Toothaches are common symptoms of sinusitis or sinus infection. The opposite is also true; a severe toothache in an upper back tooth can cause a sinus infection.
In this issue, we will discuss the common inter-relationship of sinus infections and toothaches.
Toothaches are common. When they happen in the upper posterior teeth (premolars and molars) because of a dental infection, we must also consider the possibility that the sinuses may be involved. Also, if one suffers from a sinus infection the pain may be referred to a tooth causing what appears to be a toothache. This unique relationship occurs because of the close proximity between the upper back teeth and the sinuses.
Sinusitis, commonly called a sinus infection is an uncomfortable inflammation of the nasal sinuses, the air cavities located in the face. Mucus is built up and becomes thick attracting bacterial or viral infection. Swelling of the maxillary sinuses is typically what causes sinus toothaches, as these are located in the cheek and nose area right above your top teeth. Some symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, post nasal drip, puffy eyes and bad breath. Sinusitis can be caused by anything that could inflame the sensitive tissues of the sinuses, including:
- Viral and respiratory infections like the common cold or Corona
- Allergies to pollen and other agents like dust mites and mold
- Structural abnormalities and growths, like a deviated septum or nasal polyps
- Pollutants like cigarette, vaping and marijuana smoke
- Complications with asthma
Determining the original source of the infection, whether it is the sinus or a toothache begins with a proper diagnosis.
If you’re having pain in several teeth, it’s likely that your toothache is due to a sinus infection. Also, you may feel under the weather or have a fever. This is what’s known as referred pain, when the discomfort spreads to several teeth. The sinus usually swells and there is mucus build-up which puts pressure on the nerves that run to the roots of your top teeth.
A localized dental tooth infection can also cause your sinuses to get infected. It is estimated that as much as 40% of chronic maxillary sinus infections are due to dental infections. In these cases, there is usually a history of current dental infections or periodontal diseases, and recent tooth extractions.
A sinus infection caused by dental origin will likely be the only source of pain and it could be more intense and definite. A sinus pain from an infected tooth 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. If an infected tooth is untreated, the infection could spread elsewhere in your body; which is potentially life-threatening. Some signs that the original infection came from your tooth pain are the following:
- Pain when eating or drinking something cold or hot
- Facial swelling
- Gum swelling near the tooth
- Pain near a tooth that has or require dental work
- Imaging studies with a CT Scan can indicate underlying problems with a tooth.
See your dentist if the pain becomes more severe or it doesn’t go away after your sinus infection is gone. Then your dentist will determine whether the pain is being caused by periodontal disease, cavities or dental abscesses. The infected tooth can either be removed or treated by root canal treatment. Following treatment, the patient is prescribed the necessary medications to relieve pain and sinus pressure.
See a physician who can assess whether your sinus may be infected or another medical condition is the cause. Also, see your medical doctor if your sinus infection doesn’t get better after dental treatment.
Because of the challenges in pin-pointing what came first- Sinusitis or the Toothache, an experienced dentist and a medical doctor should be consulted. Professional collaboration is the prescribed standard of care to relieve you of pain while advancing your total health and wellness.
Dr. Kendal V. O. Major is Founder and CEO of Center for Specialized Dentistry which is a comprehensive family dental practice operating in Nassau and Freeport. He is the first Bahamian Specialist in gum diseases and dental implants since 1989. He also is a certified Fast braces provider. His practice is located at 89 Collins Avenue, Nassau at (242)325-5165 or [email protected]
See schematic showing roots penetrating sinus floor
See schematic showing roots penetrating sinus floor
Abscess of Upper Premolar can infect sinus
