Toothache Caused By Sinus Infection
As we can see, problems with sinuses can have a wide range of symptoms but sometimes people experience nothing but a common toothache. The tooth pain is often what brings patients to the dentist and at first glance, this pain can seem completely unrelatable to sinuses. Sometimes, it is the sinus causing tooth pain and making you feel uncomfortable and not your tooth.
A panoramic x-ray or CT scan can show nothing wrong with the tooth but may show congested sinuses. This is the key sign that sinus infection causes toothache, especially if that pain affects other teeth as well.
Sinus toothache can happen suddenly and usually when you chew. That is why people often confuse it with a regular toothache. Some other signs that indicate toothache caused by sinusitis include facial swelling, swollen gums, strong headaches, runny nose, and even fatigue.
This condition can make it difficult to have decent oral hygiene but fortunately, all of these symptoms are easily resolved by detecting and treating the sinus infection.
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.
Dont Miss: What To Do For A Sinus Infection Naturally
Sinus Infection Causes Tooth Pain
This causes severe sinus tooth pain, and the most common site for producing dental pain is the maxillary sinuses. The nerves of the tooth, gum, and sinuses are common, that is why they send the dental pain.
The sinuses cause inflammation in the sinus tissues, which is due to the filling of fluid. As a result, it presses the nerve, which creates pain. This is the pain we call tooth pain, which is actually due to the sinuses and causes sinuses pain in teeth.
You May Like: Is Tylenol Cold And Sinus Safe During Pregnancy
Exposed Cementum Or Dentine
There is tooth sensitivity from cold fluids and/or air, a reflection of a healthy pulp. With gingival recession, recent scaling, or tooth wear due to a high acid diet or gastric reflux, there may be generalised dentine sensitivity. However, with caries, fractured fillings and cracked cusps, the pain tends to be localised to the affected tooth. The tooth root surface comprises of a thin layer of cementum overlaying dentine, may be exposed from excessive and/or incorrect tooth brushing. Dentine underlying the enamel crown is constituted of tiny tubules which are fluid filled and connect directly to the nerve ending in the dental pulp. The current hypotheses for dental pain includes the osmolality theory, whereby the dentine fluids elicit an action potential within the A delta and C fibres in the pulp when stimulated by mechanical stimulation.
You May Like: Who To See For Sinus Issues
What To Do When Sinus Issues Cause Tooth Pain
Theres nothing worse than tooth pain- that dreadful, ongoing ache affects everything you do and can make your life a nightmare. If youve ever had a toothache, you know what were talking about. Toothaches are a common thing and can be the result of something as simple as sensitivity to hot or cold fluids or a crack in the tooth. Another obvious cause of a toothache is cavities.
But tooth pain can also be more complex and the sometimes the cause can be less obvious for Monrovia patients. What many people dont realize is that sinus infections can cause a world of pain, both in the sinuses themselves and in your teeth.
If you suspect youre having tooth pain because of a sinus infection, read on for more information about what you should do.
Read Also: Home Care For Sinus Infection
You May Like: Allergy Asthma And Sinus Center Hendersonville Tn
How Wisdom Tooth Extraction Helps
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common oral procedure that can take away the problem causing sinus infection or any of the other issues related to impaction .
Your dentist will not recommend surgery unless they are sure you need it — so first, X-rays and a thorough examination will be completed to determine the placement of the wisdom teeth and confirm that they are the cause of your sinus trouble. Once this has been identified, a separate appointment for extraction will be made.
Taking the wisdom teeth out completely will remove the pressure from the sinuses, reducing pressure and alleviating tension headaches and jaw pain. That means at long last, relief may be in sight!
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.
You May Like: Does Amoxicillin Treat Sinus Infection
Root Canals Will Not Cause Sinusitis Unless The Treatment Fails
So, can a root canal cause a sinus infection? The answer is no. A root canal will never be the primary cause of a sinus infection. During the root canal process, the interior of your tooth is cleaned and sterilized to kill bacteria, so this actually reduces your risk of developing sinusitis due to your tooth infection.
There is an exception, though. If the root canal treatment fails and there are still bacteria in the treated tooth, they may continue to multiply. The tooth infection will come back, and it could cause a sinus infection if it spreads through your sinuses.
So if youre experiencing the symptoms of a sinus infection and your tooth is still hurting after root canal therapy, you should see your dentist for a follow-up right away. You may need further treatment to eliminate the tooth infection.
Sinus Vs Regular Toothache
Many symptoms of a regular toothache are similar to those of a sinus toothache. However, sinus tooth pain is primarily felt in the upper molars, affecting several teeth instead of only one. If youre having pain in these teeth, and its coupled with some of the symptoms listed below, its likely that your toothache is due to a sinus infection. You may also feel a bit under the weather or have a fever.
A toothache caused by dental concerns will likely be the only source of pain, and it could be more intense and focused. Pain from a sinus toothache will intensify with certain types of movement. Jumping up or bending over may make the pain worse. This is because the sinus pressure shifts as you move and is felt more in your teeth. The pain may subside when youre sitting or lying down.
Also Check: How To Relieve Sinus Pressure In Your Face
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Have To Be Removed When They Are Impacted
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that cant fully grow in because it is running into some type of barrier, usually another tooth. They can be caused by the size of the jaw or the orientation of the tooth in the gum, before it grows in. Impacted teeth are very common and happen in the majority of people whose wisdom teeth grow in.Impacted teeth can be painful and can also result in other unpleasant side effects, including:
- Bleeding of the tissue around the tooth
Impacted teeth cannot grow in properly, and so dentists will recommend their removal in most cases.
