Article Summary
Tooth pain affects millions of adults and can have multiple causes.
Sinus infections can trigger tooth pain, especially in upper molars.
Inflamed maxillary sinuses create pressure near tooth roots.
Sinus-related tooth pain may affect multiple teeth at once.
Pain often worsens when bending over or moving the head.
Most sinus infections resolve within 7 to 10 days.
Persistent pain may require a dental exam and X-rays.
Professional dental care ensures accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Tooth Pain That Won’t Go Away After a Sinus Infection? Here’s Why
Tooth pain can impact the quality of a person’s life. Toothaches are common in the U.S. Studies estimate that 22% to over 55% of adults have experienced pain in their teeth, jaws, or gums within the past 6 months. One of the sources of pain is a teeth ache sinus infection.
Different Types of Tooth Pain and Their Causes
The different types or degrees of tooth pain are first, and often the most common, a dull and persistent ache. This can be caused by food debris stuck between your teeth or underneath the gums, teeth grinding, or a tooth abscess. Second, sharp and often intense pain. This is typically caused by tooth decay that has stimulated nerve pain from the inside of the tooth. Third, tooth sensitivity. This can be caused by tooth decay, teeth grinding, and gum disease. Fourth, throbbing pain. This typically indicates that the tooth’s nerves are infected. Fifth, pain when putting pressure on the tooth when biting. This could be caused by a tooth infection or fracture. A teeth ache sinus infection can also be a significant source of pain.
Tooth Pain Can Be Caused by a Sinus Infection
Sinus infections affect more than 30 million Americans each year. Symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pressure, headaches, and tooth pain. Viral infections can trap mucus inside sinus passages to create an environment that allows bacteria to grow out of control. Tooth pain can be common with sinus infections because the roots of the upper molars are close to the maxillary sinuses. Thus, when the sinuses become inflamed, pressure builds up that can irritate the nerves of the teeth and cause pain.
Most sinus infections tend to be resolved on their own in 7 to 10 days. Antibiotics are generally only necessary if the infection is bacterial or if symptoms persist or worsen after about 7 days.
Pain Can Persist After a Toothache Sinus Infection
Pain can persist after a teeth ache sinus infection because inflamed maxillary sinuses (located behind the cheekbones) take longer to heal than other cold symptoms, continuing to apply pressure on the nearby roots of upper molars. This residual swelling can mimic a toothache, sometimes called referred pain. If the pain is strictly related to sinuses, it often affects multiple teeth simultaneously and may worsen when bending over or moving the head.
A Dentist’s Approach to Treating Toothaches
A dentist will perform an examination and ask about your symptoms. They may also take a dental X-ray to see if there are any issues beneath your gums. If you have a cavity, a dental filling can be applied. A large cavity or fracture may require a dental crown. If a cavity or crack is too big for a filling but not large enough for a crown, the dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay. Antibiotics and pain relievers can also be prescribed for temporary relief. A dentist is your source for good oral health.
Seek Professional Dental Care
Contact Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry, located off Ben Sawyer Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. for dental care you can trust. We use treatment plans that are practical, using the most advanced technology. We offer caring routine dental care and procedures, including extractions and root canals. For good oral health, the patient is the most important person in the office.