Do I Have Sinus Pain or Tooth Pain?

Experiencing pain in your facial area is never pleasant. If you have pain in your teeth, you may wonder whether the pain is caused by your teeth or by a sinus infection, especially if you have other symptoms. A sinus infection can cause your teeth to feel painful. Meanwhile, a dental infection can also cause a sinus infection. 

Because it can be difficult to figure out the root cause, see your dentist or doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. Restorative dentistry can treat problems associated with damaged teeth. You can also help prevent the pain caused by tooth decay by practicing good oral hygiene habits and getting regular cleanings.

What Is a Sinus Infection?

Your paranasal sinuses are cavities in the bone of your forehead, face, and around your nose. Scientists believe the sinuses play several roles, including producing mucus to drain out infection, warming and moisturizing the air you breathe, and even affecting the way your voice sounds.

A sinus infection can happen after a viral infection like the common cold. The cold causes mucus and swelling, disrupting how the nose and sinuses drain. In turn, this creates an environment for more viruses and bacteria to grow inside the sinuses.

Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

If you have a sinus infection, you may experience:

• Pain or pressure around your face or in your ears
• Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
• Headache
• Fever
• Toothache

You may also experience a foul odour to your breath, and your sense of smell may feel blunted.

Most of the time, sinus infections go away on their own. Sometimes, antibiotics are necessary to treat bacterial infections. See a doctor if your symptoms become more serious or do not improve.

What Causes Tooth Pain?

Toothaches can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• Decay: Tooth decay happens when there is damage to the hard enamel around your teeth. A cavity can form, affecting the tissue beneath the enamel and causing pain. Proper brushing and flossing habits can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• Infection: An abscess happens when your tooth gets infected. It affects the dental pulp inside your tooth, causing pain. Your tooth may hurt more when you bite, and you may notice redness and swelling in the surrounding gums. Abscesses do not heal on their own, so see your dentist if you suspect one. Left untreated, abscesses can cause more serious infections.
• Sensitivity: Some people experience pain when they eat something very hot or cold. Mild pain can be due to worn teeth and receding gums, but more serious pain may signal a possible cavity or an injured tooth.
• Impaction: An impacted tooth is a tooth that has not erupted through the gums. This can cause painful infection and/or inflamed gums.
• Injury: Pain can be caused by direct trauma to the tooth, such as getting your tooth knocked out or borken by a baseball.

What to Do About Tooth Pain

If you experience tooth pain, contact your dentist and ask for a prompt appointment. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain medications, but do not put any medications directly on the area that hurts, as this can harm the gums. You can also use a cold compress like an ice pack, but avoid hot compresses because heat can make the pain worse.

See your dentist even if your tooth pain goes away. If you have an abscess, the pain may go away because the pulp has died and stopped sending pain signals, but the infection is still there.

The Connection Between Sinus Infections & Tooth Pain

There is a connection between sinus infections and toothaches. Sinus infections can cause tooth pain. Meanwhile, tooth infections can lead to sinus infections.

Your teeth and sinuses are quite close to each other. An infection can cause the maxillary sinuses to be inflamed, and because these sinuses are just above your back teeth, the pain can feel like tooth pain. This closeness also allows germs from a dental infection to easily pass into the sinuses.

Is It a Sinus Infection or Tooth Pain?

It can be difficult to tell whether the root of your pain is a sinus infection or a problem with your teeth. Only a qualified medical professional can diagnose your condition, but here are some signs and symptoms that the pain has a dental cause:

• Swollen gums or face
• Pain in response to very hot or cold foods
• Pain or swelling near a tooth that has recently undergone dental treatment

Meanwhile, the following signs and symptoms may indicate that a sinus infection is the root cause:

• Nasal congestion (it may be on 1 side only)
• A blunted sense of smell

Again, if you are experiencing tooth pain or signs of a sinus infection, visit a healthcare provider. Getting a proper diagnosis is the first step toward relief.

Get Dental Care in Ancaster, ON

Tooth pain is not just uncomfortable. Left untreated, a toothache caused by an abscess can have serious consequences, such as loss of the tooth. However, earlier intervention can mean more successful treatment. For example, if your tooth has an infected pulp, a root canal can treat the infection without the need to remove the tooth. 

We understand that dental procedures can be intimidating for patients, especially if they have tooth pain. Our aim at South Ancaster Family Dental is to make dental visits as comfortable for patients as possible. Our dentists are happy to discuss all your treatment options. Contact us to book an appointment today.