A sinus infection can cause a stuffy or runny nose, facial pain and pressure, sore throat, cough and tooth pain. Knowing how to determine if there is a relationship between tooth pain and sinus issues can help identify the right treatment path.
How Are Teeth and Sinuses Connected?
The upper back teeth are located just below your sinuses. Your sinuses, gums and teeth share nerves that can transmit pain signals to one another. This is why pain in the upper back teeth is a common symptom of sinus infections. Similarly, damage or infection in your teeth may lead to pain or inflammation in your sinuses, called chronic sinusitis.
Symptoms of Sinus Versus Regular Toothache
Identifying the source of a toothache is most commonly done by the symptoms. Symptoms of a toothache caused by a sinus infection may include but are not limited to:
- Pain in the primarily upper teeth
- Pain in several teeth
- Dull rather than sharp pain
- Low fever
- Pain from movement
- Headache
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Cough
- Ear fullness
- Sore throat
Symptoms of a non-sinus infection toothache may include:
- Sharp rather than dull pain
- Pain localized in one area or tooth
- Swelling
- Fever
- Headache
If the tooth pain is dull, located in the upper back teeth and accompanied by other symptoms of sinus infections such as sinus congestion and pressure, a dentist will likely advise you to see an ENT specialist to treat you for sinusitis. If tooth pain is sharp, localized and causing swelling, it may require immediate dental intervention.
Treating a Sinus Infection at Home
If you have determined that your tooth pain is from a sinus infection, there are a couple of medications and home remedies that can help treat your symptoms, including:
- Nasal irrigation. You can irrigate your sinuses using a warm solution of purified water and saline.
- Topical decongestants. Topical decongestants can reduce congestion in the nasal cavity. The decongestants will allow you to breathe more clearly.
- Warm compresses. Placing a warm compress over your sinuses can reduce pressure in the forehead and nose.
- Rest and fluids. Increase your rest and fluids when you’re sick to give your body the time it needs to recover.
As your sinus symptoms diminish, so should your tooth pain. If tooth pain does not go away, your sinus infection is likely not the source. Because tooth pain can negatively affect overall health, an ENT specialist should rule out sinus infections immediately.
Contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today to speak with one of our trusted ENT specialists.