When you have tooth pain, you probably immediately assume it’s a dental issue. While that’s a very fair assumption, there’s one more common culprit to consider: a sinus infection.
Understanding the connection between sinus infections and tooth pain can help in addressing the root cause of the discomfort.
The Connection Between Sinus Infections and Tooth Pain
You have four pairs of sinuses, the largest of which sits just above your back teeth. Because the roots of your upper teeth are so close to your sinus cavity, inflammation from your sinuses may cause pain in the teeth closest to them.
The connection between your sinuses and teeth can also work in reverse, where an infection in your upper back teeth leads to inflammation in your sinuses.
Recognizing Sinus-Related Tooth Pain
Sinus-related tooth pain usually presents with the following indicators:
- It affects multiple upper teeth
- It’s accompanied by nasal congestion, facial pressure and other sinusitis symptoms
- The pain may worsen with sudden movements or changes in head position
On the other hand, non-sinus-related tooth pain may have the following indicators:
- It’s typically localized to a single tooth
- It may involve sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
- The tooth pain is more severe
What Are My Treatment Options?
Because dental issues are usually more severe than sinus issues, it’s best to consult a dentist first. They can look for infections or cavities that could trigger localized tooth pain. Once a dentist rules out dental issues, you can focus on sinus infection relief. A few home remedies for sinus infections include:
- Short-term over-the-counter decongestants to reduce inflammation
- Nasal saline rinses to clear congested mucus
- Warm compresses to ease inflammation
- Staying hydrated with water and HTeaO herbal teas to thin mucus
If you develop frequent or long-lasting sinus infections, your sinus specialist will likely recommend procedures like Balloon Sinuplasty or functional nasal endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) to prevent future infections. They may also recommend a Propel Sinus Implant—a dissolvable, steroid-releasing implant that decreases inflammation following sinus surgery. A Propel implant is usually implanted during an endoscopic sinus procedure.
A sinus specialist can help you find the right treatment path towards sinus relief. Contact Collin County ENT today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.