Does A Sinus Infection Affect Your Teeth
Over the years, few patients come rushing through our doors, convinced that they had an infected tooth. After reviewing their x-rays and conducting a physical exam, we sometimes find that the actual cause of their tooth pain is a sinus infection.
Tooth and sinus pain can be difficult to distinguish. Sinus infections can cause tooth pain, but getting to the bottom of the problem does require a professional exam.
Get Sinus Relief From Allergy & Ent Associates In Houston Tx
Sinusitis can be an extremely painful condition that can develop into a more serious medical issue if left untreated. If youve been suffering from a sinus toothache or sinusitis, seek treatment with the board-certified sinus treatment specialists at Allergy & ENT Associates. Whether your sinus issue is a result of allergies, asthma or structural problems, our sinus treatments can provide relief. Our services include surgical treatments like rhinoplasty, septoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Call us at MY-SINUS to schedule your appointment today!
Maxillary Sinuses And Maxillary Sinus Tooth Pain
These sinuses are located in your cheek and are the largest sinuses. Tooth pain related to this is usually only felt in your maxillary teeth. This is because the roots of these teeth and your jawbone are in close proximity to your maxillary sinuses.
You can have chronic maxillary sinusitis, an infection lasting less than 4 weeks, or acute maxillary sinusitis, an infection lasting more than 4 weeks.
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Whats The Difference Between A Regular Toothache And A Sinus Toothache
All pain is not created equal. Typically, a toothache thats not caused by sinus problems will only involve one tooth. Conversely, if youre experiencing a sinus toothache, youll probably feel discomfort in several teeth, particularly the top molars . A toothache thats accompanied by sinus problems usually includes some or all of the following symptoms:
- Pressure or tenderness around the eyes or forehead
- Bad-tasting nasal drip
- Inability to smell and taste
These symptoms all intertwine because the position of the nasal cavities causes discomfort across a persons entire face, head, and neck region, whereas a single toothache may be caused by decay, damage, or sensitivity in one tooth.
Soothing Sinusitis Tooth Pain
Since typical toothache treatment normally doesnt help with sinusitis tooth pain, getting relief can take a bit of creativity. Even though its your tooth that hurts, make it a point to treat the sinus inflammation. Over-the-counter medications like a decongestant can take a couple of hours before any relief is noticeable, and maybe mild at first, so the best thing for quicker relief is to usually take an anti-inflammatory medication along with it. Typical examples of non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs include ibuprofen or Motrin.
Always take medication as directed. Most pain relievers will last up to 8 hours or more, but a decongestant may need to be taken as frequently as every 4 hours. Try to set a timer to remind you when to take the next dose, as you may keep seeing flare-ups until the overall sinus pressure is eliminated. Be careful about taking decongestants before bedtime, as they can sometimes cause difficulty falling asleep.
Some people also get relief by using nasal flush systems such as a Neti Pot. Keep in mind that those types of nasal irrigation systems require specific steps and hygiene measures so that you dont actually make the infection worse.
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Can A Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Pain In Lower Jaw This Swelling Can Irritate The Tooth Nerves Which Means Tooth Pain Can Occur In Both The Upper And Lower Jaw
Could it be a sinus infection? Barbara a majeroni answered specializes in family medicine yes: This is because the roots of your upper teeth and jawbone are near your sinuses. Each person has several sets of sinuses in their skull. Since your ears and so closely positioned to the tmj joint, jaw pain can mimic ear infections. The connection between sinus infections and toothaches While most people feel their blocked sinus pain in their upper teeth, the ache can spread to the lower teeth as well. Research has shown that dentists, tending to orofacial pain, point to sinus infections as one of the leading local causes.one possible cause of your jaw pain could be sinusitis in the maxillary sinuses, found behind your cheeks and under your eyes. Pain associated with a sinus infection is usually described as a less intense, less localized feeling that is more akin to an itch than a sharp or severe pain. Pain, misalignment, and/or inflammation of the tmj is known as a temporomandibular disorder . A sinus infection can cause dental pain. According to an older article in the british dental journal , the most common sinus infection site that causes dental pain is the maxillary sinus. The largest set is located just above the part of. The congestion and pressure that accompany a sinus infection can cause discomfort or pain in your upper teeth. In some cases, this is also termed as referred pain, and the discomfort spreads to the lower teeth as well.
