Can Sinus Infections Cause tooth Pain | ClearClub
Not only can a sinus infection be associated with a runny nose and pressure in the face but also cause discomfort in your teeth. It happens due to inflammation and pressure in the sinuses affecting the nerves near your upper teeth.
But how can you tell sinus-related tooth pain from an actual dental issue or discomfort caused by nighttime grinding?
In this blog, we’ll explain how sinus infections can cause tooth pain, how to tell sinus-related pain from a dental issue, and what other factors, such as nighttime grinding or clenching, may be behind persistent tooth discomfort.
📑 Table of Contents
Understanding Your Sinuses and Sinusitis
Not quite sure what causes sinusitis or how your sinuses work? Here’s a quick look at the basics, including what triggers it and the different types of sinusitis.
What Are the Sinuses?
As defined by Cleveland Clinic, paranasal sinuses, more commonly known as sinuses, are four pairs of air-filled spaces located within the bones of your face. The sinuses work to warm and moisturize the air you breathe and secrete mucus which cleanses the air of microbes and other particles. When there is blockage or inflammation of the sinuses, then pressure builds up, resulting in pain.
When you have a toothache, the maxillary sinuses are the ones that you need to take note of. These sinuses are located behind your cheeks and above your upper teeth, so inflammation or pressure in the area can sometimes feel like a toothache.
What is Sinusitis?
According to MedlinePlus, sinusitis refers to the swelling or irritation of the tissue that lines the sinuses. Sinusitis comes in different forms such as acute, sub-acute, chronic, and recurrent sinusitis depending on the period and frequency of the problem. The causes of sinusitis range from viruses and bacteria infections with fungi being rare.`
Common symptoms of sinus infection are stuffed or runny nose, thick mucus discharge from the nose, post-nasal drip, facial pressure or pain, headache, cough, fever, fatigue, and ear pressure. It is also possible to have pain or pressure in the upper teeth, which feels like a toothache.
How Sinus Inflammation Can Cause Tooth Pain
Sinus inflammation and toothache have a closer connection than one would expect. However, how does sinus inflammation lead to aching teeth?
According to Mayo Clinic, the roots of your upper back teeth sit very close to the maxillary sinuses and may even extend into the sinus cavity. Because of this close connection, inflammation in the sinuses can cause pain in nearby teeth.
A study also found that the connection can work both ways. Sinus inflammation can cause toothache-like pain, while an infection in an upper tooth can spread to the nearby maxillary sinus and lead to sinusitis.
Sinus Tooth Pain vs. a Dental Problem: How Can You Tell?
Since sinus-related toothache and toothache can be similar, it is important to know some distinctions between them to identify the origin of your problem.
The University of Cincinnati highlights several clues that can help distinguish sinus-related tooth pain from dental pain, while Cleveland Clinic outlines common symptoms associated with tooth pain.
| Category | Sinus-Related Tooth Pain | Dental Pain |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Usually affects the upper teeth, particularly the back teeth | Often affects one specific tooth |
| Other symptoms | May come with nasal congestion, facial pressure, headache, or nasal discharge | May come with tooth sensitivity, gum swelling, headache, fever, or bad breath |
| Type of pain | Often feels like a dull ache or pressure | Can feel sharp, throbbing, or sensitive |
| Position | May worsen when bending over or changing head position | Usually isn't affected by changes in head position |
Remember that these symptoms could be occurring simultaneously; therefore, they do not serve as a means to determine what is causing your tooth pain. If you are suffering from pain, it is recommended that you visit a dentist.
What If Your Tooth Pain Persists After Sinusitis?
If your sinus symptoms improve but your tooth pain sticks around, it may be worth looking beyond your sinuses for another possible cause. One common culprit is nighttime teeth grinding or clenching.
Nighttime teeth grinding or clenching, also known as sleep bruxism, can cause tooth discomfort and pain. The repeated pressure from grinding can strain your jaw, wear down your enamel, and contribute to tooth sensitivity, headaches, and tension in your jaw and face.
Dealing with sinus symptoms and tooth pain can also be stressful. Research has found an association between higher perceived stress and greater symptom severity in people with chronic rhinosinusitis. Stress may also contribute to teeth grinding or clenching for some people, which may add to existing tooth and jaw discomfort and contribute to a frustrating cycle of stress and pain.
Protect Your Teeth From Nighttime Grinding With ClearClub
Sinusitis can already be stressful enough, so if nighttime grinding or clenching is adding to your discomfort, you’ll want a dental guard that fits comfortably and securely. ClearClub offers custom dental guards designed to provide a more personalized fit, helping protect your teeth from the pressure of sleep bruxism.
Our transparent, colored, and multicolored dental guards are all available through our renewal plan, so you can keep your guard fresh with regular replacements. Shop ClearClub today and give your teeth the protection they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How long does sinus-related tooth pain last?
Sinus-related tooth pain usually improves as the underlying sinus infection or inflammation clears. If your toothache continues even after your sinus problems have resolved, you may want to visit a dentist to determine whether there is an underlying dental issue.
❓ Can a sinus infection cause pain in one tooth?
It can, but sinus-related tooth pain more often affects several upper teeth, particularly the back teeth near the maxillary sinuses. Pain that stays focused on one tooth may be more suggestive of a dental issue.
❓ Can teeth grinding make sinus-related tooth pain worse?
Chewing or grinding your teeth can add pressure to your teeth and jaw, potentially making existing pain worse. If you grind your teeth at night, a dental guard can help protect your teeth from excessive pressure caused by grinding and clenching.
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