Did you know that the sinuses and teeth are related? Believe it or not, a toothache can be caused by pressure in the sinuses. In this blog post, we will discuss the relationship between sinus pressure and toothaches. We will also talk about the differences between a toothache caused by sinus pressure and a toothache caused by a dental issue. If you are experiencing pain in your teeth, it is important to determine what is causing the pain. By understanding the relationship between the sinuses and teeth, you can more easily identify the source of your pain and get relief!
The Relationship Between Your Sinuses and Teeth
The sinuses are a group of four cavities in the skull that are lined with mucous membranes. The sinuses are located in the forehead, cheeks, and behind the eyes. Sinus pressure can cause pain in the teeth because the maxillary sinuses and the upper teeth are located closely to one another. The upper teeth are located directly below the maxillary sinuses, and when the sinuses become inflamed or swollen, this applies pressure to the tooth roots that can cause pain in the teeth.
The Differences Between a Toothache Caused by Sinus Pressure and a Toothache Caused by a Dental Issue
When you have a toothache, it can be difficult to determine whether or not the pain is caused by sinus pressure. Luckily, there are a few ways you can tell if your toothache is being caused by an inflamed or infected sinus.
First of all, the pain from a toothache caused by sinus pressure is usually a dull, throbbing ache that can be felt on one or both sides of the upper jaw around the molars and premolars. This pain also gets worse when sinus pressure is increased due to leaning forward or blowing your nose.
Secondly, toothaches caused by sinus pressure are often accompanied by other symptoms of a sinus infection such as fever, congestion, and headache. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is likely that your toothache is being caused by sinus pressure.
On the other hand, a toothache caused by a dental issue tends to be localized to a single tooth and can even affect the surrounding gum tissue. In addition to a toothache, it is also common to experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. As a final note, toothaches due to dental problems will generally not respond to changes in sinus pressure, unlike toothaches caused by sinus pressure.
If you are experiencing a toothache and are not sure whether or not the pain is being caused by sinus pressure, it is important to see a dentist. A dentist can help determine the cause of your toothache and provide relief from the pain. If you are experiencing a toothache caused by sinus pressure, your dentist may recommend antibiotics or nasal decongestants to help relieve the pressure in your sinuses. By understanding the relationship between the sinuses and teeth, you can more easily identify the source of your pain and get relief!
Dr. Admar holds dual certificates — a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2010 from India and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2014 from Canada. He is now a full time practicing dentist in Kamloops where he provides a variety of services, including emergency dentistry. Dr. Admar spends hundreds of hours in continued dental education to stay up to date in cosmetic and implant dentistry and he has achieved several advanced qualifications.