Can A Sinus Infection Cause Your Teeth to Hurt?
September 20, 2012
It seems that we are hearing more and more patients complain of allergies. There doesn't seem to be an "allergy season" anymore- we hear it all year long. As dentists, we see our fair share of toothaches. What patients don't realize is that an infection in your sinus cavity can actually cause one or more of your teeth to hurt.
Your sinus cavities are air-filled pockets in your upper jaw. Your maxillary sinuses are located right above your upper teeth. They are lined with a pink membrane similar to the lining on the inside of your mouth. When the nasal passages are infected with a pathogen, they become irritated and inflamed. This inflammation can then place pressure on the upper teeth, leading to facial tenderness and what is often described as a toothache.
Sinus infections can be tricky. Not everyone experiences them in the same exact way. Nasal congestion, cough, pressure along the forehead, cheeks, nose or eyes are common complaints. You may also find yourself having a sore throat, bad breath, nausea or ear pain.
When a patient presents with a toothache, we normally take an x-ray and perform a regular check-up to rule out decay or an infected nerve as the cause. We also feel around the tooth for infection, tap on the tooth, and/or place ice on the tooth to better understand the source of the pain. At this time, we can then recommend treatment, or suggest consulting with a physician.
Some simple things that can give you a clue whether it's a sinus infection causing your teeth to hurt:
- a change in position, tipping your head forward and back, and your teeth hurt
- going down stairs and your teeth hurt
- standing on your toes and forcefully dropping on your heels and your teeth hurt
Treatment revolves around relieving the pressure and inflammation in your sinuses. Nasal irrigation with saline rinses (neti pot), nasal spray decongestants (for a short time), oral decongestants and anti-inflammatory drugs can all help relieve sinus pain. Occasionally, oral antibiotics are used if the sinus infection is believed to be caused by bacteria and not a virus.
Having a toothache is never a pleasant feeling, but getting the proper diagnoses is important. Of course, if your teeth hurt and you have any questions about whether it is a cavity, the nerve of the tooth or your sinuses, call for an appointment at www.klfamilydental.com.
Your sinus cavities are air-filled pockets in your upper jaw. Your maxillary sinuses are located right above your upper teeth. They are lined with a pink membrane similar to the lining on the inside of your mouth. When the nasal passages are infected with a pathogen, they become irritated and inflamed. This inflammation can then place pressure on the upper teeth, leading to facial tenderness and what is often described as a toothache.
Sinus infections can be tricky. Not everyone experiences them in the same exact way. Nasal congestion, cough, pressure along the forehead, cheeks, nose or eyes are common complaints. You may also find yourself having a sore throat, bad breath, nausea or ear pain.
When a patient presents with a toothache, we normally take an x-ray and perform a regular check-up to rule out decay or an infected nerve as the cause. We also feel around the tooth for infection, tap on the tooth, and/or place ice on the tooth to better understand the source of the pain. At this time, we can then recommend treatment, or suggest consulting with a physician.
Some simple things that can give you a clue whether it's a sinus infection causing your teeth to hurt:
- a change in position, tipping your head forward and back, and your teeth hurt
- going down stairs and your teeth hurt
- standing on your toes and forcefully dropping on your heels and your teeth hurt
Treatment revolves around relieving the pressure and inflammation in your sinuses. Nasal irrigation with saline rinses (neti pot), nasal spray decongestants (for a short time), oral decongestants and anti-inflammatory drugs can all help relieve sinus pain. Occasionally, oral antibiotics are used if the sinus infection is believed to be caused by bacteria and not a virus.
Having a toothache is never a pleasant feeling, but getting the proper diagnoses is important. Of course, if your teeth hurt and you have any questions about whether it is a cavity, the nerve of the tooth or your sinuses, call for an appointment at www.klfamilydental.com.
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