A Breakdown Of Your Sinuses
Every time you breath through your nose, air travels through your sinuses then down to your lungs. Your sinuses are basically hollow cavities in your upper jaw bone. They are also lined with a pink membrane similar to the one lining your stomach. When this lining gets infected or inflamed, as sinus infection has developed. This is also commonly called sinusitis.
Symptoms of a sinus infection include pain above your eyes and behind your nose, cough, sore throat and, yes, even tooth pain.
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 Can You Tell If You Have A Toothache Because Of Your Sinus Infection And Not For Another Reason
Outside of noticing sinus tooth pain on one side or both sides after the onset of a sinus infection, one telltale way to learn whether or not your tooth pain is caused by a sinus infection is to see if the pain increases when you bend over and/or move your head quickly. And just like your sinuses get worse at night, sinus-related tooth pain also becomes worse when the sun goes down.
If your tooth pain increases with these movements and under these circumstances, sinus issues are likely causing your tooth pain.
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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.
How To Relieve Sinus Toothache Pain:
The effects of sinus toothaches are known to escalate due to certain types of movement, due to shifting sinus pressure. Because of this, one of the best ways to relieve pain is to limit movement. Pain may ease when sitting in a stationary position or lying down. There are also a few other remedies that you can try before opting for traditional treatment.
Here are some things you can try to ease pain:
- Flush Out Your Sinuses Using premixed over-the-counter saline solution can help out your sinuses by moisturizing them and clearing out allergens in your nasal pathway. You shouldnt be too reliant on these products, as they can cause congestion to rebound and be even worse than before if used for more than a short timeframe.
- Drink More Fluids Water especially is essential in relieving the severity of a sinus infection. When you are properly hydrated pressure is released and drippage will be reduced.
- Hot Liquids and Steam Along with water, drinks like hot tea and eating soup can help greatly comfort the affected areas. Hot showers are also very helpful in a similar way due to the steam releasing pressure and opening up your nasal cavity.
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Sinus Infection Complications Affecting The Eye
The sinuses are located above, below, behind, and between the eyes, so it is possible for a sinus infection to spread to the eye socket, but this is a very rareand very seriouscomplication, potentially leading to permanent vision damage or blindness. Pain around the eye, or even behind it, isnt necessarily a sign of a sinus infection that has moved to the eye. Because of the location of the sinuses, its normal to feel pressure and discomfort around the eyes.
If you have or have had a sinus infection, and you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign the infection has spread to the eye:
- Sudden, blurry vision
- Eye redness,
- Swelling around the eyes.
If you have any of these symptoms, its a good idea to contact a doctor right away, as emergency IV antibiotics may be needed, in addition to other treatments.
What Helps Tooth Pain Caused By Sinus Infection
The key to completely resolving tooth pain from sinus infection is to clear up the sinus infection. Once the inflammation of your maxillary sinuses goes down, the pressure on the nerves to the maxillary teeth should subside as well, ending the sinus-related toothache. In the meantime, pain relief measures used to manage the pressure from your sinus infection may also help with the discomfort, including the use of:
- Over-the-counter pain relief medications,
- Nasal sprays, and
- Over-the-counter decongestants.
If your sinus infection is actually caused by a dental issue, only resolving the dental issue will resolve your sinus pain and toothache long-term.
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Is It Sinus Or Tooth Pain
Its springthat beautiful time of year when everything is in bloom. But for allergy sufferers, spring may forecast a season of struggle and discomfort. Spring allergens can cause nasal inflammation and lead to sinus infections.
What does all of this have to do with your teeth? Plenty. On top of everything else a sinus infection brings, it can also cause tooth pain. How do you know if the pain youre feeling is from a sinus infection or a tooth that needs attention? Read on to find out.
How To Differentiate Sinus Tooth Pain From Regular Toothache
As described above, pressure build up in sinus can mimic tooth pain. This kind of tooth pain disappears as the sinusitis improves. In these cases, the teeth as such are not affected and do not need any treatment. It is important to differentiate between sinus teeth pain from regular teeth pain so that in case the teeth needs attention or dental care it doesnt go unnoticed.
