What’s the Link Between Sinus Infections and Toothaches?

Ever woken up to a toothache and wondered if it's just a dental issue or something more? Well, then it’s time to delve into the interesting connection between our sinuses and toothaches. In this article, we’ll jump into what a common sinus infection is, how it’s typically treated and if it has any connections to a toothache as well.

What is Sinus?

Let's start at the beginning. What is sinus? While being a common enough issue, not many are aware that the sinus is not a part of our body but instead, sinuses are air-filled spaces in our skull, around the nose! These spaces help humidify the air we breathe and enhance our voices. However, sometimes they can be the reason for our discomfort.

When you have a cold, viral infection or a stuffy nose, your sinuses can get inflamed leading to these gaps getting filled with mucus and swelling. The inflammation can cause swelling, leading to a blockage of the normal sinus drainage. This can result in symptoms like nasal congestion, headaches, and yes, toothache too!

Sinus Toothache

Now that you know that a sinus infection means inflamed sinuses and the presence of excess mucus in areas that are meant to only have air, you can imagine the amount of pressure this may cause on your face. Many times doctors press on your sinus areas to check if they hurt to assess the amount of mucus in them.

When the sinuses, especially those near our upper teeth, get inflamed, they can exert pressure on the dental nerves. This pressure can mimic a toothache, known as a 'sinus toothache'. It's important to distinguish between a regular toothache and a sinus-induced one, as the treatments differ! A mild case of sinus and tooth pain should resolve itself in a week, but if you face prolonged pain and pressure, it is wise to show yourself to a doctor.

Other Sinus Infection Symptoms

Besides tooth pain, sinus infections can cause several other symptoms. Some of the other sinus infection symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Loss of smell
• Headache
• Fever
• Persistent cough, especially at night
• Tenderness on the face and the feeling of pressure
• Feeling ill and tired in general
• Stuffy nose

Sinus Tooth Pain Relief

Coming back to the sinus toothache, it’s important to target the mucus-filled in your sinuses if you want to relieve your tooth pain! Some helpful sinus toothache relief tips at home are:

• Using warm compresses over your face and sinus area to drain the mucus
• Sipping on warm fluids and doing frequent steam inhalation to open your nose
• Use over-the-counter nasal sprays to decongest your nose and relieve some pressure
• Taking a painkiller for sinus pain from toothache if it’s unbearable
• Cleaning the inside of your nose with a saltwater solution to keep it bacteria-free
• Propping your head in a titled direction while sleeping so that you can aim for more mucus drainage
• Prioritising oral hygiene by enhancing your oral care routine can also help in the overall relief of your toothache and other issues.

Sinus Infection Treatment

If home remedies don't cut it, don't worry. Sinus infection treatment is all about managing the symptoms and addressing the infection. Your doctor might prescribe nasal decongestants, antihistamines, or even antibiotics if it's a bacterial infection. Remember, sinus infection treatment is not a one-size-fits-all, so always consult your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, yes, there's a definite connection between sinuses and toothaches. Understanding this link can help in managing the symptoms more effectively. So next time you have a toothache accompanied by sinus symptoms, you don't have to get too worried and immediately rush to your dentist. Consider if your sinuses are the real culprits and follow the above-mentioned tips to relieve your sinus and toothache. Additionally, you can also add makeO toothsi products into your oral care routine to ensure that your teeth are healthy and strong. With our excellent electric toothbrushes and water flossers, you can boost your oral hygiene and prevent such issues from occurring as well.