Toothache from Sinus: How Sinus Issues Can Cause Dental Pain ?

Have you ever experienced a nagging toothache and wondered if it might actually be connected to your sinuses? You're not alone! Many people experience tooth pain that turns out to be caused by sinus issues rather than dental problems. Let’s dive into how sinus issues can lead to dental discomfort and what you can do about it.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an irritation and inflammation of the lining of the sinus tissue. This may happen due to infection from bacteria or viruses, or reaction to exposure to allergens when inhaled. Based on an article in the British Dental Journal, around 10-20% of sinusitis is of dental origin. These types of toothache causes can result from tooth extraction complications where the root tip gets dislodged into the sinus space or oroantral communications. Impingement of the implant or root canal files into the sinus can also elicit similar infections in the sinus space. Complications from pulpal or periapical infections can cause infection to spread to the sinus as well.

Sinus infections can often cause dental pain, particularly in the upper teeth and upper molars, due to the proximity of the maxillary sinuses to the nasal cavity. This pain is sometimes mistaken for a regular toothache but is actually linked to sinus infection symptoms.

Sinusitis usually affects the sinus space present in your upper jaw. As the infection takes hold, the sinus becomes a pressure cooker of discomfort, leading to pain behind the eyes, nasal congestion, headaches, and a noticeable ache spreading to the upper jaw. This pain becomes worse when one is bending down forward.

The Connection Between Sinusitis and Toothaches

Sinusitis can mimic toothaches due to the close connection of the sinuses to the upper teeth and jaw. When the sinuses become infected, inflamed and congested, the increased pressure can affect the surrounding dental structures, leading to pain and discomfort. The maxillary sinuses in the cheekbones above the upper teeth are particularly prone to causing upper jaw toothache symptoms. 

In some cases, sinusitis-related toothaches can be mistaken for dental issues, as the pain can be referred to the teeth and mimic dental problems such as cavities or gum disease. Understanding the connection between sinusitis and toothaches is essential to receive appropriate treatment and relief. 

With proper diagnosis through history taking and x-rays, our dental professionals can help determine if the dental pain is due to issues with the tooth or sinus.

Identifying Symptoms: Is It Sinusitis or a Dental Issue?

Differentiating between sinusitis and a dental issue can be challenging, as their symptoms overlap. However, some key indicators can help identify whether the toothache is caused by sinusitis or a dental problem:

Symptoms of Sinusitis

• Nasal congestion, fullness of your cheeks
• Headache
• Throbbing pain behind your eyes
• Postnasal drip: Mucus drips from the back of the nose into the back of the throat
• Bad breath
• Pain increases when bending down
• Toothache when biting down

Symptoms of dental issues which are different from sinus infection

• Pain due to temperature changes
• Pain on a tooth which has dental work done
• Facial or gums swelling adjacent to or near the tooth

If these symptoms are present alongside the toothache, the toothache is likely a result of sinusitis. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and toothache remedy.

How to Tell If It’s a Sinus Issue?

It's important to differentiate between dental problems and sinus-related issues, as the immune system plays a role in both. Relieving sinus pressure can often alleviate associated dental pain.

Diagnosing whether your toothache is due to sinus problems can sometimes be tricky. A visit to your dentist can help, as they can rule out any dental issues. Your dentist might suggest you see a doctor to treat the sinusitis if dental problems are ruled out.

What Are Some Effective Home Remedies?

The pressure in the sinus cavities, leads to discomfort. Home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids and using decongestant nasal sprays can help relieve sinus pressure and provide pain relief.

While mild cases of sinusitis-induced toothache can often be relieved at home, it is essential to undertake medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if the symptoms persist or worsen. However, some effective home remedies can help alleviate the pain temporarily.

• Nasal irrigation: Flushing warm saline solution in your nose through the nasal opening while being bent over a sink can help flush out the mucous discharge and reduce congestion, relieving toothache symptoms. Ensure to tilt your head forward when using the saline solution, preventing it from dripping into the back of your throat.

• Warm compress: Warm compress when applied to your cheek area will reduce pressure and relieve pain and inflammation temporarily.

• Steam inhalation: Inhaling the hot steam from a bowl of hot water or enjoying a relaxing hot shower can effectively hydrate your nasal passages, providing relief from sinus pressure.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with sinusitis-induced toothache.

It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if the toothache persists, worsens, or is accompanied by severe symptoms, as medical intervention may be necessary.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

Home remedies may help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis and toothache related to it. However, do make sure to visit your dentists or doctors if:

• The pain and symptoms persist for more than ten days
• Fever for 3-4 days
• Unable to eat or drink
• Facial swelling that leads to difficulty in breathing
  

Conclusion

If someone experiences recurrent sinus infections within a year, seeking medical attention is essential. A healthcare provider can offer guidance on reducing the likelihood of developing chronic diseases. In cases of persistent sinusitis, antibiotics or other treatments may be necessary for complete resolution.

Are you looking to book a dental check up? Simply drop us a message here and we will be happy to assist you.

References

1. Ferguson M. Rhinosinusitis in oral medicine and dentistry. Aust Dent J. 2014 Sep;59(3):289-95. doi: 10.1111/adj.12193. Epub 2014 Jul 30. PMID: 24861778.
2. Bell, G., Joshi, B. & Macleod, R. Maxillary sinus disease: diagnosis and treatment. Br Dent J 210, 113–118 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2011.47
3. Patel, N. C., & Chandra, R. K. (2008). "Evaluation and management of sinusitis and its effect on dental health." Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 66(4), 751-759. doi:10.1016/j.joms.2007.09.016. This paper discusses the impact of sinusitis on dental health and offers guidance for managing symptoms.