Sinus Infection and Tooth Pain: What’s the Connection?

A sinus infection, also referred to as sinusitisis a condition wherein mucus builds up inside the sinuses, providing a really perfect growing environment for bacteria and germs. A sinus infection may cause a series of symptoms, including tooth pain.

This article will discuss why a sinus infection causes tooth pain, other sinus infection symptoms, and treatment. It will even cover when to contact a healthcare provider.

Anatomy of the Sinuses

Sinuses are pockets or air-filled spaces within the skull. There are 4 varieties of sinuses, that are connected by small passages. Below is a listing of every type and its location:

• Maxillary sinuses: Under the eyes
• Frontal sinuses: Above the eyes
• Ethmoid sinuses: Between the nose and eyes
• Sphenoid sinuses: Behind the nose and between the eyes

The sinuses are lined with cells that produce mucus to forestall them from drying out. The mucus helps to maintain the nose and sinuses clear of bacteria and other germs to forestall illness.

Can a Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Pain?

Yes, a sinus infection may cause tooth pain for 2 reasons.

The maxillary sinuses are situated within the cheekbones, above the upper teeth. When these sinuses are inflamed from an infection, pain might be felt within the nearby teeth, normally the upper molars. The pain can worsen when bending over or changing head position.

Another reason a sinus infection causes tooth pain is from pressure on the nerves that go to the teeth.

Tooth pain brought on by a tooth injury or decay is usually felt in just the affected tooth. Whereas, sinus infection tooth pain is felt in multiple teeth.

Can a Dental Infection Cause a Sinus Infection?

A dental infection may cause a sinus infection. In fact, 40% of sinus infections are thought to have began as a dental infection.

A dental infection brought on by tooth decay may cause a maxillary sinus infection, which known as maxillary sinusitis of dental origin (MSDO).

A tooth infection can result in a sinus infection, which known as odontogenic sinusitis. The infection may stem from an abscess or trauma within the maxillary teeth. It will then spread from the teeth to the sinuses.

Sinus Toothache vs. Regular Toothache

A sinus toothache might be difficult to differentiate from other varieties of toothaches. One primary difference is that a sinus toothache will affect several teeth and usually affects the upper molars. This is attributable to the proximity of the maxillary sinuses’ to the upper molars. Other symptoms of sinus infection will even accompany a sinus toothache.

Regular toothaches from tooth decay are typically felt only within the affected tooth. The pain tends to be described as sharp and should be precipitated by eating or drinking something cold or hot.

Other Symptoms of Sinusitis

Sinusitis normally starts as a chilly. Besides tooth pain, sinusitis may cause several symptoms. The symptoms of a sinus infection include:

How a Sinus Infection Is Treated

A sinus infection might be brought on by bacteria or viral infection. Treatment often starts with home remedies that give attention to clearing congestion and improving any discomfort.

Home Remedies

Most of the time, sinus infections might be treated with at-home remedies. The remedies listed below are ways to assist loosen up mucus and filter out the sinuses:

Medical Treatment

A healthcare provider may resolve to treat a sinus infection with antibiotics. This is simply used when the healthcare provider suspects that the underlying cause is a bacterial infection.

Antibiotics don’t treat viral infections, that are the first reason behind sinus infections.

Sometimes, a healthcare provider may recommend delayed antibiotic prescribing or watchful waiting.

Delayed antibiotic prescribing is when the provider prescribes the antibiotic but suggests waiting two to 3 days before filling the prescription. This is to see if the person gets higher and should not need antibiotics.

Watchful waiting is just because it sounds. Your healthcare provider will suggest waiting two to 3 days to find out if antibiotics are needed. This gives the body a few days to improve before prescribing an antibiotic.

How to Relieve Tooth Pain From Sinus Pressure

There are several ways to assist relieve tooth pain brought on by sinus pressure. The primary goal needs to be to alleviate congestion within the sinuses, which might be done using the methods and coverings described above.

Another treatment option to scale back the pain is to take an OTC anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. This will help reduce swelling and pain, which may minimize tooth pain.

How Long Does a Sinus Toothache Last?

It is difficult to know the way long a sinus toothache will last. An acute sinus infection can last anywhere from 10 days to eight weeks. A sinus toothache should go away when the sinus infection resolves.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

A sinus infection is usually not a serious medical condition. However, there are particular circumstances when someone should contact their healthcare provider.

• Symptoms don’t improve after 10 days
• Fever for greater than three to 4 days
• Symptoms improve but then worsen
• Severe symptoms like severe headaches or face pain
• Several sinus infections inside a yr

Summary

A sinus infection may cause tooth pain when mucus builds up within the sinuses. This mucus buildup puts pressure on teeth and may press on nerves that go to the teeth. A sinus infection might be treated with home remedies like decongestants but may must be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.