In case of sinus pressure causing tooth pain, there are other symptoms associated with teeth pain such as fever, runny nose, lack of energy and other common symptoms of cold. The pain is usually on both sides of the jaw and mainly over the upper back teeth. Sinus pain intensifies while jumping or bending forward and reduces upon lying down. This is because the pressure shifts with movement.
In case of regular tooth pain, pain is localized to just one tooth and it can be any tooth . In dental pain, the pain does not subside upon lying down. In fact in case of pulp issue, the pain can intensify upon lying down.
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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.
How To Relieve Sinus
Its always best to see your dentist if youre experiencing any type of tooth pain. He or she will assess the situation to ensure your own diagnosis is correct. Your dentist may also be able to prescribe medication to mitigate the pain and discomfort.
In the interim, here is what you can do to relieve tooth pain from sinus pressure:
- Stay hydrated and drink lots of water
- Eat foods that are known to reduce inflammation, as thats largely the cause of sinus-induced tooth pain.
- Add Calcium and Vitamin C to your diet Calcium-rich foods, such as broccoli, asparagus, leafy greens, and bean sprouts, can counteract histamines, which are inflammation-causing elements. Dont skimp on the orange juice or other citrusy foods that are packed with the power of the essential Vitamin C.
- Eat food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like the ones found in salmon, are also great for combating inflammation.
- Breathe in steam with hot, moist air. This will open your nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure.
- Rinse your sinuses with a saline solution. Saline solutions clear any discharge and moisture the sinuses.
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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.
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.
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Pain In Your Teeth It Could Be Your Sinuses
Sinus congestion on its own can be terribly uncomfortable, leading to painful pressure in your face, but it can also lead to problems in other areas, such as headaches, and, yes, tooth pain.
As our name implies, at Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center, Dr. Franklyn Gergits and our team specialize in issues that affect your sinuses. These small, but sensitive areas, are prone to infections and allergies that can lead to very large problems with pain, including pain in your teeth, thanks to their proximity. And few things can hijack your day like sinus and tooth pain.
Heres a look at why your tooth pain may stem from a problem in your sinuses.
How Colds Can Cause Tooth Pain
When you’re sick, head congestion in your sinuses can put a lot of abnormal pressure on your upper teeth, which can easily translate to tooth pain. Your teeth may also be forced into a slightly off position due to swelling in your sinus cavities, causing misalignment when you bite down or chew. Allergies, colds, congestion, and infections can all cause irritation to your sinus tissue, which has a direct impact on how your teeth feel when you are sick.
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Natural Remedies For Sinusitis
Its normal to want to treat the current sinus infection quickly. That said, it is a good idea to get to the root of the problem. Treating your chronic nasal congestion can end your toothaches for good. This will let you get back to your normal life.
Once you treat the tooth pain, you can tackle your underlying problem. Here are some natural remedies for sinusitis:
- Flush your sinuses. Use a neti pot or a saline solution to flush your sinuses. This will also keep them moist.
- Do not over-use nasal sprays. Over the counter, nasal sprays are habit forming and can cause more problems than they solve.
- Try a bromelain supplement. Bromelain is an ingredient in pineapple stems and can help reduce swelling in the body. Check with your doctor before taking this supplement.
- Steam your face. Hot steam can really moisten your sinuses and loosen mucus. Try a hot shower or a steam tent.
- Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated is key when it comes to a natural remedy for sinusitis.
- Spicy foods. Chili peppers, mustard, and horseradish can all help clear your sinuses.
- Try a humidifier. This will keep the air in your home moist and easy to breathe.
How Can A Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Pain The Relationship Between The Teeth And The Sinus
It might seem a little crazy. How can a sinus infection cause tooth pain? However, it comes down to architecture. The architecture of the sinus cavities.
