Fall is just on the horizon; the weather’s shifting, and the air is getting heavy with humidity. You know what that means – people are about to be caught up in a storm of allergies and sinus infections!
Hopefully you have some good home remedies to help keep the sickness at bay, but knowing the difference between a sinus toothache and a cavity would still save you some time and stress as the seasons change. Keep reading so you can better tell these two sensations apart.
Symptoms of A Sinus Toothache
It’s true, sinus infections can also cause aches in your teeth. This is because your sinuses are located right around your cheeks, just above your jaw. When mucus and inflammation makes them swell, the excess weight puts pressure on your jaw, gums, and teeth.
It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what you’re feeling if you have a cold or sinus infection, but generally, here’s what a sinus-pressure toothache could look like:
- Discomfort across multiple teeth, and usually the top ones
- Worsening pain when you tilt your head or sit in certain positions
- Congestion
- Feeling like your ears are “full”
- Additional aches through your nose, eyes, or head
- Uncomfortable throat – think “scratchy,” “itchy,” or “sore”
- Fever
Basically, if you can’t quite tell where your pain is coming from or have other flu-like symptoms, you most likely have a sinus toothache.
When to Call Your Dentist
In contrast, pinpoint pain focused on one specific tooth could be an urgent dental condition. These types of toothaches are also typically less “achy” and more sharp or severe. Cavities, gum disease, infection, and other dental disasters don’t directly cause congestion either, so if you don’t feel like you’re breathing through a straw, it’s a good idea to call your dentist right away!
As with a sinus toothache, you may also be experiencing additional symptoms, such as:
- Red or swollen gums
- Noticing dental damage, like chips, cracks, or holes
- Fever
- Seeing a pimple-like bump near your gumline (do not pop it like a pimple!)
Possible Treatments
Toothaches related to your sinuses will usually fade once the mucus is drained and the inflammation has gone down. You can take allergy medication to relieve your symptoms, relax with a humidifier, and try to keep your head propped up at night. If the problem persists for more than a week or two, though, you should visit your doctor.
Treating a dental-condition related toothache will depend on what exactly is causing your pain. Your dentist may need to fill a cavity, start gum disease therapy, or clean out an infection with a root canal. Whatever the case may be, you can trust that they’ll thoroughly examine your mouth to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Above all, remember to get plenty of rest, especially this time of year! Consistent, full sleep is known to improve your immune system’s function, which will help your body fight off both sinus infections and dental conditions like gum disease!
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Yenzer earned his dental degree from the University of Missouri in Kansas City and has since completed several advanced training courses in topics like endodontics and dental implants. With over 20 years of experience in dentistry, you can trust that Dr. Yenzer will listen attentively to your toothache symptoms and provide quality treatment if necessary. To contact his office with questions or concerns about your toothache or other dental matters, call 636-778-3019.