Tooth Pain: Is It Sinuses or Something More Serious?

When is tooth pain something to call Dr. Korous about or when is tooth pain because of sinus problems? Sinus problems and seasonal allergies can often cause tooth pain, but when teeth hurt it can be worrisome, uncomfortable and even scary. Don’t be afraid – there are a few ways you can determine if it is sinus problems or time to make a dental appointment.

How Do Sinus and Allergy Issues Cause Tooth Pain?

When the hollow cavities next to your nose (also known as the sinuses) become filled with mucus and fluid, they also become inflamed. This situation is known as sinusitis, and the pain of inflammation combined with mucus puts painful pressure on the teeth. For many people, this pressure can feel like a toothache.

How to Tell If It Is Sinus Tooth Pain

Locate the Pain. For people with sinus problems, most of their pain will occur in the upper back molars. Severe cases can also cause problems in the top front and lower back molars as well. In most cases, the pain will be distributed on both sides of the mouth versus one tooth.

Also, many people have pain in their sinus cavities when they touch that part of their face. If your sinuses are sensitive or painful and your teeth are hurting, it is most likely because of sinus pain or allergies.

What Kind of Pain Is It? If your tooth pain dull? Do your teeth feel heavy? Does the pain and the feeling of heaviness go away with pain relievers, decongestants or sinus medicine? If you answer yes, tooth pain is likely related to your sinus pressure.

On the other hand, if your pain is sharp, throbbing or stabbing, this may mean an infection, a cavity or tooth decay or gum disease. If your pain is constant pain, gets worse at night or does not go away with over-the-counter medication, you should call Dr. Korous for an appointment.

Check for Other Symptoms. Do you have other symptoms of sinus problems along with your tooth pain? These symptoms would include a headache, ear pressure, ear pain, a sore throat or a runny nose. These symptoms plus tooth pain and sensitivity likely mean that you have a sinus problem and not a tooth problem.

If you have swelling or redness of the gums around your pain, bad breath that won’t go away or a foul, sour taste in your mouth or have a fever, you could have a tooth or gum problem that needs an appointment.

Are you having tooth pain? If you’re having tooth pain for whatever reason, call Dr. Korous today at our Little Elm Dental office today at 972-987-4899 schedule an appointment for a complete checkup.