The sinus cavities are four air-filled spaces that are involved in our nasal tract. The sinuses reside in the areas behind your eyes, cheekbones, forehead. And yes, directly above the palate.
The purpose of the sinus is to warm, dampen, and filter air as it enters the body. At all times theres a normal amount of mucus that resides in the cavities. The purpose is to collect debris and serve as the first line of defense for the immunes system to fight pathogens entering the bodyessentially a form of motte around the castle.
Normally, you wouldnt notice the sinuses or the mucus within them for that matter. But as we all know, when you get a cold, the sinuses get stuffed. Great, just what you want right?
Well as your body tries to fight infection of the sinuses, the immune system goes on the attack. And when on heightened alert, one of the first mechanisms the body takes is to produce more mucus. Suddenly the sinus membranes become irritated.
Because the sinuses are pretty much a closed space, theres not much room to release pressure. As mucus builds, pressure builds. And where is that pressure felt?
The adjacent structures. Ahem, the upper teeth.
Therefore, pressure on the sinus creates pressure on the teeth. And unfortunately, bingo, you get sinus infection tooth pain.
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Toothaches Caused By Sinus Problems
Due to the proximity of the roots of the upper posterior molars and the floor of the sinus, infections of the sinus can cause tooth pain. Conversely, an infected tooth can cause an infection in the sinus.
If one tooth is very tender, if that tooth has had a history of decay, large restorations, or trauma, if swelling is present, if the tooth is hyperreactive to heat, then there is a good chance that you need to see us at 209 NYC Dental.
If the pain is spread over several back teeth or present on both sides, if you had an upper respiratory infection recently or suffer from allergies, then there is a good chance that your problem is coming from your sinus. Sinusitis is best treated by your physician.
If undecided come to 209 NYC Dental and allow us to make a proper diagnosis
Can Your Nasal Sinuses Affect Your Teeth
There is a definite relationship between your sinuses and teeth. This is easy to appreciate when you think about the fact that as we breathe air in through our nose, it travels through our nasal passages and hollow air filled cavities located behind the nose and cheekbones, which are also located directly above the upper jaw bone .
Under certain circumstances, a direct correlation can exist between a sinus infection and a toothache. Occasionally, unexplained tooth pain may be a symptom of a sinus infection, or sinusitis, typically caused by allergies or bacteria. This relationship also works the other way, as a sinus infection may be caused by an oral infection in the maxillary teeth, the ones in the upper-back part of the mouth.
Maxillary sinusitis pain can be felt throughout the jaw and upper row of teeth, as well as around the cheeks and eyes. Despite the close relationship between a sinus infection and toothaches, there are ways to determine if the pain is sinus related or dental related.
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Tooth Pain Caused By A Blocked Sinus Its Explained In The Anatomy
First, we need to explain exactly what a sinus is and what it does. Your sinuses are empty cavities in your skull that are filled with air. Their general purpose is to warm the outside air before it reaches your lungs. Your sinuses are lined with a mucous membrane, a place where both friendly and unfriendly bacteria live.
This membrane can become inflamed and infected. If this happens, it can block the nasal passage, and the passage can become packed with mucous. Bacteria can then become trapped, and it will multiply and cause a sinus infection. This is painful and often results in a bad taste in your mouth.
There are a few different types of sinuses in your head. Your maxillary sinuses are located inside your cheekbones, above your upper jaw. If you have an infection in your maxillary sinus, pressure starts to build and then it presses down on your jaw bones.
It makes sense that when you have a sinus toothache, it usually affects your upper back teeth. These are closer to your maxillary sinuses and are more prone to problems.
The roots of the pain? It is the roots of the upper molar teeth! They can be very close to the floor of your sinus cavity . The nerves of your roots will be affected by the swelling and pressure. Even though your teeth might be in good health, you will experience sensitive teeth. This is a sinus toothache, and it can be very painful. The longer the blocked sinus lasts, the greater the tooth pain.