute or chronic sinusitis is to visit your doctor.
Is Your Tooth Pain Caused By Blocked Sinus
Theres no worse experience than tooth pain. It can be a throbbing, aching feeling that radiates from your mouth to your jaw. Eventually a tooth pain can give you a terrible headache. If youre really unlucky, your tooth pain can lead to nausea, migraines and joint pain.
But is the source of this pain simply your teeth? Its important to get to the root cause of the problem. There is a chance that your tooth pain is caused by a blocked sinus. If you suffer from chronic nasal congestion as well as toothaches, the two might be related. Read ahead for valuable information that can help you in a dental emergency.
Its time to stop letting tooth pain run your life. No more missed days at work and missing out on time with your friends and family! Stop suffering and get to the root of the problem! If your tooth pain is caused by chronic nasal congestion, a natural sinus remedy can solve the problem.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Sinus Pain In Face
Cause Of Sinus Toothaches
Tooth pain related to sinus problems occurs because the upper teeth are so close to the maxillary sinuses. The maxillary sinuses are located above the upper jaws and inside the cheekbone. When the maxillary sinus becomes inflamed or infected, it swells and becomes congested resulting in pressurization. The roots of the back teeth in your upper jaw are very, very close to the bottom portion of the maxillary sinuses, so when they swell and pressurize it can easily result in pressure on the nerves in the roots of your teeth.
How To Relieve Tooth Pain From Sinus Pressure
Do you suffer from sinus pressure? If so, you probably know that the pain can be unbearable sometimes. Sinus pressure isnt only an inconvenience it can cause you a loss of sleep, pain when eating, and overall agonizing discomfort. Both seasonal allergies and sinus infections can cause sinus pressure, and both can lead to toothaches if the sinus cavities become inflamed and swollen. The swelling, in turn, can cause the pressure to push down on the teeth below the nasal passages. This is what leads to tooth pain. The pain is most often felt in the upper rear teeth, as those are the teeth closest to the sinus cavity.
Also Check: Sinus Congestion Over The Counter Medicine