Chronic Sinusitis and Dental Health: Understanding the Link and Oral Care Tips

Sinus Infection Tooth Pain: How They Are Linked

Sinuses are spaces in your skull. They warm and moisten the air so that they are fit for you to breathe in. The largest sinuses, called the maxillary sinuses, are above your upper molar teeth. When the maxillary sinuses are infected, they can also affect the closest areas, such as your upper molars. 

Sinusitis causes tooth pain in two ways:

• Referred pain from sinuses, teeth, and gums share the same pain-transmitting nerves. 
• Congestion puts pressure on the root of the upper molars, causing discomfort. 

Can Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Infection?

No, a sinus infection cannot cause tooth infection. However, a tooth infection can spread to the sinuses and cause sinusitis. Dental infections can cause 40% of chronic sinus infections.

Can Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Pain in Front Teeth?

The maxillary sinuses are above the upper molars, making them less likely to cause tooth pain in the front teeth if the sinuses are infected. We advised that you schedule an appointment with your doctor to learn more. 

How do I Know if My Toothache is a Sinus Infection? Causes and Symptoms

Sinuses produce mucus to keep the air moist and prevent the inside of your nose from drying out. If the sinuses are irritated or infected, they can swell and get congested, causing pain in the upper molars.

What are the Most Common Symptoms of Sinus Infection Tooth Pain

Together with sinusitis signs and symptoms, the most common symptom of sinusitis tooth pain is toothache on more than one adjoining upper molars. The pain is not localized on one tooth. 

Another common symptom is pain aggravated by movement. Movement like jumping up and down can aggravate sinus tooth pain. Pain can also be aggravated by bending over or lying down. The motions can cause congested sinuses to press on the roots of the molars with more force. Meanwhile, lying down can lessen the pain.

How Long Does Tooth Pain Last with Sinus Infection?

It would depend on the severity of your sinusitis. Since sinus tooth pain appears more in acute sinus infection, said symptom can last up to ten days. 

Effective Remedies to Relieve Sinus Pressure in Your Teeth

Sinusitis Home Remedies

Since the congested mucus promotes germs that cause sinusitis, the goal is to decongest. Here are remedies you can try at home:

Hydrate
drinking fluids can help thin the mucus and promote drainage to the nasal cavity.

Warm Compress
A warm compress over the sides of the nose can warm the sinuses and loosen mucus.

Steaming
Breathing in the steam of a bowl of hot Water or a hot shower can loosen mucus. The warm, moist steam can soothe irritated nasal passages and make breathing easier.

Sinus Flushing
Flushing your sinuses with warm or room-temperature saline solution can help moisturize the lining of your sinuses. It can also loosen mucus and clear nasal cavities. 

Decongestants
Decongestants can help relieve symptoms. Topical decongestants shouldn’t be used for more than seven days as they can cause symptoms to worsen. The same can happen when using decongestant nasal sprays for over three days.

Toothache Home Remedies

Cold compress
A cold compress on the painful area for 10-15 minutes several times daily can numb tooth pain. 

Over-the-counter Pain Relievers
You can take OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen or numbing gels to treat sinusitis Dental pain. 

Do I Need Antibiotics for a Sinus Infection?

Since most sinus infections get better Without antibiotics, antibiotics are only prescribed by the doctor if other treatments don’t work, and they suspect bacterial infections. Antibiotics are only prescribed when other medications don’t work because they can cause mild to rash side effects, from rashes to severe allergic reactions.

When to Seek Professional Dental and Sinus Care

While you may need to consult your dentist to confirm if you have sinus or dental-related tooth pain, please schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms:

• Tooth pain that persists after the sinusitis has disappeared
• Severe pain
• Fever that lasts more than three days
• Symptoms that persist for more than ten days without improvement
• Symptoms that got better then got worse
• Inability to eat or drink due to dental or facial pain.

If you’re looking for sinus relief or interested in learning more about sinus surgery, click the link below!

Dr. Amy Anstead