How Do You Know What Kind Of Toothache You Have
In most cases, the symptoms of a sinus toothache are very similar to those of a regular toothache so it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Both types of toothache can cause considerable pain and discomfort. A toothache that is related to a sinus infection or sinus inflammation is usually felt in the upper molars. Usually, discomfort can be felt in more than one tooth.
If your toothache is caused by an oral health concern, the pain is likely to affect just one tooth and may feel more intense than a sinus toothache. Certain movements may exacerbate the pain of a sinus toothache because sinus pressure can move with the movement of your body.
Remedies For Gum Pain
In case the only symptoms you are experiencing is gum pain, then you can try the following remedies:
1# Saltwater Rinse
Warming 1 cup of water on the stove and pouring it into a cool glass can help you to make a salt water rinse.
Add 1 tablespoon of salt to want water and mix well.
Make sure to swish the mixture in the mouth and then spit it into the sink when you finish, however, do not swallow it.
The salt can prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth and decrease the bacteria on your gums that may be causing the swelling.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, at least twice a day until the swelling subsides.
2# Compress
You can either try a hot or cold compress to help reduce pain.
For a Hot Compress: Heat water to a tolerable temperature, soak a clean cloth in the hot water, and then squeeze out the excess.
Gently press the warm, damp cloth to your face near the area where it hurts, however, avoid putting it directly to your gums.
For a Cold Compress: Warm an ice pack in a clean cloth and apply it in the same way as above.
Moreover, you can use either method until the pain subsides, or alternate between hot and cold until any swelling and inflammation die out.
3# Herbal Poultice
You can use certain herbs and spices for home remedies in case of gum inflammation and pain.
Clove Powder and Spilanthes are both analgesics, i.e. pain-relieving herbs.
To use this treatment, mix the powder with a herb of your choice with a little warm water until you have a paste.
Chronic Sinus Infections Can Be Caused By Infected Teeth
Its important to understand that sinus infections can actually be caused by an infected tooth. If one of your upper teeth is infected, there is likely quite a bit of bacteria at the root of the tooth.
The roots of your upper teeth are extremely close to your sinus lining and sinus cavity. In some cases, the root can actually poke through the floor of the sinus. In a severe tooth infection, the bacteria may cause the bone to decay and break down, allowing the infection to spread into your sinus lining, causing sinusitis.
This is also known as sinusitis of endodontic origin. If you are experiencing sinus infection-like symptoms after a root canal, this may be the issue. Your root canal will have removed the infection from your tooth, but your sinuses may still be infected. You may need to see a doctor to get appropriate treatment to eliminate the source of your infection.
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How To Relieve Sinus Toothache Pain:
The effects of sinus toothaches are known to escalate due to certain types of movement, due to shifting sinus pressure. Because of this, one of the best ways to relieve pain is to limit movement. Pain may ease when sitting in a stationary position or lying down. There are also a few other remedies that you can try before opting for traditional treatment.
Here are some things you can try to ease pain:
- Flush Out Your Sinuses Using premixed over-the-counter saline solution can help out your sinuses by moisturizing them and clearing out allergens in your nasal pathway. You shouldnt be too reliant on these products, as they can cause congestion to rebound and be even worse than before if used for more than a short timeframe.
- Drink More Fluids Water especially is essential in relieving the severity of a sinus infection. When you are properly hydrated pressure is released and drippage will be reduced.
- Hot Liquids and Steam Along with water, drinks like hot tea and eating soup can help greatly comfort the affected areas. Hot showers are also very helpful in a similar way due to the steam releasing pressure and opening up your nasal cavity.
Why Sinusitis Hurts Your Teeth
More often, if youve got a toothache, you know why. But if the reason for your tooth pain is not immediately obvious and youve been suffering from nasal congestion, you may want to consider sinus issues.
Why?
Its all about where your teeth are in your body. After all, the roots of your upper teeth, especially your molars, are right next to your sinuses. So, if youve got inflammation or even worse, infection in the area, it can cause some pain.
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So What Can You Do About Tooth Pain Caused By Sinus Infection
Unfortunately, the only way to treat the pain is to treat the sinus infection itself. Over-the-counter cold-and-sinus medication will help, but here are a few home remedies that may offer some relief:
Drink Coconut Water
Hydrating the mucus membranes decreases mucus buildup so you dont get any worse. The coconut water specifically is high in electrolytes like magnesium, potassium and sodium, all of which can give your immune system a bit of a boost to clear the infection a bit faster.
Eat Chilies
Getting your nose running and your eyes watering will help you clear some of the blocked mucus. And as a bonus, capsaicin is a natural pain reliever.
Hum A Few Tunes
Seriously. Humming increases airflow to your sinuses, which can help clear and drain them. Wed recommend longer songs like American Pie or Inna Gadda Da Vida.
