Tooth Pain and Your Sinuses: What’s the Connection?

Posted on by Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists

There’s nothing like a throbbing toothache to derail your day, or your dinner. While it’s natural to assume the problem lies with your teeth, sometimes the culprit is higher up: your sinuses.

How Sinus Infections Can Cause Tooth Discomfort

Young woman with a toothache holding her sore jaw.

The sinuses are hollow spaces behind your forehead, cheeks and nose. When inflamed, often due to infection, allergies or a cold, they can fill with mucus and cause pressure in the surrounding areas.

Because the roots of your upper back teeth sit very close to your maxillary sinuses (the ones behind your cheeks), inflammation in this area can cause discomfort that feels like it’s coming from your teeth. Many people with sinus infections experience a dull, persistent ache in the upper molars. On the flip side, a severe dental infection can sometimes spread into the sinus cavity and trigger sinus symptoms.

How Do I Know if It’s a Dental Issue or a Sinus Problem?

There are a few ways to tell the difference between dental and sinus-related toothaches:

  • Location. Sinus-related tooth pain usually affects several upper teeth at once.
  • Type of pain. Dental issues, like a cavity or cracked tooth, typically cause sharp, localized pain. Sinus-related pain tends to feel dull and achy rather than sharp or stabbing and may change as you move your head.
  • Other symptoms. If your toothache is paired with symptoms like facial pressure, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, headache or ear discomfort, there’s a good chance your sinuses are involved.

Easing Sinus-Related Tooth Discomfort

If you’re dealing with tooth pain and congestion, try these sinus-soothing strategies:

  • Use a saline nasal rinse or neti pot to clear out mucus
  • Take an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine to minimize inflammation
  • Apply a warm compress to your face to relieve pressure
  • Stay hydrated with plenty of water or fruity beverages from The Juice Joint to thin mucus and promote drainage
  • Run a humidifier to keep your nose hydrated
  • Try a gentle sinus massage to help ease discomfort
  • Rest with your head slightly elevated to encourage drainage

When To Seek Professional Help

If your tooth pain continues even after treating your sinuses, or if you’re unsure whether the problem is dental or sinus-related, don’t wait. A dental exam can help rule out cavities, abscesses or other oral health issues. If your dentist rules out dental issues, an ENT or sinus specialist can help get to the root of the issue and provide targeted treatment.

Contact Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today to schedule an appointment with one of our sinus specialists.