Sinus pressure causes pain in the strangest places – like the teeth. Toothaches from sinus pressure can be scary and disruptive, especially if you’re not aware of the cause of your tooth pain. Loss of sleep, pain when eating and difficulty concentrating are the kinds of problems that people experience when they’ve got sinus pressure. Overall, sinus pressure can temporarily reduce your quality of life, and because sinus infections can be very difficult to treat, these problems can persist for weeks or even months.
Knowing the symptoms of inflamed sinus cavities and what can be done to relieve the pressure can help you get back your life, even at times of the year when sinuses tend to make trouble.
What Are Sinus Cavities?
Sinus cavities are four air-filled spaces just under your eyes. The job of your sinuses is to produce mucus that moisturizes the inside of your nose. This mucus layer is important because it protects your nose from dust, dirt, micro-organisms and pollutants in the air. The mucus in your nose moistens and warms the air that you breath, and also serves as a filtering system to keep dust out of your lungs.
Unfortunately, sinus cavities can easily become irritated and infected. The moist, warm environment created by your sinuses can become a Petri dish for viruses and bacteria. Once the sinuses become infected, it’s very difficult to eliminate the germs because the environment is so perfect for their survival.
How Are Sinus Toothaches Different?
Sinus toothaches occur because of pressure from the sinus inflammation (called sinusitis). Sinus toothaches are different from standard dental toothaches in a variety of ways.
First, sinus toothaches are usually felt in more than one tooth. The sinuses put pressure on more than one tooth at a time, so the pain is felt in several teeth clustered together. Usually, the teeth that feel the most pain are at the back of the mouth, but this can vary from one person to another.
At the same time, you may also experience these common symptoms:
- Pressure or tenderness around the eyes or in the forehead
- Nasal drip
- Inability to smell and taste
- Ear pain
- Discolored, thick mucus
- Sore throat
Tooth pain that comes without any other symptoms of sinus infection could be a sign of another problem.
How to Relieve Tooth Pain from Sinus Pressure
It’s important to get a professional confirmation that your tooth pain is the result of sinus pressure, so see your dentist. Your dentist can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe medication to help with the pain. If your dentist is able to confirm that your tooth pain is coming from sinus pressure, stay hydrated. Drink lots of water or water infused with electrolytes. Inflammation is largely the cause of sinus-induced pressure, so eat foods that are known to help reduce inflammation:
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Nuts
- Fatty fish
- Olive oil
- Tomatoes
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
Add calcium and vitamin C to your diet, either by taking supplements, or by eating eating foods that are high in those nutrients, including:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Okra
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
Eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, to boost your immune system. This includes foods such as:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Plant oils
- Milk
- Soy beverages
Rinse your sinuses with a saline solution on a nightly basis. There are products on the market that can help with this, like the neti pot. This is a common product that people use to control and eliminate sinus blockage. Finally, breathe in steam with hot, moist air. This helps thin the mucus in your nasal passages, which can help your sinuses drain more quickly.
Triangle Dentistry is Here to Help
Are you concerned that your tooth ache might be something more than a sinus infection? Get an evaluation by a professional. The helpful dentists at Triangle Dentistry in Raleigh, NC can tell you whether it’s your teeth or your sinuses that are in need of help. Call us today to make an appointment.
Triangle Dentistry, located in Raleigh, NC, provides a state-of-the-art facility that offers exceptional general dental and specialty services guided by empathy of a patient’s needs and desires. Services range from dental crowns to veneers and whitening procedures. For further information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at (919) 847-6000