Tooth Pain Or Sinusitis? Don’t Be Confused!

The world just isn’t fair! Couldn’t misery just focus on any one part at a time…?

Isn’t it enough that we have to go through a bad cold, runny or a clogged nose, not being able to breathe but we also have to go through tooth pain when we end up with sinusitis!!

The maxillary sinuses are located beneath the cheeks, above the teeth and on either side of the nose. Many people don’t realize it but the sinuses and the teeth are connected. The roots of the upper back teeth are involved with the floor of the sinuses, so if your sinus membranes are infected, they may irritate the nerves that are in the middle of your teeth. These irritated nerves cause an achy pain on the upper back teeth.so don’t self diagnose and get yourself a supply of clove oil. Go to the dentist for professional help.

Sometimes a sinus infection may not cause toothache, but even the presence of fluid and slight changes in pressure within the sinus affects the nerves and irritates the nerves thus causing pain on the upper teeth even if there is nothing wrong with the tooth.

This interconnection is also the reason why it can be difficult to remove some upper teeth at certain times. When the upper teeth are removed (especially at a time when the sinus membrane is inflamed), the dentist has to make sure that the sinus lining is not removed with the tooth. If it is removed, a connection or an oro antral fistula may develop leading to other problems.

Diagnosing a Sinus Infection

• To determine if a sinus infection is the root cause of a toothache, a percussion test is performed. When all the upper back teeth are involved with pain when tapped (without any other dental problems), it signifies a sinus related infection.

• Other signs of sinusitis include a clogged or runny nose, headaches, sore throats, post nasal drip, tenderness and extra sensitivity around the face, reduced appetite etc.

• A dental radiograph can also rule out dental problems.

• There is also the chance that both a sinus infection and tooth ache may occur at the same time, rather than sinusitis causing the toothache. In order to work on treating both, an accurate diagnosis would have to be provided.

Treatment

The most effective way to treat toothache related to sinusitis is to get treatment for the sinus problem.

Depending on the source of the nasal discomfort responsible for causing the tooth pain, treatment includes nasal drops, allergy medication, nasal washes, antibiotics etc.

Complications

Complications can occur if the tooth ache and the sinus pain are a result of sinus infection. Sinus infections can eventually spread to the eyes, ears and throat. In very rare cases, the infection may even spread to the brain if not treated by a doctor.