Although the natural reaction to a toothache is to assume there is a problem with the tooth, sometimes the tooth isn't the culprit.
A very common side effect of a sinus infection is toothache.
This article will give an overview of sinus infections and how they impact our teeth.
What are Sinuses? The sinuses, also referred to as the paranasal sinuses, are four-paired air filled cavities located around the nasal passageway.
There are two above the eyes/behind the eyebrows at the lower part of the forehead, two directly behind the bridge of the nose between the eyes, two directly behind the nose, and two that occupy the space behind the cheekbones.
The sinuses are designed to trap particulates such as dirt, germs and pollen so they are not breathed into the lungs.
Mucus drains from the sinuses, removing the irritants from the body.
Sinus Infections and Tooth Pain There are different causes of sinus infections, but the symptoms are basically the same.
The thin lining in the sinuses becomes inflamed and swells up, narrowing the passageways and preventing the mucus from draining.
The trapped fluid begins to create pressure, and that built up pressure manifests in pain.
The maxillary sinuses are the sinuses located behind the cheekbones.
They reach as far down as the upper row of teeth.
In fact, the floor of the maxillary sinuses is just barely separated from the roots of the upper teeth.
So when the maxillary sinuses become infected and pressure mounts, they can push down and actually put stress on the roots of the upper teeth.
Is it the teeth or the sinuses? Check the Teeth A dentist will examine the upper teeth to determine the source of the pain.
If the problem is, indeed, related to the tooth, the pain will be isolated.
Tapping on the tooth as well as icing what appears to be the origin of the pain will help determine if the tooth is really to blame.
An x-ray may be done to ensure the integrity of the tooth.
The dentist will also check to see if the pulpitis is infected.
This is the area of gum around the tooth that holds the blood vessels and nerves.
If the teeth check out as healthy, the assumption then moves to the sinuses.
Check the Maxillary Sinuses A common sign that it is truly the maxillary sinuses causing the trouble is if the pain appears to originate in the upper back molars and gets worse when the head moves, especially when going between lying down and sitting up.
Rule out the sinuses first Especially if finances are a factor, try to treat the sinuses first.
Take OTC (over-the-counter) decongestants, use a humidifier, take a long hot bath or shower, drink hot teas and use nasal sprays.
Do what you can to open the sinus passageways in order to drain the built up fluid.
If you gain some relief, but the pressure still persists, you'll at least know you are on the right track.
At that point a doctor can prescribe antibiotics.
For more information about sinus pressure, contact an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor.
If you are in Georgia, Atlanta sinus specialists can help you find solutions.
A very common side effect of a sinus infection is toothache.
This article will give an overview of sinus infections and how they impact our teeth.
What are Sinuses? The sinuses, also referred to as the paranasal sinuses, are four-paired air filled cavities located around the nasal passageway.
There are two above the eyes/behind the eyebrows at the lower part of the forehead, two directly behind the bridge of the nose between the eyes, two directly behind the nose, and two that occupy the space behind the cheekbones.
The sinuses are designed to trap particulates such as dirt, germs and pollen so they are not breathed into the lungs.
Mucus drains from the sinuses, removing the irritants from the body.
Sinus Infections and Tooth Pain There are different causes of sinus infections, but the symptoms are basically the same.
The thin lining in the sinuses becomes inflamed and swells up, narrowing the passageways and preventing the mucus from draining.
The trapped fluid begins to create pressure, and that built up pressure manifests in pain.
The maxillary sinuses are the sinuses located behind the cheekbones.
They reach as far down as the upper row of teeth.
In fact, the floor of the maxillary sinuses is just barely separated from the roots of the upper teeth.
So when the maxillary sinuses become infected and pressure mounts, they can push down and actually put stress on the roots of the upper teeth.
Is it the teeth or the sinuses? Check the Teeth A dentist will examine the upper teeth to determine the source of the pain.
If the problem is, indeed, related to the tooth, the pain will be isolated.
Tapping on the tooth as well as icing what appears to be the origin of the pain will help determine if the tooth is really to blame.
An x-ray may be done to ensure the integrity of the tooth.
The dentist will also check to see if the pulpitis is infected.
This is the area of gum around the tooth that holds the blood vessels and nerves.
If the teeth check out as healthy, the assumption then moves to the sinuses.
Check the Maxillary Sinuses A common sign that it is truly the maxillary sinuses causing the trouble is if the pain appears to originate in the upper back molars and gets worse when the head moves, especially when going between lying down and sitting up.
Rule out the sinuses first Especially if finances are a factor, try to treat the sinuses first.
Take OTC (over-the-counter) decongestants, use a humidifier, take a long hot bath or shower, drink hot teas and use nasal sprays.
Do what you can to open the sinus passageways in order to drain the built up fluid.
If you gain some relief, but the pressure still persists, you'll at least know you are on the right track.
At that point a doctor can prescribe antibiotics.
For more information about sinus pressure, contact an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor.
If you are in Georgia, Atlanta sinus specialists can help you find solutions.