Saving Your Sinuses: Toothache Relief With a Sinus Infection

According to WebMD, approximately 37 million Americans suffer from sinus issues. Your sinuses are the mucous-lined passages within your skull. If they become infected, inflamed, or irritated, this can cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms, including headaches and congestion. Since they are in close proximity to your mouth, problems with your sinuses can also lead to toothache. At our Houston dental practice, Dr. Craig Armstrong and our team are dedicated to helping you maintain and improve every facet of your oral health. In the following blog, we explain how sinus toothaches work and what you can do to alleviate your symptoms.

Symptoms of a Sinus Toothache

When your tooth begins to throb, it can be difficult to identify the exact source of the discomfort. In addition, sinus toothaches can manifest in a variety of ways, depending on your particular condition. You may be experiencing a sinus toothache if:

• You suffer from sharp or dull discomfort in a particular region of your mouth. This may be constant or intermittent.
• You have or recently had a cold or flu.
• You have allergies. Many people experience an uptick in sinus issues during the summer when pollen is more abundant.
• You have recently been exposed to a chemical irritant or other substance that could upset your sinus function.
• You suffer from sinus polyps or another condition that could block the flow of air and mucous through your sinuses.

If you notice any of the above, you should make an appointment to see Dr. Armstrong. During this visit, he will examine your mouth and sinuses, go over your medical and dental records, and discuss your concerns with you to help diagnose your condition.

What Causes a Sinus Toothache?

In some cases, your toothache symptoms may be completely unrelated to any issues with your actual teeth and gums. Other sinus conditions can put pressure on the surrounding tissue and lead to the feeling of a toothache. However, your discomfort may actually be tied to a dental issue. The following oral health conditions can lead to sinus toothache:

• Prior treatment. If you have recently undergone oral surgery, root canal therapy, or crown placement, your tissue may have become infected or damaged in the process, and bacteria could have spread to your sinuses, as well. This is why it is important to work with a qualified practitioner like Dr. Armstrong when having these procedures.
• Tooth root infection. If your tooth becomes injured, bacteria could penetrate and infect it, in addition to the sinuses. Sinus toothaches are particularly common when diseased third molars (wisdom teeth) are not removed. These may develop abscesses (inflamed, pus-filled pockets) very close to the sinuses.
• Oral injury. Trauma to the face or head region could impact both your sinuses and your teeth, leading to sinus toothache symptoms.
• Loss of upper teeth. If you have had one or more upper teeth extracted, your sinuses may not have enough support to remain in proper position, causing them to drop. Sinuses that are lower than than normal often accumulate debris and cannot operate well.

How We Can Help

If you suffer from a sinus toothache, Dr. Armstrong and our team can assist you by diagnosing your condition, determining the cause of your discomfort, and recommending appropriate treatment. For example, if a tooth root infection is causing your sinus toothache, Dr. Armstrong can perform root canal therapy to clean the tooth and remove the diseased tissue, which should allow the sinuses to function better. We can also perform restorative procedures to repair damage from oral trauma and extract diseased wisdom teeth. If your sinuses have dropped, Dr. Armstrong may recommend that you undergo a sinus lift, a bone grafting procedure to reposition and build up the jawbone tissue in this area. In addition to addressing your toothache, a sinus lift can make you eligible for advanced, cosmetic dental implants at our Houston practice.

Enjoy a Beautiful Smile and Healthy Sinuses

Having a sinus toothache can be extremely uncomfortable and affect your oral health. If you suffer from this condition, Dr. Armstrong and our team can help you identify what’s causing your discomfort and help you remedy it.