Wondering How to Relieve Tooth Pain From Sinus Pressure? Find Out Here

Sinusitis or sinus infections are among the most common reasons for doctor visits in the United States. Each year, one in seven adults experiences sinus pain and pressure that severely disrupts daily life. Sinus infections can often cause tooth pain. In this article, we will examine ways to identify sinus tooth pain, why sinus pressure may cause a toothache, and how to relieve tooth pain from sinus pressure.

Connection between sinus pressure and tooth pain

The maxillary sinuses are air-filled or hollow spaces located just above the upper premolars, molars, and sometimes canines on both sides of the mouth. They are responsible for warming, filtering, and humidifying the air as it comes into the body. The floor of the sinuses is very close to the roots of those teeth. In some cases, it can be less than 1 mm from the teeth and even dip down between the roots of the molars. Therefore, conditions that affect the sinuses can affect the teeth or vice versa.

Maxillary sinusitis is the most common type of sinus infection. It is most often caused by viral infections but can also be bacterial or from allergic reactions. Depending on how long they last or whether they recur often, sinus infections are classified as acute, subacute, recurrent, or chronic. One of the most significant symptoms can be pain spreading to the teeth. When the sinus cavities become inflamed and congested, sinus pressure occurs and may affect one or multiple teeth in the upper jaw.

Identifying sinus-related tooth pain

It may be hard to tell tooth pain from sinus infections apart from tooth pain caused by dental issues. Many symptoms can be very similar. Let's look at common symptoms for both.

Dental-related tooth pain

Tooth pain from dental problems can present in many different ways. In general, it is usually isolated to one specific tooth. Dental discomfort can range from mild to severe and often concentrates in a specific area around a single tooth. These toothaches can start as intermittent sharp, shooting pains. Over time, they may progress to spontaneous aching or throbbing that lasts for hours or even days. Facial swelling can also be present.

It is important to consult a dental professional for any persistent toothache as it may be a sign of an infection or other severe dental health issues that require prompt treatment.

Sinus tooth pain

The most notable difference between the two is sinus tooth pain most commonly affects multiple upper teeth, usually the molars. You may notice that bending over or jumping can worsen tooth pain. However, lying or sitting with the upper body propped up may improve the pain by lowering the sinus pressure.

Sinusitis tooth pain is usually accompanied by symptoms of sinus infection, like:

After seven days, most sinus infection symptoms, including tooth pain, should start to improve with treatment. Antibiotics are one course of treatment for bacterial sinusitis. By killing off the bacteria, this treatment may help reduce inflammation and relieve sinus pressure, which helps alleviate tooth pain.

Most sinus infections typically clear up in less than four weeks. However, some complicated cases may last longer than 12 weeks. Typically, sinus tooth pain should get better as the infection improves.

Tips for relieving tooth pain from sinus pressure

When you have a severe sinus infection, you may wonder how to relieve tooth pain caused by sinus pressure. Treating the sinus infection will help reduce inflammation in the sinuses, but treatment recommendations can vary greatly. Some studies suggest antibiotics as the first line of defense for bacterial sinusitis, although many other cases of sinus inflammation may resolve on their own in a couple of weeks.

So, let's look at other ways to relieve tooth pain from sinus pressure.

Using a compress

While research on using warm or cold compresses to reduce tooth pain is limited, these practices have been used for centuries to treat sinusitis.

Recommendations from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology include using a warm compress to help with pain relief. Studies show using a cold compress may temporarily relieve pain and reduce swelling or inflammation after some dental surgeries. However, there is not enough scientific evidence proving these effects on sinus infection and tooth pain.

As these techniques only offer temporary relief, be sure to contact your medical or dental provider to properly treat a sinus infection that doesn't improve.

Hydration

Adequate hydration is very important in maintaining the protective mucus in the sinus cavities and nasal passages. It can also help thin out mucus congestion and reduce sinus pressure. Therefore, be sure to drink plenty of liquids when you have a sinus infection to allow proper mucus thinning.

Steam inhalation

According to one study, steam inhalation is commonly suggested to treat symptoms of sinus infection. But use caution as it may not provide consistent benefits and could increase the risk of mild thermal injury with certain devices.

In another study, steam inhalation therapy is thought to be a natural treatment for sinusitis. It may help break and clear away mucus buildup to ease breathing and reduce symptoms of inflamed sinuses. More in-depth studies are needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of using steam therapy to relieve sinus pressure. So, use caution when using steam therapy devices or opt for safer methods like a steamy shower or towel over a hot water bowl.

Medication

Multiple prescription and over-the-counter medications are available that may relieve tooth pain by lowering sinus pressure.

• Nasal steroid sprays. Can help reduce swelling in the sinus cavities. The full effects usually take a few days to feel.
• Antibiotics. Are commonly used to treat bacterial sinusitis. However, many sinus infections are caused by viruses, which antibiotics are not effective for.
• Decongestant nasal sprays or nose drops. Can help soothe the nasal cavity and reduce swelling. This provides short-term relief, which can make it easier to sleep at night. However, decongestant nasal sprays should only be used a few days in a row and are unsuitable for chronic sinusitis.
• Biological medications. Can be used to reduce inflammation of the membranes lining the nose. These are often combined with steroid nasal sprays. Studies show this combination can relieve symptoms better than steroid spray alone.

Avoiding triggers

Many factors can trigger sinus pressure and severe pain from inflammation. Viruses and bacteria are the most common causes. Other common triggers include:

• Allergies
• Cigarette smoke
• Airborne irritants
• Nasal polyps
• Deviated nasal septum
• Fungal infections

Take special precautions to avoid things that may cause excess mucus, reduced drainage, or irritation to your nasal canals to lower the risk of experiencing tooth pain from sinus pressure.

Maintaining nasal hygiene

Daily nasal hygiene may help to support respiratory health. Saline nasal sprays can effectively clean the nose of air pollutants, pollen, and respiratory viruses, which can help prevent sinus blockage and infections. Cleaning the nose daily with a saline solution is recommended starting at birth.

When to seek professional help

Understanding how to relieve tooth pain from sinus pressure includes knowing when to seek professional help. If multiple teeth hurt after sinusitis is resolved, you should see your dentist for a proper diagnosis. A dental professional can evaluate your symptoms to determine if the tooth pain is from sinus pressure, dentinal hypersensitivity, or other dental problems. You may also seek help if:

• A toothache is severe and persists after trying home remedies.
• Tooth pain is isolated to a specific area or one tooth.
• High fever with significant discomfort or dental pain.

Likewise, you should consult a medical provider for any sinus infection that doesn't improve with treatment or:

• You have a history of chronic sinusitis or recurring infections.
• If symptoms are severe and interfere with your daily routine.
• Fever lasting more than a few days.
• Symptoms that persist without improvement.

Surgery may be necessary for chronic sinus issues causing toothaches when the benefits outweigh the risks. Your medical team will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and history to determine the best treatment for pain relief.

Bottom line

Dental pain can be a common side effect of sinus pressure or sinusitis. It usually affects multiple teeth at a time, especially the upper back teeth. When your teeth hurt, you want instant relief. Relieving sinus pressure is the first step in alleviating tooth pain from sinusitis. While most sinus infections will improve on their own, natural remedies and home care can help alleviate the pesky symptoms. Just be sure to know when to seek professional help.

We would love to hear from you. Share your questions or experiences with tooth pain from sinus pressure below in the comment section.