Care Advice For Sinus Congestion
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.
Can A Tooth Infection Spread To Your Sinuses
While a sinus infection and tooth pain normally arise in that order, a tooth infection can, in fact, lead to sinus inflammation pain. In rare cases, bacteria, viruses, or fungi in a tooth abscess can spread to the brain and create life-threatening complications.
For this reason, we often recommend erring on the side of caution when it comes to sinus infections and tooth pain if you think the tooth pain youre experiencing goes beyond what youd expect during a sinus infection, consult your dentist.
Read Also: Medicine For Runny Nose And Sinus Pressure
What Causes Sinus Infections And Sinusitis
Causes of Acute Sinus Infections
- Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergy-causing substances or pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. A Viral infection damages the cells of the sinus lining, leading to inflammation. The lining thickens, obstructing the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect.
- Bacteria that normally cause acute sinusitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. These microorganisms, along with Staphylococcus aureus and some anaerobes , are involved in chronic sinusitis.
Causes of Chronic Sinus Infections
- Chronic sinus infections are caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, pollutants, and fungal infections, especially people with diseases that weaken the immune system, for example, HIV/AIDS, leukemia and other cancers, and diabetes.
- Medications that are designed to modify the immune system may increase the risk of developing sinus infections.
- Ongoing bad breath unrelated to dental problems
People who have facial pain, headaches, and fever may indicate a sinus infection.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Preventing Dental Infections With Good Dental Health
Preventing infections in your mouth will help you reduce your risk of developing sepsis. Usual recommendations are to visit your dentist twice a year for up-to-date x-rays, exams, and dental cleanings.
Good oral hygiene is the first basic step in promoting good dental health and preventing infections. Children should learn these habits early on to help them keep healthy mouths and teeth.
- Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- Dont over brush brushing too hard or with too hard a brush can damage your teeth. Ask your dental hygienist for the best way for you to brush your teeth.
- Dont use your teeth to open packaging, break string, etc. Your teeth are strong, but they are for chewing food, not hard objects. These can crack, chip, or break teeth.
- Visit your dental office at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and check-up.
- If you have had dental work, watch for any signs of infection and contact your dentist if you experience any of the signs listed above.
Read Also: Can A Yeast Infection Be A Sign Of Pregnancy
Recommended Reading: How To Heal A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics
Signs Of Wisdom Tooth Removal Infection
You need to immediately seek your dentists help at the first sign of any of the tooth extraction infection symptoms. These should not be taken lightly as they may escalate to other dental problems.
Recommended Reading: Antibiotic For Bladder Infection Nitrofurantoin
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.
Read Also: What Relieves Sinus Pressure Headaches
Home Remedies For Mouth Pain
- Take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen . These OTC pain medications can help ease both pain and inflammation.
- Use OTC products that contain benzocaine or hydrogen peroxide to help relieve pain associated with sores or lesions. You shouldnt use benzocaine on children under 2.
- Make a salt water rinse by dissolving 1 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of warm water, then swirling it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This is especially helpful for canker sores.
- Apply ice to the affected area to help with pain relief and swelling.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or salty foods that could irritate your mouth, gums, or tongue.
- Increase the amount of fluids you drink, particularly if you find that you have a dry mouth.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
- Brush and floss your teeth gently and continue to practice good oral hygiene.
Be sure to visit your doctor or dentist if you have:
- pain thats severe and cant be managed with at-home care
- pain that causes difficulty with eating, drinking, or swallowing
- persistent tooth or gum pain
- mouth sores that are large, wont go away, or keep coming back
- an unexplained growth that doesnt go away
- white lesions inside your mouth
- a mouth injury that causes severe bleeding or appears infected
- signs of infection like swelling and fever
Your Sinus Infection Might Be A Sign Of A Tooth Problem
Each year thousands of people develop sinus infections from various causes. But theres one cause for sinusitis that might surprise youtooth decay.
Tooth decay begins when the acid produced by oral bacteria erodes a tooths enamel protection to create a small hole or cavity. Left untreated, the infection can move into the inner pulp of the tooth and tiny passageways leading to the roots called root canals. The decay can then infect and break down the structure of the supporting jawbone.
This could affect the sinus cavities, hollow air-filled spaces in the upper portion of the face. The maxillary sinus in particular sits behind the cheek bones just above the upper jaw. Tooth roots, particularly in back teeth, can extend quite near or even poke through the floor of the maxillary sinus.
If decay affects these roots, the bone beneath this floor may begin to break down and allow the bacterial infection to enter the sinus. We call this particular kind of sinus infection maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin , endodontic referring to the interior structure of teeth.
So, if youre suffering from chronic sinus infections, you might talk with your dentist about the possibility of a tooth infection. A thorough examination might reveal a decayed tooth in need of treatment.
If you would like more information on how dental problems can affect your overall health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Read Also: Amoxicillin Or Z Pack For Sinus Infection
What To Tell Your Dentist Before You Have A Tooth Pulled
Although having a tooth pulled is usually very safe, the procedure can allow harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk of infection. If you have a condition that puts you at high risk for developing a severe infection, you may need to take antibiotics before and after the extraction. Before having a tooth pulled, let your dentist know your complete medical history, the medications and supplements you take, and if you have one of the following :
- Damaged or man-made heart valves
Learn About Sinusitis And Why It Can Cause A Toothache
Sinusitis refers to inflammation in the sinuses, which are air-filled passages that connect to the inside area of the nose. Most cases of sinusitis are a result of an upper respiratory infection, the common cold or influenza. As mentioned above, your nasal passages can also become inflamed as a result of allergies and obstructions to fluid flow inside them. The inflammation from these allergens can cause pain from the increase of pressure in the obstructed, swollen sinuses.