Sleep Sitting Up
Propping your head up will get gravity to do some of the draining work for you while you rest. If you cant do that, some extra pillows will also work.
Cure Your Tooth Pain Today
If you suffer from tooth pain caused by a blocked sinus, there are many treatments out there. By finding a way to ease your sinus pain, you can put a stop to your toothaches and get back to living your life.
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Do you have any experiences living with chronic sinus pain and toothaches? Join the conversation and leave your comments below.
For more information on Dr. Lins clinical protocol that highlights the steps parents can take to prevent dental problems in their children:
Want to know more? Dr Steven Lins book, The Dental Diet, is available to order today. An exploration of ancestral medicine, the human microbiome and epigenetics its a complete guide to the mouth-body connection. Take the journey and the 40-day delicious food program for life-changing oral and whole health.
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When To See A Doctor Or Dentist
Some conditions that cause one-sided jaw pain can progress to something worst that may need immediate medical care.
Visit your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis of your disease.
- When you experience pain in your mouth or jaw for prolonged periods and are accompanied by debilitating symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, and fatigue, visit a hospital immediately.
- Also if your jaw pain interferes with simple tasks and your health, such as trouble eating, drinking, swallowing or breathing.
- You hear a clicking sound around your jaw joint, have difficulty opening your mouth, and other additional symptoms of a temporomandibular disorder.
- Suppose your jaw hurt on one side from physical impact that may result in jaw injury. It may be caused by a dislocation or fracture and will need emergency treatment.
- Visit your dentist if you have emerging wisdom teeth and a dental problem like cavities or gum disease.
- If you have severe tooth pain, bleeding gums, mouth sores, lumps or growth in your mouth. Any signs of an infection, tumor or cysts, will need immediate treatment.
What Should Monrovia Patients Do
If you suspect you might have a sinus infection, especially one severe enough to cause tooth pain, you need to see your doctor. Depending on the severity of the pain you may choose to ask for an expedited appointment. Either way, its important to be seen. You may find temporary relief with over-the-counter meds, but a sinus infection requires antibiotics.
Taking Care of Tooth Pain
In the meantime, if your tooth pain is causing you discomfort, there are some important steps that you should take:
- Make an appointment with to ensure that your tooth pain is originating in your sinuses and that it isnt a dental issue.
- As with any time that mucus is an issue, be sure to up your fluid intake drinking plenty of water, or clear fluids will help thin the mucus out. This will help with unblocking your nasal passages.
- Inhaling steam can help to help break down the mucus, and there are a couple of different ways to do this. You can either purchase a facial steaming unit from your local drugstore or take a hot shower several times daily.
- If the blockage is bothering you when you lie down to sleep, be sure to use a humidifier in your room to ensure adequate moisture in the air.
- And of course, remember that looking after your sinus infection will take care of your tooth pain as well.
Suffering from tooth pain due to a sinus infection is uncomfortable, so be sure to contact Monrovia dentist, Dr. Q for fast advice if youre having issues.
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Natural Remedies For Sinusitis
Its normal to want to treat the current sinus infection quickly. That said, it is a good idea to get to the root of the problem. Treating your chronic nasal congestion can end your toothaches for good. This will let you get back to your normal life.
Once you treat the tooth pain, you can tackle your underlying problem. Here are some natural remedies for sinusitis:
- Flush your sinuses. Use a neti pot or a saline solution to flush your sinuses. This will also keep them moist.
- Do not over-use nasal sprays. Over the counter, nasal sprays are habit forming and can cause more problems than they solve.
- Try a bromelain supplement. Bromelain is an ingredient in pineapple stems and can help reduce swelling in the body. Check with your doctor before taking this supplement.
- Steam your face. Hot steam can really moisten your sinuses and loosen mucus. Try a hot shower or a steam tent.
- Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated is key when it comes to a natural remedy for sinusitis.
- Spicy foods. Chili peppers, mustard, and horseradish can all help clear your sinuses.
- Try a humidifier. This will keep the air in your home moist and easy to breathe.
Whats The Difference Between A Regular Toothache And A Sinus Toothache
All pain is not created equal. Typically, a toothache thats not caused by sinus problems will only involve one tooth. Conversely, if youre experiencing a sinus toothache, youll probably feel discomfort in several teeth, particularly the top molars . A toothache thats accompanied by sinus problems usually includes some or all of the following symptoms:
- Pressure or tenderness around the eyes or forehead
- Bad-tasting nasal drip
- Sore throat
- Inability to smell and taste
These symptoms all intertwine because the position of the nasal cavities causes discomfort across a persons entire face, head, and neck region, whereas a single toothache may be caused by decay, damage, or sensitivity in one tooth.
