If you have both a sinus infection and tooth pain, you’re probably wondering, “has one caused the other?” Unfortunately, sinus infections and toothaches can often go hand-in-hand.
Learn why tooth pain is one more bothersome symptom you have to watch out for when you’re dealing with a sinus infection — and what you can do to find relief.
Sinus toothache symptoms and causes
If you have both a sinus infection and tooth pain, the first thing you need to know is this: A sinus toothache is caused by the same inflammation of your sinuses that causes sinus headaches, the combination of sinusitis and tinnitus, and sinusitis and hearing loss.
Sinus infections can cause swelling and inflammation within the sinus cavities located along your jawline. When this occurs, your back upper teeth may begin to hurt due to the inflammation and increased pressure.
How can you tell if you have a toothache because of your sinus infection, and not for another reason?
Outside of noticing sinus tooth pain on one side or both sides after the onset of a sinus infection, one telltale way to learn whether or not your tooth pain is caused by a sinus infection is to see if the pain increases when you bend over and/or move your head quickly. And just like your sinuses get worse at night, sinus-related tooth pain also becomes worse when the sun goes down.
If your tooth pain increases with these movements and under these circumstances, sinus issues are likely causing your tooth pain.
Can a sinus infection cause pain in your front teeth?
Again, tooth pain caused by a sinus infection occurs in the upper back teeth and molars when the maxillary sinuses become inflamed. If you are experiencing pain in your front teeth, we highly recommend that you make a visit to your dentist.
Can a tooth infection spread to your sinuses?
While a sinus infection and tooth pain normally arise in that order, a tooth infection can, in fact, lead to sinus inflammation pain. In rare cases, bacteria, viruses, or fungi in a tooth abscess can spread to the brain and create life-threatening complications.
For this reason, we often recommend erring on the side of caution when it comes to sinus infections and tooth pain; if you think the tooth pain you’re experiencing goes beyond what you’d expect during a sinus infection, consult your dentist.
How do you relieve sinus pressure in your teeth?
Some individuals will find relief from a sinus infection and tooth pain through home treatments. Common strategies include: using a humidifier and/or neti pot, eating spicy foods, staying hydrated, and careful, limited use of over-the-counter medicine.
But patients who struggle with severe sinus infections, sinus infections that won’t go away, and chronic sinus infections may need to take a proactive approach.
Visit Sinus Solutions of South Florida for relief from sinus infections and tooth pain
At Sinus Solutions of South Florida, we’re proud to help Floridians from Tampa and West Palm Beach get the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) treatment they need. For patients with a sinus infection and tooth pain that doesn’t respond to standard treatments, the minimally-invasive, in-office procedure balloon sinuplasty has proven successful in providing long-lasting sinus relief.
Ready to put an end to frustrating sinus infections and tooth pain? Curious about what to expect after balloon sinuplasty? Call Sinus Solutions of South Florida at 561-790-7744 or contact us online today!
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