Sinusitis or sinus infection can cause pain and discomfort in the mouth and result in sinus tooth pain. The pain is mainly due to the pressure created in maxillary sinuses that sit at the back of cheekbones. Many people misunderstand sinus tooth pain and often mix it with other types of toothache that may be caused by cavities, periodontal disease, or impacted wisdom teeth.
What are the reasons behind Sinus Infections?
A sinus infection occurs when bacteria or viruses from the nose enter the sinuses. To help you assess whether you have a sinus tooth pain or a toothache caused by something else, take note of symptoms that occur in addition to pain around the upper teeth, eyes, or cheekbones.
The main cause of sinus infections is the bacteria that reside in the nose and finds a path to the sinuses. If the tooth pain you are experiencing is caused by a sinus infection, your eyes, upper teeth, or cheekbones might hurt. To make sure it is a sinus tooth pain, keep an eye on some additional signs and symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?
Maxillary sinusitis can be acute or chronic, and here are the symptoms of each:
Acute maxillary sinusitis signs:
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Runny nose
- Red, swollen or tender cheekbones
- Pain that worsens when you sit rather than when you lay down
Chronic maxillary sinusitis symptoms:
- Coughing
- Continuous sinus tooth pain
- Pain and discomfort that elevates when having a cold or allergic reaction
If you have continuous sinus tooth pain or toothache, don’t wait for things to get better on their own. When left untreated for long, a sinus infection can worsen and lead to severe conditions. Schedule an appointment with your dentist and get treatment for sinus tooth pain from the sinus infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are always better.
Side Effects of Sinus Infection
One of the most common and irritating side effects of sinusitis is the impact on breathing habits. Those affected often start breathing from the mouth that results in a dry mouth. A dry mouth is an embarrassing condition that can increase your chances of getting several oral issues. Saliva helps wash away the food debris left after eating and also helps digest it. A dry mouth means less saliva and an increased risk of gum inflammation and tooth decay.
Preventing Dry Mouth
Several ways can help you get rid of dry mouth caused by the sinus infection tooth pain. One of the best things you can do is drink plenty of water to keep your mouth wet. Brush your teeth daily using fluoride toothpaste and use mouth rinse. Also, try to breathe through your nose, so you become habitual of doing so.
Getting rid of tooth pain from sinusitis
The first line of defense against sinus infection tooth pain is antibiotics or antihistamines. If the pain and discomfort are due to bruxism, you may have to wear a nightguard. If the reason behind sinus toothache is tooth damage or cavities, you may need dental fillings.
For more details, contact the experts at Pearl Dentistry. Contact our office at 713.766.4389.