Spring is just around the corner and I know I’m not the only one excited for some sunshine. However, spring also brings along a slew of negatives, especially to those with allergies. All of our wonderful Idaho wind doesn’t help either. With the plants growing and the wind blowing: our noses are left running like a facet. Sinus issues can lead to serious tooth pain and even infections.
Around these parts, it’s hard for anyone to make it through the springtime without at least some allergy type symptoms. Imagine how much worse it is for those with existing allergies or sinus problems. Sinus tooth pain is most commonly related to sinus infections, but with frequent sinus irritation, your teeth are likely to ache.
Where’s the Connection
Tooth pain is often related to sinus irritation because of the close proximity. Sounds a little too simple, but it is literally because the sinuses are just too dang close to the teeth. Specifically, the maxillary molars reach up into the sinuses. They are only separated by a thin layer of bone and the sinus membrane.
Sinus problems like infection or irritation can cause inflammation or pressure buildup on that lining. The pressure will bother the nerves of those upper teeth causing a dull aching pain.
Reasons for the Ache
The unlucky ones that suffer through sinus infections every year are probably all too familiar with sinus tooth pain. The inflammation that comes along with the infection almost always irritates the nerves on your upper teeth-making sinus infections the leading cause of sinus tooth pain.
Infections might be the most likely reason for a toothache, but even just a simple runny nose could be the underlying cause. When the weather causes a seemingly constant runny or stuffy nose, the fluid will build up and it will feel like someone is pressing on your teeth. If the pressure isn’t enough, sinus problems also force us to breathe through our mouth- putting our teeth at risk. Mouth breathing causes dry mouth which will increase tooth sensitivity and takes away the protection that saliva provides.
Who Can Help
Surprisingly enough, this problem can go both ways. Due to the close proximity, a tooth infection can even lead to sinus problems. When you’re experiencing all these symptoms at once it can be difficult to know if you need to see your dentist or your doctor. Honestly, the answer could be both.
You don’t want to over or undertreat the problem. You don’t want to take unnecessary antibiotics, and you definitely don’t want to get a root canal for no good reason. Your dentist can help you rule out any underlying problems like tooth damage. Just be sure to let them know about your sinus problems as well so they can help you properly diagnose the issue.
Tooth damage, teeth grinding, and gum disease can often mimic the feeling of sinus tooth pain. It’s important to always make your dentist aware of any tooth pain you experience. If you’re nervous about the vitality of your teeth, your dentist has ways to test it! Better safe than sorry!
Your local dentists at Eagle Rock Dental Care know how rough the Idaho seasons can be. They are all too familiar with sinus tooth pain and will do everything they can to diagnose your aching teeth. If this spring brings toothaches along with the sunshine, contact us to schedule your appointment!
