Approximately 28.9 million U.S. adults were diagnosed with sinusitis in 2018. Sinusitis, also called a sinus infection, can cause congestion, runny nose, facial pain and pressure, sore throat, cough and even tooth pain.
Tooth pain is less often associated with sinus infections, but because it can have more serious dental causes, it is important to rule out sinusitis as the source.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain that makes you unable to enjoy a meal at Nawarat, finding the source of the pain is the first step to treating it. Let’s examine how you can identify the source of your tooth pain.
Differences Between Sinusitis and Regular Toothache
A study on sinusitis as a source of dental pain found that sinusitis is a common enough cause of tooth pain that it is appropriate for dentists to “rule out sinusitis as a source of the problem before proceeding with definitive dental treatment.” Specific symptoms usually rule out sinusitis as the source of tooth pain. Symptoms of a sinus infection-induced toothache may include:
- Pain in the primarily upper teeth
- Pain in several teeth
- Dull rather than sharp pain
- Low fever
- Pain from movement
- Headache
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Cough
- Ear fullness
- Sore throat
Symptoms of a non-sinus infection toothache may include:
- Sharp rather than dull pain
- Pain localized in one area or tooth
- Swelling
- Fever
- Headache
If you’re experiencing a dull toothache located in the upper back teeth accompanied by sinus infection symptoms, such as sore throat or congestion, you will likely be advised to see an ear, nose and throat specialist to treat a sinus infection. If your tooth pain is sharp and localized, you should see a dentist immediately, as there could be a serious underlying dental issue.
If a sinus infection is the source of your tooth pain, treating the infection will likely reduce dental symptoms.
Treating a Sinus Infection at Home
Frequent or severe sinus infections may require treatment from an ENT specialist, but minor infections can be treated at home with any combination of the following:
- Nasal irrigation
- Topical decongestants
- Warm compresses
- Rest and fluids
As you treat your sinus infection, your tooth pain should diminish. If it does not, you should seek dental treatment immediately.
Contact Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today to make an appointment with one of our ear, nose and throat specialists.