What is the connection between sinus infection and tooth pain?
Dr. B. Kanagasabapathy MDS(Ortho), Fellow ICOI Orthodontist and Implantologist
Sinusitis – The infection in sinus linings followed by swelling that results in Sinus pressure. It incites many discomforts like pain while eating, runny nose, loss of sleep, facial pain and even toothaches.
This post depicts how toothache is provoked with sinus infection and tips to overcome such sinus tooth pain.
What is the role of sinuses in our body?
Before discussing sinus toothache, let’s take a look at the anatomy of our sinuses.
The sinus cavities are filled with spaces present within the passage of our nose. We have four sinus spaces and are located in the forehead behind our eyes (Frontal sinuses), behind our nose (Ethmoid Sinuses & Sphenoid Sinuses) and inside the cheeks (Maxillary Sinuses).
The Sinuses are responsible for providing a way for the air we breathe to enter into the lungs. Moreover, the sinuses moisten, warm and filtrate the air that enters through our nose.
How do infections in sinuses cause toothache?
Sinus tooth pain arises with congestion of a fluid called mucus in the sinus cavity during infection in sinuses. This is followed by sinus inflammation that exerts pressure on the nerves that provokes intense pain in the upper rear teeth as their roots are located near the sinuses. Maxillary Sinus is highly responsible for dental pain with a sinus infection.
Moreover, the sinuses, gums and teeth share similar nerves to sense pains. This is why certain people encounter sinus gum pain.
How do we identify sinus-induced tooth pain?
You will encounter pain in the problematic tooth alone with dental illness whereas sinus toothache aggravates pain in many teeth especially the upper molar teeth. The pain in teeth will be accompanied by the following discomforts when you have sinus pressure:
- Toothache while biting and eating
- Pain in teeth with variation in temperature
- Sore throat
- Facial swelling
- Swelling in gums
- Ear pain
How can we cure sinus infection tooth pain?
When you have pain in teeth whilst suffering from sinus infection, it means getting sinusitis treatment will provide relief from the sinus tooth pain.
Here are the common remedies that alleviate pain and quicken the sinus infection toothache recovery:
1) Stay hydrated
Hydrating the membranes in the sinus cavity is the best way to reduce sinusitis. Drinking plenty of water decreases the mucus build up in the sinus space. Moreover, taking liquids like coconut water that is rich in electrolytes supports your immune system to fight against the microbial sinus infections.
Besides this, taking a steamy shower, peppermint steam solution, warm compress on the face also provide the sinus toothache relief you want.
2) Eat spicy foods
Spicy foods like chili peppers contain mucus-thinning properties along with the medicinal properties. Adding such spicy foods to your diet will decongest the fluid that built up in the sinus cavities.
All the spicy foods and spicy flavoring products do not work properly. Hence you should consult your doctor to get the right foods to cure sinus infection.
3) Use Decongestants
The Over-the-counter decongestants and expectorants provide fast relief in sinus infection. They are powerful to drain the mucus to cut the congestion that ends in dry out the passages. It reduces the pressure in the sinus region that eventually fixes the toothache provoked.
4) Adjust your sleeping position
To get rid of sinus pain, you should need sufficient sleep because sleep is crucial to enhance immunity. In contrast, people suffering from sinusitis encounter unbearable pain while sleeping. A simple way to overcome this problem is to hum yourself to sleep. It has been found that the airflow while humming clears the mucus build-up.
Similarly, you should alter your sleeping position because lying flat allows fluid build up in the nasal cavity that causes tooth pain. So it is best to sleep with keeping your upper body propped up. It helps in draining the mucus build-up.
Bottom line
The pressure applied on the nerves by the congestion of mucus in the nasal cavity is the main reason behind sinus tooth pain. When a toothache coincides with a sinus infection, it means the dental problem is a sinus induced one.
If the toothache exists even after clearing up sinusitis, it might happen with conditions like decay, abscess, breakage in the dental works you have received so far.
Frequently Asked Question
To relieve tooth pain from sinus pressure, stay hydrated, use a warm compress, and consider nasal irrigation with a saline solution. Over-the-counter pain medication and steam inhalation can also help alleviate pain and reduce pressure.
Toothache pain is sharp and localized, while sinus infection pain is dull and widespread, often affecting the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes. Sinus infections also come with symptoms like nasal congestion and facial pressure, which are not typical of a toothache.
