We frequently have patients come into our office complaining that their teeth hurt, believing they may need a root canal. However, when we perform an exam, the tooth pain is directly linked to the sinus. Because the sinus cavity is quite large and located next to the teeth, it can cause you to experience a good deal of discomfort. The following information further elaborates on how a sinus infection can cause the teeth to hurt.
What Is a Sinus Infection and What Causes It?
A sinus infection is a swelling of the lining of the nasal passage. It can result from a cold or allergy. Also known as sinusitis, a sinus infection results when the sinuses fill with fluid. When this occurs, they become blocked and transmit germs. The germs can spread and trigger a sinus infection. When the sinuses are not blocked with fluid, they fill with air – a sign of a healthy sinus.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Some of the main symptoms of sinusitis include facial pressure or pain, a runny or stopped-up nose, loss of smell, and congestion or a cough. Patients may also experience bad breath, tiredness, fever, and dental pain. These symptoms suggest that the patient has acute sinusitis.
You can treat sinusitis with antihistamines or add moisture to your indoor air with a humidifier. If you have been experiencing tooth pain, you may have sinusitis. Give us a call to schedule an exam. Treating a sinus infection can also reduce facial pain or dental discomfort. Often, an infection emerges because of the indoor air in the home. Besides a humidifier, the air sometimes needs to be treated with a purification system. In either case, installing the systems will help you breathe easier and reduce any tooth discomfort or pain. Check with us to see if your tooth pain is related to sinusitis or another dental condition.
We frequently have patients come into our office complaining that their teeth hurt, believing they may need a root canal. However, when we perform an exam, the tooth pain is directly linked to the sinus. Because the sinus cavity is quite large and located next to the teeth, it can cause you to experience a good deal of discomfort. The following information further elaborates on how a sinus infection can cause the teeth to hurt.