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.
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Temporomandibular Joint Disorder And Ear Pain
Many adults experience ear pain as a result of a temporomandibular joint disorder . As noted, the temporomandibular joint is located close to the ear canalit acts as a hinge where the lower and upper jaws meet. This joint controls the chewing/biting motion when eating food.
People with TMD often have at least one predisposing factor . When the teeth dont fit together, biting can cause stress on the jaw joint due to the uneven pressure being applied to the joint spaces.
In addition to the excess pressure on the jaw, TMJ pain is also defined as constant and dull or sharp and severe pain along the jawline and surrounding areas of the face and neck. The pain may progressively worsen with everyday chewing and swallowing.
The disturbance to the ear region may create a popping or clicking sound, as well as limit your ability to widen the jaw when opening your mouth.
All of these contributors to TMJ syndrome may cause one or more of the following issues:
- Pain of the joint, known as myofascial pain
- Dislocated or damaged jaw joint
- Arthritis of the jaw
Dentists dont know exactly what causes TMD, but it could arise from problems with the jaw muscles, whiplash or even bruxism , arthritis, or stress.
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Contractions In The Dentin
Our teeth register and respond to temperature changes like most structures do: by expanding and contracting. A rapid drop in temperaturefor instance, going from a heated environment into sub-freezing temperaturescan cause the soft dentin in teeth to contract. These repeated expansions and contractions can cause small cracks in the teeth. Although it is normal and not typically cause for concern, this leaves teeth vulnerable to exposure and pain.
Ways to fight it: When spending time outdoors in the winter, especially if activities like running, skiing, and other sports keep you breathing vigorously, protect your mouth with a scarf, or try to breathe through your nose as much as possible. If your nose is congested more in winter, try using a decongestant spray before you go out for that run.
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Is My Toothache Sinus Related
Yes, a sinus infection can cause a toothache. In fact, pain in the upper back teeth is a fairly common symptom with sinus conditions. The sinuses are pairs of empty spaces in your skull connected to the nasal cavity. If you have sinusitis, the tissues in those spaces become inflamed, often causing pain.
Whats The Difference Between Sinus Pain And A Toothache
There are several indicators that can help you tell the difference between sinus pain and pain from a toothache in the same area. Among them:
- Location of the pain. Dull, generalized pain is more likely to be sinus-related, while sharper pain that is concentrated around one tooth is probably due to a problem with that tooth.
- How the pain responds to changes in altitude. If your pain gets worse when you go down a flight of stairs or put your head between your legs, it is probably related to a sinus condition.
- Whether the pain is on both sides of your jaw or just one. Sinus problems almost always affect both sides of the sinus cavity. Dental problems are usually present in just one tooth.
Paying close attention to your symptoms can help you determine which cause is more likely. Be sure to tell your doctor or dentist about your observations to help them make the correct diagnosis.
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Sinus Surgery For Chronic Infections
If medical therapies dont clear up chronic sinusitis, your doctor will usually recommend surgery.
Several surgical approaches can enlarge the sinus cavities to make breathing and drainage easier. In the past, sinus surgeries required bone and tissue removal. Recent advancements mean this isnt the case.
Can Seasonal Allergies Make Your Teeth Hurt
Our body produces more mucous to help clear out allergens from the environment. This excess of mucous causes sinus pressure to press against the nerves of our upper molars. This can mimic toothache symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve by taking decongestants or antihistamines, you should call our emergency dental clinic in Lincoln, NE to determine the cause of your symptoms.
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Treatment Of Lower Jaw Pain You May Be Able To Treat Or Alleviate Most Lower Jaw Pain With Several Home Remedies We Have Outlined Below
Sharp or dull achiness within one or both ears that comes and. While most people feel their blocked sinus pain in their upper teeth, the ache can spread to the lower teeth as well. Common treatments for sinusitis include nasal sprays, which can reduce swelling and clear away excess mucus, and in the case of bacterial infections, antibiotics.
