is there a relationship between tooth aches and sinus infections?

Question

i am just getting over a nasty sinus infection, and my i have a bad tooth ache along with it. i just want to the dentist, and my girlfriend keeps telling me it is probably just from the sinus infection? is she right?

Answer 1

There is indeed a relationship between toothaches and sinus infections. But the connection has nothing to do with tthe eustachian tubes.

The upper molars, particular, have root tips right next to (and sometimes intruding into) the upper sinuses. Sinusitis can push the sinus into the tooth. This can irritate the tissues of the tooth directly, causing a throbbing sensation around one or more teeth.

Sinusitis can also push the tooth higher up than its neighbors. We dentists call this supra-eruption or hyper-occlusion. If a tooth is higher than its neighbors, you'll hit it first and you'll hit it hardest every time you bite down. One of the most common things that cause this are recent fillings that are slightly too high. Another is gingivitis. But a very common cause of supra-eruption is sinusitis, or an inflammation of the sinuses. When a tooth is higher, it irritates, can causes the body to instinctively bite down on it harder. Biting down on a tooth typically causing the surrounding tissue to swell up further, causing greater supra-eruption, more irritation, more biting down, and so on. It can be a vicious cycle.

So to answer your question, yes, sinus infections can cause toothaches. I usually advise people with sinus infections concurrent with toothaches to visit their dentist AND medical doctor. Though very rare, is possible to have both a legitimate sinus infection and a legitimate tooth problem at the same time. It's best to eliminate all potential sources of your problem, whether they are dental or medical in nature. Since your sinus infection came first, it is honestly quite likely that your toothache will go away with your sinus infection. If it doesn't, see your local dentist.

Finally the inverse is not true, toothaches rarely cause sinus infections. It is *theoretically* possible for an abscess from a tooth to cross over into the sinus cavity, but I've never seen it happen.

Answer 2

Yes, she is correct. Your sinus cavity is directly above the roots of the upper teeth. When you have an infection, the sinus cavity is enlarged and full of mucous and fluids which will create pressure on the roots of the upper teeth, causing the teeth to actually ache. There is no problem with the teeth, just the pressure of the sinuses. Once you take antibiotics to clear the sinus infection up, the pressure on the roots of the teeth lessens and the pain subsides. Don't worry a lot of patients come in to the office with the same problem thinking they are having a major toothache. Hope I've been of some help in explaining this to you. Good luck with the sinus infection, take your medication!

Answer 3

If the tooth that hurts is an upper tooth, the sinuses are near the roots. Pressure in the sinus can cause teeth to hurt. When you went to the dentist they should have taken an xray to rule out the possibility of a cavity, etc. If you take sinus meds and the sinus problem and the tooth problem both go away within 2 weeks, then that was the problem.

Answer 4

Yes - there is a nerve that runs under your sinus cavity and into the roots of your teeth. I used to work for an allergist, and often heard people complain that their face or teeth hurt. However, if the pain does not go away after you finish your antibiotic, go back and have your doctor xray your sinuses. Rarely, a tooth can break thru and penetrate the sinus cavity. Again, this is rare, but it can happen. Just stay on your meds, drink warm liquids, and take care. Hopfully, you will be as good as new soon.

Answer 5

If the sinus infection is a very bad one, yes it can also cause what seems like a toothache in the upper jaw. Either way, you need to be on an antibiotic until that pain subsides and then go to see your dentist to find out your dental problem, if any.

Answer 6

Yes, there is, there is several sinus cavities in the head, they can become infected, and cause toothache like pain. Maybe consulting doctor, and he may prescribe antibiotics for your sinus infection.

Answer 7

its the other way round - the tooth ache gave you the nasty sinus pain - after all the air sinuses are the areas that drain the other areas. And, tell your girl friend that she is not a doctor and since she should be the person who is most interested in you, she should have taken you to the doc in the first place.

Answer 8

She probably is right. Go to the doctor and get the sinus infection taken care of and your teeth will probably quit hurting.

Answer 9

I don't believe so, because sinus infections mainly have to do with the nasal cavities, but they can always lead to other infections.

Answer 10

It can be tied in because they're in the same basic area. But you should still go see your dentist. You could have a new cavity or some other problem that needs to be taken care of.