From congestion to achiness, feeling constant pressure in your sinuses can prove tiresome and uncomfortable. But have you ever wondered why tooth pain sometimes seems to accompany your sinus pressure?
You might think of sinus pressure as something that can cause headaches. Indeed, your forehead and temple are two notable sinus pressure points. However, additional pressure points around your face can sometimes result in sinus and tooth pain. We’re going to discuss the relationship between your sinuses and toothaches – including what sinusitis is and how it can impact multiple teeth – plus ways to relieve tooth pain from heavy sinus pressure.
What Causes Sinus Pressure?
Sinus pressure happens when you have inflammation or irritation in the membranes lining your nasal passages. Additionally, excess mucus buildup can lead to sinus pain and pressure if it does not drain properly.
You typically feel sinus pressure when you have a cold or are dealing with seasonal allergies from things like pollen. Sinus infections will also often lead to sinus pressure and pain – these infections can be viral or bacterial. Similarly, you may be prone to irritation or inflammation if you’re frequently exposed to air pollutants like cigarette smoke or house dust.
What is Sinusitis?
Essentially, sinusitis refers to a sinus infection. You may have chronic or acute sinusitis depending on the length of the symptoms.
Acute sinusitis typically refers to short-term infections. Chronic sinusitis, meanwhile, is often defined as a sinus infection with symptoms that last longer than 12 weeks. Repeated sinus infections may also be a telltale sign of chronic sinusitis.
Viral vs. Bacterial Sinus Infection
Both acute and chronic sinusitis tend to be caused by viruses like the common cold. However, chronic sinusitis may indicate a bacterial sinus infection because of the duration of the symptoms.
Since both viral and bacterial sinus infections bring about the same symptoms, it can be hard to differentiate between the two. That’s why it’s important to monitor the length of your symptoms and reach out to a doctor if they last longer than a week – you may need an antibiotic to help resolve a bacterial sinus infection.
Can a Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Pain?
Yes, sinus infections can cause tooth pain. In fact, any form of sinus pressure (even if it’s not sinusitis) can result in tooth pain.
In addition to the pressure points by your temple and the bridge of the nose, you also have sinus pressure points in your cheekbones – these are called the maxillary sinuses. So, it’s not uncommon to feel tooth pain whether you have sinusitis or sinus pressure from another cause, especially in your upper molars since those teeth are closer to the pressure point.
So, is it a Sinus Infection or Toothache?
A good rule of thumb is if you have tooth pain or pressure in multiple teeth, especially your upper molars, you may have a sinus infection. However, if the pain is isolated to just a single tooth, then it’s more likely a toothache.
However, there’s a chance you have sinusitis stemming from a toothache or other dental issue.
More than 40% of maxillary sinus infections stem from a dental infection of some kind. And, since dental infections can cause toothaches, you may develop sinusitis as well. It’s very dependent on individual anatomy. Some people have dental roots extending all the way up to the maxillary sinuses. Others do not.
Reach out to your doctor if you develop symptoms of a sinus infection after experiencing tooth pain. They can help provide an official diagnosis before giving you a treatment plan. Acting promptly in the event you do have a dental infection can help reduce the risk of chronic sinusitis or developing a dental abscess.
How to Relieve Tooth Pain from Sinus Pressure
Sinus and tooth pain can be a double whammy. Things like saline nasal sprays and steam inhalation can help combat sinus pressure, but you might also be looking for ways to help reduce the associated tooth pain you may feel. Whether you have sinus infection tooth pain or discomfort from general sinus pressure, consider some of the following remedies:
Massage Pressure Points
Using your fingers to massage your cheekbones may help get the mucus flowing and stimulate the drainage of mucus out of those areas. This, in turn, may help relieve sinus pressure contributing to tooth pain. Use a circular motion and massage as needed to get the blood flowing.
Cold Compresses
Applying an ice pack or cool cloth to the affected area(s) can help reduce inflammation and tooth pain from sinus pressure. You can also opt for steam inhalation by way of a humidifier or a warm shower to help open up the nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure.
Drink Lots of Water
Staying hydrated can help you avoid tooth pain. It may also relieve sinus and tooth pain. Conversely, being dehydrated can exacerbate sinus pressure. So make sure to drink ample fluids throughout the day.
Saltwater Rinses
A saltwater rinse is another way of helping reduce inflammation in affected areas for temporary pain relief. You want to mix a few teaspoons of table salt in warm water until the salt is dissolved, then swish the mixture around your mouth, focusing on the affected areas. Be sure not to swallow the rinse.
Orajel™ Antisepic Rinses Plus Topical Creams & Gels
Orajel™ toothache remedies come in multiple formats. This includes the Orajel™ Toothache Rinse, which can help relieve pain across multiple teeth. It also includes gels and creams for more targeted application when you have isolated tooth pain.
Try any of the following if you are experiencing tooth pain from sinus pressure:
Continue to brush and floss your teeth even when you have tooth pain. Plaque removal is an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums while also reducing the risk of future oral health problems.
Brush and floss gently around the affected areas and use Orajel™ toothache remedies when you have tooth pain from sinus pressure so you can maintain a strong oral health regimen while still getting temporary pain relief as needed.
Turn Back Sinus Tooth Pain with Orajel™
Dealing with sinus pressure or a sinus infection and tooth pain on top isn’t fun. That’s why it’s important to find relief and take steps to help you feel better. Keep some Orajel™ toothache remedies in your medicine cabinet so you can stay prepared and get fast, topical pain relief if you tend to experience tooth pain from sinus pressure or have acute or chronic sinusitis.
Disclaimer: Only put Orajel™ creams or gels around the gums. Do not put inside any cavity or open wound site.
