Sinus pressure is a common problem that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. But did you know that sinus pressure can also cause toothaches? Many people don’t realize this. In this blog post, we will discuss the link between sinus pressure and toothaches, and how to tell the difference between sinus pressure and an actual toothache caused by a dental problem. We will also provide some tips on how to relieve sinus pressure and get rid of your toothache!
How the Sinuses and Teeth are Related
You may be surprised to find out that your sinuses can affect your teeth. However this will start to make sense once you learn a little about facial anatomy. For starters, your teeth have roots that extend underneath your gums into the jawbone. In your upper teeth, these roots extend upwards.
Your sinus cavities are located right above your upper teeth on either side of your nose. The openings of these cavities are called the ostia, and they are located in the ethmoid bone between your eyes. When you have a cold or sinus infection, the mucous membranes inside your nose become swollen and congested. This can block the ostia and prevent drainage from the sinuses. This can lead to pressure and pain in the sinuses, which can also cause pressure on the tooth roots just below the sinus cavities.
Sinus Pressure vs. Toothache
Now that we know a little more about facial anatomy and how your sinuses can affect your teeth, let’s look at how to tell the difference between a toothache due to sinus pressure and a toothache due to dental issues.
Sinus pressure is caused by inflammation and swelling in the sinus cavities. This can be due to a number of factors, such as allergies, a cold or flu, or nasal polyps. When the sinuses are inflamed, they can put pressure on the teeth and cause toothache-like pain. The pain may be sharp and stabbing, or it may be a dull ache. It can be difficult to tell the difference between sinus pressure and an actual toothache caused by a dental problem. However, there are some clues that can help you differentiate between the two.
If your toothache is accompanied by fever, facial swelling, and discharge from the nose, then it is likely that you are experiencing a sinus infection. In this case, the best thing to do is see your doctor for treatment. You may also experience a toothache due to sinus pressure that isn’t an infection. In these cases, you can use steam therapy by taking a hot shower or putting your head over a bowl of hot water and inhaling steam. This helps to relieve sinus pressure and alleviate the toothache. However, if your toothache does not go away, then it may be caused by a dental issue. If you are experiencing severe pain, it is best to see a dentist right away so they can determine the cause of your toothache and provide appropriate treatment.
In Conclusion
If you are experiencing sinus pressure or toothache, we recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause of your pain and get appropriate treatment! We can help figure out if it’s just a simple case of sinus congestion causing pressure on the teeth, or something more serious like an infection or cavity that needs to be treated by a professional.
Dr. Sadati possesses extensive experience in all aspects of advanced restorative dentistry, with an emphasis in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He has attained Accredited Fellow status in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the most rigorous, demanding credentialing process in the world. He is the only AACD Accredited Fellow in South Florida.
