Pain in Your Teeth? It Could Be Your Sinuses

Toothaches are more than just painful; they're worrying. No one likes having to go to the dentist, and no one likes having cavities or damaged teeth. But the cause of toothaches isn't always related to the teeth themselves. Your teeth lie dangerously close to your sinuses, which can cause pain when you get an infection. 

Vandana Kumra, MD, of ENT New York provides care to every part of the head and neck, including your sinuses. If your problem lies in your throat, ears, or nose, she can save you a pointless trip to the dentist. 

What are sinus toothaches? 

Sinus toothaches occur when pain from a sinus infection radiates into your teeth. One of the most common signs of a sinus infection is an aching pain in the upper rear teeth, which are situated extremely close to your sinuses. This pain is the result of swelling in the sinuses, which puts pressure on the roots of your teeth. 

Sinusitis is a minor problem if you get it treated early. This early treatment can prevent the infection from worsening and putting more pressure on your teeth. But you need to know the difference between a sinus toothache and pain from a problem with your teeth. 

Sinusitis or toothache?

There are a number of differences between sinusitis and an actual toothache, but it can be difficult to tell them apart when you're in pain. Here are a few key features of sinusitis that you should look out for: 

Congestion

This swelling and pressure is what causes your tooth pain. 

Shifting pain focused on the upper rear teeth

Persistent, focused pain in your other teeth is a sign that something else is wrong. 

Sinus headache

If you have a sinus headache on top of your toothache, it's a clear symptom of sinusitis. 

Runny or blocked nose

Sinus infections cause blockage and leakage from your nose, but toothaches don't. 

A sinus toothache might appear before other symptoms do. We recommend that you wait a little while to look for other signs of sinusitis before contacting a dentist. 

If your sinuses are the problem, you should skip the dentist and contact us for an appointment with Dr. Kumra. She’s board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, meaning she specializes in conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat.

What to do when you have a sinus infection

A mild sinus infection isn't a cause for concern, although you should keep an eye on it in case it worsens. Bed rest, hydration, moist air, and painkillers can keep sinus toothaches and headaches at bay. If the infection doesn't clear up, it's time to visit a specialist like Dr. Kumra. 

She deals with sinus issues regularly, so you can trust your care to her. If you have a sinus infection, Dr. Kumra can identify the problem and give you the targeted care you need. To contact us at ENT New York, call 646-859-6136 or book an appointment using our online tool.