What Causes Sinus Infection & Tooth Pain?

Colds and allergies can trigger sinus infections that make breathing difficult, cause headaches and swelling around the eyes. If treated promptly, these symptoms tend to clear up. Serious sinus infections can produce secondary symptoms that warrant special attention.

Symptoms

• Sinus infections cause coughing at night, drainage at the back of your throat, ear pain and fatigue. Fevers and nausea can develop as the body struggles to fight the infection.

Anatomy

• The sinuses are located above the upper jaw in the face. Roots from the upper teeth branch into the same sinuses. Pressure in the maxillary sinuses compress nerves leading to the upper jaw and teeth. Sinus toothaches, associated with sinus infections, are an extension of facial pain.

Effects

• Patients, doctors and dentists often confuse sinus tooth pain with dental pain. Multiple dental procedures are performed to end toothaches and upper jaw pain. People who suffer from chronic sinus infections might have several root canals before realizing their pain is actually caused by their chronic sinusitis.

Considerations

• Sinus infections responsible for tooth pain can also cause problems with vision and can lead to meningitis and blood clots. Earaches and ear infections in children may be secondary symptoms of infected sinuses.

Warning

• Persistent tooth pain should be investigated by a dentist. Gingivitis and tooth decay should be ruled out when any toothache develops.