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Whats The Difference Between Sinus Pain And A Toothache
There are several indicators that can help you tell the difference between sinus pain and pain from a toothache in the same area. Among them:
- Location of the pain. Dull, generalized pain is more likely to be sinus-related, while sharper pain that is concentrated around one tooth is probably due to a problem with that tooth.
- How the pain responds to changes in altitude. If your pain gets worse when you go down a flight of stairs or put your head between your legs, it is probably related to a sinus condition.
- Whether the pain is on both sides of your jaw or just one. Sinus problems almost always affect both sides of the sinus cavity. Dental problems are usually present in just one tooth.
Paying close attention to your symptoms can help you determine which cause is more likely. Be sure to tell your doctor or dentist about your observations to help them make the correct diagnosis.
Symptoms Of A Sinus Toothache
It can be a little difficult to determine if a toothache is caused by your sinuses or if its a regular toothache with another cause. However, a sinus toothache tends to be specifically in the upper molars close to the sinuses, so toothaches affecting other teeth are unlikely to be caused by your sinuses. Sinus toothaches are also often felt in several teeth at once, and not just in a single tooth. If you have a toothache with another cause, its likely to be the only place youre feeling pain. It can be more focused and intense compared to a sinus toothache.
There are other symptoms to watch out for too, which might indicate a sinus infection. These include pressure around your eyes, nose and forehead, which is where your sinuses are located. You might find that you have thick and discolored mucus or that you have a nasal drip with a bad taste. This can cause halitosis as well. You might also notice that your ears hurt or feel full, you could have a fever, a sore throat or hoarse voice, and you might feel tired. Sinus infections can cause you to lose your sense of taste and smell temporarily too.
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How Can I Tell The Difference Between Sinus Tooth Pain And A Real Toothache
There are ways to tell the difference between sinus tooth pain and a genuine toothache.
Sinus tooth pain is usually:
- Continuous pressure or discomfort
- Isolated in the maxillary teeth
- Accompanied by other symptoms of sinus infection
- Increased when bending down, moving the head, or standing.
Although sinus toothache is typically only present in the upper molars, an infection that lasts a long time can cause referred pain to travel to the lower teeth as well.
Tooth pain or toothache with a dental cause may be:
- Focused on only a single tooth
- Sharp or causing sensitivity when biting hard, hot, or cold food
- More severe pain than the pressure of a sinus toothache and
- Progressively uncomfortable or painful,
If you have upper molar pain or discomfort, and a dentist has ruled out dental causes, it may be a good idea to consult with a physician to determine if the problem could be in your sinuses.
How Your Sinuses Affect Your Teeth
The pressure and infected tissue in your sinuses behind your cheekbones affects the nerves near the roots of the molars on your upper jaw, creating the pressure-like pain that youll feel. Movement that affects the pressure in your sinuses, such as bending over or jumping, may also affect the pain you feel in your teeth.
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Cellulitis And Facial Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin. Facial cellulitis, for example, can be caused by infections of the upper respiratory tract, middle ear infections or tooth abscesses. Although these conditions can increase the risk of facial cellulitis, they do not directly cause it the condition results when an infection spreads to the skin. Symptoms of facial cellulitis include:
- Swollen, red skin on the face, especially the cheek
- Itching and burning of the affected skin
- A painful, possibly swollen, tongue
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have cellulitis or a tooth abscess, you can start a free symptom assessment right now using the Ada app.
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Runny Nose And Postnasal Drip
When you have a sinus infection, you may need to blow your nose often because of nasal discharge, which can be cloudy, green, or yellow. This discharge comes from your infected sinuses and drains into your nasal passages.
The discharge may also bypass your nose and drain down the back of your throat. You may feel a tickle, an itch, or even a sore throat.
This is called postnasal drip, and it may cause you to cough at night when youre lying down to sleep, and in the morning after getting up. It may also cause your voice to sound hoarse.
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When To See Your Dentist
Not all toothaches become serious health concerns. But if youre experiencing a toothache, its best to get treatment before it gets worse.
- pain when chewing or biting
If you have a broken tooth or if a tooth comes out, see your dentist right away.
While youre waiting to see the dentist, you might find relief by:
- avoiding hot or cold drinks and food
- avoiding chewing on the side of the tooth ache
- eating only cool, soft foods
Youre at risk of tooth infection if you dont have good dental hygiene. Take good care of your teeth by:
- brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
- flossing your teeth at least once a day
- decreasing your intake of sugar
- eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables
If untreated, a tooth infection could potentially travel to other areas of your body, resulting in a potentially life-threatening infection. Signs of a tooth infection spreading to the body may include:
- increased breathing rate
- stomach pain
Last medically reviewed on May 28, 2019
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