A bad toothache can make you grumpy, interrupt your sleep and ruin your favorite Riverside Grille meal. While your mind might jump straight to dental issues when that pain pops up, there is another possible cause: sinus infections.
How Do Sinus Infections Cause Tooth Pain?
Your sinuses are air-filled pockets behind the face. A sinus infection is an inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses, leading to congestion, facial pain or pressure, earache and toothache.
Your upper back teeth have roots that extend near or into the sinus cavity. When sinus inflammation reaches those roots, it can cause a dull ache or pain in your teeth. This connection also works in reverse. An infected or damaged tooth may cause a sinus infection.
How Do I Know if My Tooth Pain is Sinus Related?
The type and location of your tooth pain are the primary indicators that it is sinus-related. If you have intense pain in only one tooth, it’s more likely to be a cavity or a crack. The pain is likely sinus-related if it is dull and spreads across multiple upper molars.
You can also tell a sinus toothache by the presence of other symptoms like congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches and ear pain. The pain may also come and go or respond to physical movements like tilting your head or bending over. Because your sinus pressure shifts, so too might your tooth pain.
How Do I Address Sinus-Related Tooth Pain?
Dental problems can cause severe pain, so don’t ignore tooth discomfort. If you’re unsure whether the pain comes from a tooth or your sinuses, visit your dentist. They can pinpoint the cause. If they rule out dental issues, or if your tooth pain comes with sinus symptoms like pressure or congestion, try these tips for relief:
- Rinse your sinuses with a saline spray or neti pot
- Apply a warm compress to your face to relieve pressure
- Take an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine
- Drink plenty of water to thin mucus and promote drainage
- Run a humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist
- Gently massage your sinuses to reduce pressure
- Rest with your head elevated to help your sinuses drain
If your symptoms don’t improve or start to get worse, contact Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