Can Sinus Infection Cause Lower Tooth Pain
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Can Your Sinuses Make Your Teeth Hurt
Yes, a sinus infection can cause a toothache. In fact, pain in the upper back teeth is a fairly common symptom with sinus conditions. The sinuses are pairs of empty spaces in your skull connected to the nasal cavity. If you have sinusitis, the tissues in those spaces become inflamed, often causing pain.
Can A Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Pain In Lower Jaw Info
Can A Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Pain In Lower Jaw. While most people feel their blocked sinus pain in their upper teeth, the ache can spread to the lower teeth as well. The connection between sinus infections and toothaches Spreading the infection to the other areas of your sinus cavity can also cause this pain. Pain, misalignment, and/or inflammation of the tmj is known as a temporomandibular disorder . This is because the roots of your upper teeth and jawbone are near the sinuses. Sinusitis is notorious for causing oral and facial pain. Sinus infection pain is a less intense and less localized feeling that is usually described as more of an aching feeling than a sharp or severe pain. However, when you have a sinus infection, the congestion and pressure that accompany it can cause discomfort or pain in your upper teeth. Common treatments for sinusitis include nasal sprays, which can reduce swelling and clear away excess mucus, and in the case of bacterial infections, antibiotics. A sinus infection can sometimes present as a toothache because of the location of the sinuses located behind the nose and eyes. Pain associated with a sinus infection is usually described as a less intense, less localized feeling that is more akin to an itch than a sharp or severe pain. Common causes of tmj pain include injury, overuse, tooth and jaw alignment problems, stress, and tooth grinding. A sinus infection can cause dental pain.
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When Should You See Your Dentist
If you are suffering from tooth pain, as well as symptoms like facial tenderness fever earache sore throat thick mucus and a bad taste in your mouth, it is possible that you have a sinus infection. In this case, it is advisable that you see your doctor so that they can confirm the diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan for you.
If, however, your toothache is not accompanied by any congestion or other sinus-related symptoms, you should see your dentist as it may be caused by a dental problem. It is especially important that you see your dentist if your toothache does not subside after a sinus infection has been resolved, or if you are suffering from severe and/or persistent pain.
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination and determine the cause of your pain. They will then let you know what kind of treatment is most appropriate for you.
Can A Toothache From A Sinus Infection Indicate A Dental Issue
If you pay attention to your oral hygiene, you know that unexpected dental pain usually means its time to make a dentist appointment. However, a sinus infection is one of those rare cases where it may not be obvious whether you should see a dentist or not. How can you tell if tooth pain is caused by a sinus infection, a cavity, or both?
In order to decide whether to see the dentist or not, its important to pay attention to the symptoms youre experiencing. For example, if you have a severe cold accompanied by jaw pain but both resolve themselves within a matter of days, you probably dont need to worry about contacting your dentist. However, if your dental pain remains long after you recover from your sinus infection, its a good idea to make an appointment sooner rather than later.
Its also important to note that dental symptoms can be caused by sinus infections, but persistent sinusitis can also be caused by dental issues. If you have unexplained aches in your teeth, unresolved sinus issues could be at play, and vice versa. If you have frequent sinus infections, let your dentist know. They may request an x-ray in order to look for dental issues that could be caused by your sinuses. Theyll also be able to check for gum disease, cavities, and other problems that could be making the issue worse. If they are unable to find a connection, they may refer you to a sinus specialist for further investigation.
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Your Root Canal May Not Have Been Successful
An infected tooth can actually cause sinusitis because the roots of your upper teeth are very close to your sinuses. If your root canal is not successful and your tooth remains infected, it may cause sinusitis as it gets worse. This is known as âsinusitis of dental origin.â The bacteria may spread from the roots of your upper teeth into your sinuses, causing a sinus infection.
If your tooth continues to hurt and feel uncomfortable after your root canal for more than a day or two and you also notice sinusitis-like symptoms, itâs possible that the treatment was not entirely successful. Root canal re-treatment may be required to remove the remaining infected material from your tooth.
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How Long Does It Take For A Sinus Toothache To Go Away
So how long does a sinus toothache last? Unless other factors contribute to your tooth pain, it should stop when your sinus infection goes away. While sinus infections and the resulting toothaches can be painful, the Mayo Clinic reassures patients that they usually clear up within seven to 10 days.
Why Do My Teeth Hurt With A Sinus Infection?
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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.