Swish With Salt Water
Swishing with warm salt water can help in two ways. The first is through the swishing action, which can help to dislodge any particles that may be causing pressure or discomfort in the affected area. A solution of warm salt water can also help to reduce swelling and act as an antiseptic.
To create a warm salt water solution, also called a saline solution, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Swish the solution in the mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. You can repeat this tooth pain relief process as often as needed.
Recommended Reading: Sudafed Sinus Congestion 30 Mg
Read Also: How To Ward Off A Sinus Infection
What Is The Procedure For Extracting The Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom tooth removal is carried out by a dentist or a dental surgeon. The very first thing that your dentist would do is take an x-ray of your mouth. This will help him or her to determine the condition of your wisdom tooth.
After examining the x-ray, the dentist will ask you to take an appointment on the suitable date to get the extraction done.
On the day of your appointment, you can expect the dentist to begin the procedure by giving you an injection of local anaesthesia. The anaesthesia will numb the tooth as well as the area surrounding it.
In rare cases, patients are given general anaesthesia. Even in this case, they are allowed to go home on the same day.
Once the area has been numbed, the dentist will begin working on it. If the tooth has not emerged through the gum, the dentist will make a small cut in your gum to access it with ease. If there is any bone covering the tooth, then the dentist will have to remove a small piece of the bone too.
The next step involves cutting the tooth into smaller parts. This will make it easy to remove the tooth from the small opening. If the tooth has broken through the gum, the dentist will not make any cut on your gum.
The dentist will rock the tooth back and forth to widen the tooth socket before taking it out completely. You may feel slight pressure because of this. However, you will not experience any pain as the area will be numb.
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
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of A Pounding Sinus Headache
Impact On Or Damage To Other Teeth
The problem with impacted wisdom teeth is that they affect and infect every other tooth around them. They can spread bacteria and cavities to other teeth as well. Not only that but impacted wisdom teeth can also cause other teeth to move around in unwanted ways because they are trying to accommodate the wisdom teeth.
Your perfect smile could be ruined by impacted wisdom teeth, leading to an overbite or underbite. And if you know anything about the human body is that nothing in it is compartmentalized. If your mouth is infected, this could lead to the infection spreading to other parts of your body as well. That could be dangerous in so many different ways.
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.
Recommended Reading: Sinus Infection Symptoms Home Remedies
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Sinus Issues
The first thing to understand is that you can absolutely get sinus pain from your upper wisdom teeth. This is because you don’t just have sinuses around your nose and eyes, you also have sinuses located further back in your upper jaw. As wisdom teeth grow in, they can put pressure on your sinuses, causing pain and congestion. This can also lead to recurring sinus headaches. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, be sure to let your dentist know.
Can Tooth Decay Affect Your Ears
Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by pathogenic bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream and threaten a persons overall health. Harmful bacteria that originate in your mouth can also inflame and narrow the arteries and blood vessels located in your ears and brain, which are crucial to your hearing health.
Don’t Miss: What To Take For Sinus Headache With High Blood Pressure
Problems That Wisdom Teeth Can Cause
Impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to develop cavities. Because theyre stuck in the gums, its harder to reach them with your toothbrush and floss.
A further problem is that microbes are likely to become trapped in the area around the wisdom teeth, particularly if a pocket has developed in the gums. Periodontal pockets are gaps between the gums and teeth that become too deep, providing a home for colonies of bacteria.
Troublesome wisdom teeth can also increase the risk of gum disease and put pressure on the adjacent second molars, leading to deterioration of the enamel.
If your wisdom teeth erupt after youve been wearing braces, they can negate that orthodontic treatment by causing other teeth to shift.
A wisdom tooth that remains buried in the gum can result in a cyst around the roots or crown that can damage soft tissue and bone. Dental cysts may remain undetected for months or even years as they gradually eat into the jaw bone. In some cases, people only realize they have a dental cyst when their jaw eventually breaks through weakening of the bone.
In other cases, wisdom teeth grow in at the wrong angle. A crooked wisdom tooth can cause permanent damage to adjacent teeth and result in a misaligned bite function.
Teeth Are Not Straight
If the wisdom teeth grow in crooked, they can make the other teeth shift and move over. They might even damage the other teeth. Extraction can prevent other teeth from having any damage.
In many instances, our jaws are not large enough to accommodate a 3rd molar, which then bumps against the others, causing it to grow sideways. You should also consider removing wisdom teeth before orthodontic treatment to allow more room for misalignments to shift.
You May Like: Best Meds For Sinus Pressure
Swollen Gums And Sore Jaw
As the wisdom teeth begin to erupt, they will often push against surrounding teeth, causing them to shift. This movement can create discomfort in the jaw, symptoms can range from aches, swelling and stiffness to difficulty opening the jaw and even difficulty breathing.
The movement of surrounding teeth, as well as the entry of the new wisdom teeth, also affects the gums. They often become swollen and red, and are painful to touch, in certain cases they may cause the gums in the area to bleed.
Sinus Infection Complications Affecting The Brain
An even more rare, and more serious, complication of sinus infection would be the infection spreading to the brain. The brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier, whose function is to separate circulating blood from the brain and the fluid of the central nervous system. Its very difficult for sinus infection to be able to cross this border, despite the proximity of the sinuses to the brain.
The blood-brain barrier is semipermeable, however, and it is possible on rare occasions for an infection to get through from the sinuses to the brain. If a sinus infection spreads to the brain, it can be a life-threatening condition, leading to swelling of the brain, meningitis, or brain abscess.
Symptoms might include:
- Severe headache, and
- Swelling in the face.
Most of these symptoms would require an emergency visit to the doctor, even without an association with a sinus infection.
Don’t Miss: Best Sinus Spray For Post Nasal Drip