Can Oral Problems Cause Sinus Problems?

Could there be a connection between oral problems and a sinus infection? If so, what is it? Sinusitis or an infection of the sinuses may correlate or co-occur with a toothache. Sometimes, an infected tooth affects the sinuses, and sometimes it is the other way around. 

Regardless of the causative relation, the problem can only be successfully addressed with the help of a healthcare professional who may also help you avoid developing a chronic infection.

Read on to find out what an oral surgeon with experience in performing emergency tooth extractions in Wildomar and the Temecula Valley area has to say about this painful topic!

Can tooth abscess drain into sinuses?

First of all, what is a dental abscess? A tooth abscess is a collection or a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, which is, in turn, usually caused by trauma or untreated dental cavities in the pulp. The abscess is normally found at the root of the tooth or within the gum or bone tissue surrounding the affected tooth. 

A dental abscess can be the root cause of sinusitis and/or headaches. These symptoms are the key indicators that a root canal intervention or a tooth extraction may be necessary. If you suspect a dental abscess, seek attention from a dental professional immediately. Consulting an oral surgeon may be the most straightforward way to put the situation under control. 

Untreated abscesses may also lead to:

• Tooth pain
• Gum pain
• Sinus infection

So what is the connection between an abscessed tooth and a sinus infection? The infection from a tooth abscess can simply spread to the sinus cavity. 

Can poor oral hygiene cause sinusitis?

Poor oral hygiene can cause a range of health issues that vary in severity. So the answer is yes, a sinus infection caused by inadequate oral hygiene is indeed a plausible scenario. 

If a patient suffers from a severe infection of the teeth and/or gums, the infection can travel to the sinuses. How come? The answer lies in the human anatomy. 

Namely, this is because of how thin the bone separating the root of the molars and the maxillary sinuses is. An untreated tooth or gum abscess can cause serious long-term damage, which is why it is imperative to seek advice from an oral surgeon as soon as symptoms arise. 

Can a dentist tell if you have a sinus infection?

A dental professional can see if your sinusitis may be caused by a maxillary dental infection, which is a dental infection in the upper jawbone. Oral surgeons typically rely on panoramic imaging when examining patients and this allows them to see all the important structures, including the sinus cavities of the maxilla, which is the upper jawbone. This helps the doctor make an accurate evaluation and diagnosis so they can help patients make informed decisions.

How long does a sinus toothache last?

A toothache co-occurring with a sinus condition can last a considerable amount of time, between seven to 10 days, at which point the symptoms may clear up. This may not sound like an overly long period of time, however, some patients endure intense pain as a result of the combined infection. 

Of course, other factors may contribute to toothache or sinusitis, so a patient in this situation should definitely see a general dentist or oral surgeon for consultation and, if necessary, treatment.

Safe and comfortable emergency tooth extractions in Wildomar and the region

A tooth infection can get out of hand. Evidence suggests oral health problems, specifically in the molars and premolars, may be directly associated with sinus infections. So as tempting it may sound to have an infected tooth treated and salvaged, sometimes this is simply not the safest route to take. 

It is often in your best interest to have the infected tooth removed altogether, as this can save you time and money, not to mention spare you the unnecessary stress, hassle, and discomfort from potential complications which can arise and escalate rapidly.

Find out why patients from Wildomar and other communities in the Temecula Valley region come to us. Call now!