Can Sinus Problems Cause Oral Problems?

Are you wiping your nose all the time? Are you prone to headaches that seem to affect the whole side of your face, including your teeth? All these symptoms are annoying, but they may also serve as warning signs of sinusitis, a condition that needs to be treated before it gets out of hand.

Sinusitis or a sinus infection can be acute or chronic. So what exactly is sinusitis? Sinusitis is a condition that affects the sinuses, the empty spaces on either frontal side of the skull which are connected to the nasal cavity. These spaces become inflamed and you experience pain as a result.

But a sinus infection may not stop there. In fact, patients with a severe, untreated sinus infection may experience tooth pain that is sinus-related. If you suspect this is happening to you, it’s time to consult an oral and dental health specialist with experience in performing emergency extractions in Wildomar and other parts of Temecula. Here is what else you need to know.

How do I know if my toothache is a sinus infection?

Are oral problems the cause of your sinus infection, or is it the other way around? If a sinus infection is causing your toothache, what are the key indicators of this?

• Nasal or sinus congestion.
• Only the upper back teeth are affected.
• More than one tooth can be affected by the infection.
• Pain when chewing/biting.
• Absence of sensitivity to hot and cold.

Which teeth hurt when you have a sinus infection?

When it comes to sinus infection-induced toothache, patients normally experience pain in the upper back teeth. However, since this is a common symptom which patients can easily mistake for other conditions, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. 

Some patients may struggle with a sinus infection caused by abscessed teeth or abscessed gums, the first step is to put the infection under control. A severe infection sometimes requires an oral surgeon to intervene and do so as promptly as possible. 

Concerned about chronic sinus infections? Wondering whether they can have a bearing on your oral and general health? There is only one way to find an answer to this question: seek treatment. 

What does a sinus toothache feel like?

A sinus toothache is unlike a regular toothache. When a toothache is directly linked to sinus problems, you may experience the following symptoms: 

• Tenderness and pressure in the region of the eyes and/or forehead
• Nasal drip (typically one-sided)
• Congestion (typically one-sided)
• Thick, discolored mucus
• Ear pain
• Sore throat
• Interference with your sense of smell and taste due to congestion

How to relieve toothache from sinus pressure?

While you’re waiting for your emergency or scheduled appointment with a dental professional, here is what you can do for pain relief:

• Stay hydrated and maximize your water intake
• Stick to a Vitamin C and Calcium-rich diet
• Opt for food high in Omega-3 fatty acids
• Eat foods that combat inflammation 
• Use steam to open your nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure
• Rinse your sinuses with a saline solution.

Is Covid 19 like a sinus infection?

Some patients suspect they have COVID-19 when in fact they are battling a sinus infection, mainly because the symptoms of COVID-19 are often described as being flu-like or resembling the symptoms of a severe, prolonged cold. Unlike COVID-19, which typically causes respiratory symptoms, a dry cough, and a loss of taste and smell, sinusitis can cause facial pressure and discomfort in the face, congestion, and nasal drip.

Get swift relief with emergency extractions in Wildomar and the area

We offer our patients a wide range of advanced surgical procedures and interventions that bring predictable outcomes. Contact us now to find out why Dr. Tsvetov is the number one choice for patients in Wildomar and other communities across the area. With us, you will get the quality treatment you deserve. 

Aside from complex yet efficient tooth extractions and dental implant placements, Dr. Tsvetov performs various other advanced procedures in his practice, including bone grafting or sinus lift. Feel free to schedule an appointment and see for yourself!