Unbearable Sinus Tooth Pain – Its Causes and Treatment Options

Is it tooth pain? Or is it something more? With some 30 million Americans receiving sinus infections diagnoses each year, there’s a chance that severe dental discomfort could be more than a simple sore tooth. You may be battling unbearable sinus tooth pain.

Defining Sinus Tooth Pain

Sometimes, you’re confident that your sinuses are responsible for your misery. On other occasions, you are absolutely positive that a specific tooth is the root cause of your discomfort. However, there are times when it’s unclear where the problem originates, and both sinus pain and dental tooth pain appear to be likely culprits. Labels like sinus tooth pains or sinus toothaches are often used in this situation.

The symptoms of sinus pain include:

• Pain in the upper molars
• Pain around the cheekbones
• Headache
• Sinus pressure
• Ear pressure
• Fever
• Post-nasal drip
• Congestion
• Throat pain
• Loss of taste or smell

Exploring Why Your Teeth Hurt

A quick anatomy lesson offers a simple explanation for both the confusion and the pain. There are several pockets of sinuses. Some are in the forehead and around the eyes. Another set lies behind the cheekbones on either side of the nose. These are incredibly close to the roots of your teeth, which means it’s easy for irritated or inflamed sinuses to put pressure on the nerves of your teeth and jaws. That results in sinus infection and tooth pain.

On a similar note, a tooth that is damaged, infected, or otherwise distressed can impact the nerves in the area of the sinuses, sending referred pain sparking through the region. Worse, a dental infection that begins as a toothache and goes untreated can spread to the sinuses and trigger an infection there.

Seeking Dental Treatment

How can you decide if the problem originates with the sinuses or in a tooth? Generally, pain spurred by the sinuses will be felt in multiple teeth. It will also tend to worsen when you move quickly or bend over. In contrast, pain rooted in a dental issue often ties to a specific tooth. You’ll frequently notice pain and swelling in the vicinity of the troubled tooth, but you’ll rarely encounter problems that get worse with movement.

Dental and sinus problems require different treatments, so getting the right diagnosis and receiving the appropriate treatment is vital. If you are not sure if it’s a tooth problem or a sinus situation, make an appointment with a healthcare professional. They can help you shed light on where the pain is coming from.

When you suspect a tooth is to blame, your dentist can check for dental issues with an exam, X-rays, and other tools. If they find an issue, they can treat it. If they rule out a dental issue, they can suggest an appointment with your doctor. Likewise, suspicions of sinus pain can be addressed with a doctor’s visit. In many cases, sinus infections are treated with over-the-counter medications. However, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a severe infection. Of course, if your sinuses are okay, your doctor may recommend visiting your dentist.

Are you struggling with sinus tooth pain? Do you have a toothache lingering or worsening despite your attempts to soothe it? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. Wekiva Dental offers a full menu of modern dental services and a friendly, experienced staff. Our goal is to provide the best dental care possible. We strive to create healthy smiles. If you’re seeking quality dental care in Orlando, Apopka, Longwood, and Altamonte areas, contact Wekiva Dental to schedule an appointment today.