How the Sinuses Can Lead to Pain in the Upper Jaw and Teeth
Posted on 2/20/2020 by Lemond Hunter
Both sinus inflammation (sinusitis) and a sinus infection can cause head and facial pain, as well as tooth pain. Sinus pressure and drainage can cause pain that is typically felt in the upper rear teeth, which are closest to your sinuses.
Anatomy of the Sinuses
Your sinuses include 4 pairs of air-filled spaces in the facial bones behind your cheekbones and near your eyes and forehead. These spaces warm, moisten, and filter the air you breath, as well as produce mucus that drains into your nasal cavity for the purpose of cleaning your nose.
If these spaces become blocked by fluid, infection may occur. The roots of your jawbone and upper teeth are very near your sinuses and pressure and congestion can cause pain in these areas. The pain can even extend into your lower teeth, in what is known as referred pain.
Sinus Toothache vs a Regular Toothache
Pain from a sinus toothache and a regular toothache are similar. However, tooth pain caused by your sinuses is typically felt in your upper molars and affects multiple teeth. If you are experiencing pain in these areas, as well as any indicative of sinusitis, such as pressure or drainage, your tooth pain is most likely due to your sinuses.
A toothache caused by dental issues is usually the only source of pain, not more broadly. In addition, sinus toothaches tend to vary in intensity, depending on your movements, as the pressure in your sinuses shifts as you move.
Tooth pain from sinus congestion or pressure is not uncommon. However, you want to make sure that any pain localized in a single tooth is not due to a dental concern. If you have questions or concerns about how your sinuses may be affecting your teeth, contact our office for more information.
Hunter Dental Care, 1739 NE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230-1914 ~ (503) 256-3737 ~ hunterdentalcare.com ~ 10/3/2024 ~ Related Phrases: dentist Portland OR ~
Both sinus inflammation (sinusitis) and a sinus infection can cause head and facial pain, as well as tooth pain. Sinus pressure and drainage can cause pain that is typically felt in the upper rear teeth, which are closest to your sinuses.