Can a sinus infection cause tooth pain?
Waking up with a stuffy nose, a headache and pressure around your eyes are all classic signs of a sinus infection. But what if you also have a toothache? It's natural to wonder if the two are related. The answer is yes, you can definitely experience tooth pain from a sinus infection.
Understanding the link between your sinuses and your teeth can help you figure out the source of your discomfort. While it’s always best to see a professional for a proper diagnosis, knowing the symptoms can point you in the right direction and save you some time and energy. This guide will explain how a sinus infection can lead to tooth pain, how to tell the difference between sinus pain and a real dental problem and what your treatment options are.
Understanding sinus infections
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is the inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining your sinuses. Your sinuses are hollow cavities in your skull, located around your nose and eyes. They produce mucus, which helps keep the inside of your nose moist and protects against dust, allergens and pollutants.
When your sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. Common symptoms of a sinus infection include:
Runny or stuffy nose
Facial pain or pressure
Headache
Post-nasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat)
Sore throat
Cough
Bad breath
The sinuses most often associated with tooth pain are the maxillary sinuses. These are the largest of your sinuses and are located in your cheekbones, just above your upper back teeth.
The connection between sinuses and teeth
The relationship between your sinuses and teeth is all about proximity. The roots of your upper molars and premolars extend very close to the floor of your maxillary sinuses. In some cases, the roots can even protrude into the sinus cavity itself.
When a sinus infection causes fluid and pressure to build up in the maxillary sinuses, that pressure can push down on the nerves of your upper teeth. Your brain can have trouble telling the difference between pain originating in the sinus and pain from the teeth. This phenomenon is known as referred pain, where pain is felt in a location other than its actual source.
So, while it feels like you have a toothache, the real problem is the pressure from the infected sinus. The tooth itself is perfectly healthy.
Symptoms of sinus-related tooth pain
Distinguishing tooth pain from a sinus infection from pain caused by a dental issue can be tricky, but there are some key differences to look out for.
Location of the pain
Sinus-related tooth pain is almost always felt in the upper molars, as these are the teeth closest to the maxillary sinuses. It usually affects several teeth at once, not just a single tooth. In contrast, pain from a dental problem like a cavity or an abscess is typically localized to one specific tooth.
Characteristics of the pain
The pain from a sinus infection is often described as a dull, constant ache or pressure. This discomfort might get worse when you bend over, jump or make other sudden movements that shift the pressure in your sinuses.
Tooth pain, on the other hand, can vary. It might be a sharp, shooting pain when you bite down, a throbbing ache that keeps you up at night or extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. These symptoms are less common with sinus-related tooth pain.
Diagnosing the cause of your tooth pain
Even if you suspect your toothache is from a sinus infection, it's crucial to see a dentist or endodontist after your illness or symptoms subside to rule out any actual dental problems. An untreated tooth infection can lead to serious complications.
Your dentist will ask questions to help pinpoint the cause of your pain. Be prepared to answer things like:
Which teeth hurt?
What does the pain feel like?
Do you have any other symptoms, like a stuffy nose or facial pressure?
Does the pain change when you move your head?
To get a definitive diagnosis, your dentist or endodontist may use advanced imaging like a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan. This technology provides a detailed 3D image of your teeth, jaw and surrounding structures, including your sinuses. A CBCT scan allows us to see if the pain is caused by sinus pressure or an underlying dental issue like an infected root.
Treating sinus-related tooth pain
If your tooth pain is indeed caused by a sinus infection, the pain will go away once the underlying infection is treated. Your doctor may recommend:
Decongestants to reduce sinus swelling.
Nasal sprays to help clear your nasal passages.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage discomfort.
Antibiotics, if the infection is bacterial.
You can also try some home remedies to relieve sinus pressure, such as using a warm compress on your face, inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or using a saline nasal rinse.
When your tooth pain is something more
What happens if your sinus infection clears up but the tooth pain remains? This is a strong indicator that the problem isn't your sinuses, but a real issue with your tooth. Persistent pain often points to an infection inside the tooth's pulp, which is the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels.
Common dental issues that cause severe tooth pain include:
Root canal infections: When bacteria enter the pulp chamber through a deep cavity, crack or faulty filling, it can cause a painful infection.
Pulp necrosis: If an infection is left untreated, the pulp can die. This might temporarily stop the pain, but the infection can spread and form a painful abscess.
In these cases, you may need to see an endodontist. While a general dentist can handle many dental issues, an endodontist is a specialist with at least two extra years of training focused on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal therapy. Our primary goal is to save your natural teeth whenever possible.
Advancements in technology have transformed root canal therapy. Procedures are now more comfortable, precise and efficient than ever before. Using tools like CBCT imaging and the GentleWave® Procedure, we can effectively clean and disinfect the root canal system, saving your tooth and relieving your pain.
Don't ignore persistent tooth pain
While it's common to experience tooth pain from a sinus infection, you should never ignore it. Start by visiting your dentist to rule out any dental causes. If the pain is sinus-related, treating the sinus infection should bring relief.
However, if your tooth pain continues after your sinus symptoms have gone away, it’s time to see a specialist. Our team at West Fort Worth Endodontics is here to accurately diagnose the source of your discomfort and provide the expert care you need. Your oral health is our priority.
Contact us today to book an appointment and get to the root of your tooth pain.