Can A Toothache Cause Sinus Pain?

We wake up after a sleepless night with a headache and pain across the top of our faces. We feel a little dizzy. When we go to brush our teeth; the upper back teeth are tender to the touch. The brushing itself sounds loud and discomforting. What’s going on? Is this a monumental toothache? Or is it something else?

If the discomfort radiates to more than one tooth or is present on both sides of your mouth the chances are that the primary cause of your toothache is not from the tooth itself. It is from your sinus. Inflammation and infection of the sinus is called sinusitis.

The swelling of the lining of the sinus along with mucus production can place pressure on the tips of the roots on our posterior teeth. These roots are in close proximity to the bottom floor of the sinus. This pressure can cause a lot of pain.

What is a Sinus?

• A sinus is a large space connected to our nasal cavity
• There are four sinuses that lie behind the eyes, cheekbones, and forehead
• They moisten and warm air as we breathe
• They produce mucus which filters out debris and dust from entering our lungs
• Molars can be in very close contact to the sinus, at times separated by just a thin tissue called the Schneiderian Membrane

Toothaches Caused by Sinus Problems

Due to the proximity of the roots of the upper posterior molars and the floor of the sinus, infections of the sinus can cause tooth pain. Conversely, an infected tooth can cause an infection in the sinus.

If one tooth is very tender, if that tooth has had a history of decay, large restorations, or trauma, if swelling is present, if the tooth is hyperreactive to heat, then there is a good chance that you may need a root canal treatment. Call us right away  see us at 209 NYC Dental.

If the pain is spread over several back teeth or present on both sides, if you had an upper respiratory infection recently or suffer from allergies, then there is a good chance that your problem is coming from your sinus. Sinusitis is best treated by your physician.

If undecided come to 209 NYC Dental and allow us to make a proper diagnosis.

Save your natural tooth: Before considering extraction, explore conservative restoration options like dental onlays that can preserve infected and heavily damaged teeth.

Here are some signs of Sinusitis

1. Pressure or tenderness around the eyes or forehead
2. Bad tasting nasal drip
3. Thick discolored mucus
4. Ear pain
5. Sore throat
6. Inability to smell and taste

How to Relieve Sinus Induced Pain

1. Drinks lots of water (to thin out mucus)
2. Eat foods that reduce inflammation (Omega 3)
3. Add Calcium and Vitamin C to the diet
4. Breathe in steam with hot moist air
5. Rinse sinus with saline solution
6. Medications-to be prescribed by DDS or MD
   1. Antihistamines
   2. Mucinex-thins mucus
   3. Antibiotics if the infection exists
   4. Neo synephrine, Afrin
   5. Flonase, Nasonex

Make an Appointment with 209 NYC Dental

If you wake up with pain in your upper back teeth. Make an appointment at 209 NYC Dental.

We stand ready to make an accurate diagnosis of what is troubling you. We are experts at relieving pain, inflammation and infection. We are open seven days a week.  Dental emergency visits are available for same day and are are prioritized. Call us today at 212-355-2290.