There are several sinus passages, including the maxillary sinus, which lies behind your cheekbones. The roots of your top back teeth lie in close proximity to the maxillary sinus. When fluid accumulates here it can put pressure on the nerves that enter the roots of these teeth. The pain associated from this pressure can make you feel like you have a toothache. Tooth pain related to a sinus infection isnt actually tooth pain it comes from all that pressure building up inside the head, but it is difficult for the brain to distinguish what kind of pain it senses.
Don’t Miss: Sinus Pressure Relief For Kids
Should You See Your Doctor Or Dentist
If youre sure the pain is caused by sinus inflammation, see your doctor first. He or she will provide advice for prescription or over-the-counter medications that should clear out your sinuses and alleviate the pressure. If youre unsure whats causing the pain, or if the tooth pain continues after your sinuses have cleared up, there may be something else going on thats causing the issue. Your dentist will take X-rays and examine your mouth and oral cavity to determine if there are any breakages, areas of decay, or abscesses that could be contributing to your toothache. If your dentist gives the all-clear, head to your doctor to discuss potential sinus care.
If youre experiencing tooth pain from sinus pressure and are looking for relief, our dentists are here to help. Find a Perfect Teeth dentist near you today!
Can A Dental Infection Cause A Sinus Infection
A dental infection can cause a sinus infection.
An evidence review from 2012 estimated as much as 40% of chronic maxillary sinus infections were due to dental infections.
Older studies estimated this amount was about 10%, but advances in imaging, such as CT scans, have revealed dental infections as a more common underlying cause.
As the back portion of the teeth is close to the maxillary sinuses, infectious organisms can travel to these cavities.
A person with this infection type will have maxillary sinus infection symptoms. They may also have the following risk factors relating to their teeth:
- history of jaw or dental pain
- history of or current dental infection
- history of endodontic, oral, or periodontal surgery, especially tooth extractions
Infection of this type requires antibiotics and treatment of the underlying infection in the tooth or teeth. This approach helps reduce the chance of the infection returning.
A doctor will look at differences in symptoms to help diagnose a toothache that a sinus infection is causing or one from a dental problem.
A sinus infection can cause:
- interference with a persons sense of smell
- one-sided nasal obstruction, or a stuffy nose
- runny nose, typically on one side
Signs that may be different from sinusitis and could indicate a dental problem include:
- dental pain with temperature changes, such as when eating or drinking something cold or hot
- facial swelling
- gum swelling near a tooth
- pain near a tooth that has dental work
- nasal congestion
Also Check: Sinus Congestion Medicine For Pregnancy
How To Relieve Tooth Pain From Sinus Pressure
Try these tips to relieve tooth pain from sinus pressure at home:
- Use a warm compress on your nose and forehead
- Drink plenty of water to help thin out the mucus in your sinuses
- Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray in limited amounts
- Breathe in steam from boiling water or a hot shower to open up your sinuses
Can A Sinus Infection Hurt Your Jaw
If you have a sinus infection, you may experience pain in your sinuses. Your sinuses are swollen and inflamed, which causes a dull pressure in them. Pain may be felt in your forehead, on either side of your nose, in your upper jaw, or between your eyes. If you experience headaches as a result, you should seek medical attention.
Recommended Reading: Alka Seltzer Plus Sinus And Cold Directions
Sinus Pain Caused By Teeth
If you have any dental pain or discomfort associated with your teeth, please feel free to contact the office of Dr. Scott Young with any questions you may have, or visit us at woodlandsdentistry.com to schedule an appointment or consultation. Dr. Young and his team serve The Woodlands, Houston, Kingwood, Spring, and Conroe areas.
How Your Sinuses Affect Your Teeth
The pressure and infected tissue in your sinuses behind your cheekbones affects the nerves near the roots of the molars on your upper jaw, creating the pressure-like pain that youll feel. Movement that affects the pressure in your sinuses, such as bending over or jumping, may also affect the pain you feel in your teeth.
Recommended Reading: Mucinex Sinus Pressure And Pain
The Difference From Regular Toothache
A regular toothache and a sinus toothache have many similar symptoms. However, a sinus infection usually affects your upper molars, spreading discomfort to several teeth instead of only one. If youre experiencing pain in these parts, and it comes with some of the symptoms listed below, a sinus infection is the likely cause of your toothache. You may also have a fever or have low energy.
Other dental concerns tend to cause a more focused, more intense toothache. Pain from a sinus toothache, on the other hand, may intensify with certain types of movements. Bending over or jumping up and down can make create great discomfort. This is because the sinus pressure shifts as you move and you will feel it more in your teeth. You might ease the pain by lying down or sitting.
When To See A Doctor For Sinus Infection
According to the , you should see a doctor if you have a sinus infection with:
- changes in vision or difficulty with eye movement
- severe symptoms, such as an intense headache or facial pain
- worsening symptoms after you initially felt better
- symptoms that last longer than 10 days and havent improved
- fever that lasts longer than 3 to 4 days
Additionally, you should see a medical professional if youve had several sinus infections in the past year.
Don’t Miss: Signs And Symptoms Of Severe Sinus Infection
Can A Tooth Abscess Cause A Sinus Infection
A tooth abscess may cause a sinus infection, as can almost any type of bacterial infection in your upper teeth.
In fact, theres a name for this type of sinus problem: maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin. The maxillary sinus is located behind the cheekbones close to the roots of the upper back teeth. Therefore an infection in the upper teeth can spread to the maxillary sinus rather easily. Symptoms of this type of sinus infection include post nasal drip and sinus congestion.