Sinus Infections
Sinus Infections, Dental Pain, & Toothaches: How to Find Relief
January 18, 2018
•
3 minutes
Reviewed by Michael Kaplan, MD
Can a sinus infection give you toothache? Your sinuses and your teeth may seem unrelated, but sinusitis infections have been linked to dental pain and even tooth decay. Here’s how sinus infections, dental pain, and toothache are connected, and how you can take preventative action to avoid all three.
What causes sinus infections?
To understand both sinus infections and dental pain, it’s important to first learn why sinus infections occur. Sinus infections rear their ugly heads when your nasal passages become clogged and infected. These infections are caused by reactions to many elements, from allergies to humidity, air pollution to nasal obstructions, and from mold to sudden changes in the weather. It is possible to reduce the risk of sinusitis by taking these precautions.
How do sinus infections cause dental pain?
Previously, we’ve written about sinusitis and nausea, stress and sinusitis, and sinus problems and flying. The link between sinus issues and the aforementioned symptoms seems more self-explanatory than does the link between sinusitis and dental pain. So, how are sinus infections and dental pain are related?
Recall that sinus infections occur when you sinus cavities become clogged. One type of sinus cavity, the maxillary sinus, is located near the upper back teeth, behind the cheekbones. It is when the maxillary sinus—the biggest paranasal cavity—becomes clogged that you begin to feel sinus-related dental pain. The buildup of fluids in your maxillary sinuses increases pressure, which in turn causes a dull ache in your upper teeth.
Sinus infections and toothaches can increase your risk of tooth decay and gingivitis. Left untreated, it can also lead to problems like tooth damage, tooth grinding, and gum disease. When you feel multiple aches and pains, it may be difficult to pinpoint their cause, but don’t let the difficulty of diagnosing your condition stop you from getting treatment. If you encounter these symptoms, see a sinus specialist like Dr. Kaplan as soon as possible.
Treatment options for sinus infections and dental pain
Treatment for your sinus infections and dental pain may be easier than you think.
Balloon Sinuplasty, an effective treatment for sinus infections, including sinus infections that cause dental pain and toothaches, is an innovative, minimally invasive, and very successful treatment. During the Balloon Sinuplasty procedure, Dr. Kaplan clears your sinuses by inserting and inflating of a small balloon within your sinus passageways. The treatment is painless and requires only local anesthesia. Recovery after Balloon Sinuplasty is swift; patients can often resume their daily activities within two days of the procedure.
Get relief from sinus infections & dental pain today!
Some sinus infections can be resolved with home remedies, over-the-counter medication, or small lifestyle adjustments. However, if you suffer from acute or chronic sinusitis, it is important for you to visit a sinus specialist such as Dr. Kaplan. We at Kaplan Sinus Relief are here to help you find sinus relief as soon as possible.
Related Resources:
- About our staff: Providing immediate sinus relief
- Considering antibiotics for severe sinus infection
- Get started: Sinus Headache Preventions
- Get treatment: Deviated Septum Repair