Did you know that sinus pressure can cause symptoms very similar to normal toothache? Sinus congestion and infections can cause your upper teeth to hurt like cavities or even abscesses. In this article, you’ll learn why sinus pressure can cause toothache, how to tell if toothache is related to sinus pressure, and what to expect if you go to the dentist with possible sinus pressure issues.
Cause of Toothache Due to Sinus Problems
Toothache due to sinus problems is caused by the upper teeth (especially the back ones) being too close to the maxillary sinuses. The maxillary sinuses are located on the upper jaws and inside the cheekbones. When the maxillary sinus becomes inflamed (sinusitis) or infected, it swells and becomes blocked, causing pressure to build up. The roots of the posterior teeth in your upper jaw are very, very close to the bottom of the maxillary sinuses, so when they swell and pressurize, they can easily put pressure on the nerves at the roots of your teeth.
How to Tell the Difference Between Sinus and Dental Problems?
It can be very difficult to tell if your toothache is caused by sinus problems or dental problems. Here are some indications that the toothache is sinus related;
.If nasal and sinus congestion is present
.Pain is felt only in the upper back teeth
.More than one tooth is affected
.No sensitivity to heat and cold, but painful to chew and bite
It’s also common to have a toothache shortly after a cold or allergy attack, mostly due to opportunistic bacteria attacking a pre-existing dental problem when your immune system collapses. When your immune system is down, this is when bacteria are most active.
Visit Your Dentist
If you are unsure of the exact cause of your toothache, it is best to visit your dentist. Your dentist will X-ray the painful teeth and check for a cavity or possible abscess. In most cases, we can detect a tooth infection before it turns into a toothache. Prevention and early intervention is key. If the affected teeth appear healthy and show no sensitivity to heat or cold, the most likely cause is a sinus problem. It’s nearly impossible to try and diagnose this issue on your own, and there are specific tests that can easily identify whether it’s dental or sinus related. Sinus infections can usually be treated with a single course of antibiotics, while dental infections require treatment followed by antibiotics.
