Can Sinus Infections Cause Tooth Pain?
Many of us have experienced a sinus infection at least once in our lives, and it's no secret they can leave you feeling ill all day long. The sinuses are four sets of hollow spaces filled with air, and they produce mucus, according to the Southern California Sinus Institute. Our sinuses are located in different areas of the face, such as near the eyes, cheekbones, and forehead. The frontal sinuses can be found in the forehead. The largest sinuses, or maxillary sinuses, are in the cheeks.
Behind your nose and between your eyes are two more sets of sinuses: sphenoid sinuses and ethmoid sinuses. While sinuses aren't found inside your nose, they are connected to the nasal cavity. According to Healthline, sinuses not only produce mucus, but filter and warm the air in your nasal cavity. Sometimes, the sinuses become blocked with fluid, which may result in a sinus infection.
Symptoms of a sinus infection
A sinus infection affects our body through several different symptoms, including post-nasal drip, stuffy nose, or even tooth pain. While some people wouldn't imagine a sinus infection giving you tooth pain, it is a possibility. According to Mayo Clinic, the tissue lining your sinuses becomes inflamed when you have a sinus infection. In turn, this can lead to pain in nearby teeth. For example, the maxillary sinuses are specifically located over your upper jaw and back teeth. If you have a sinus infection and the roots on your upper back teeth reach into a sinus cavity, you may feel pain in your teeth.
Tooth pain isn't something to take lightly as it can alter your entire day both physically and mentally. Fortunately, some sinus infections clear up on their own. However, others require antibiotics from a doctor. Either way, you'll feel relief from tooth pain once your mucus goes away or the sinus infection itself clears up. In the meantime, Mission Bend Family Dentistry recommends trying to get rid of the mucus to help alleviate pressure felt in the sinuses. Take a hot shower and allow the steam to help minimize your decongestion, and don't forget to always drink plenty of water.