Because tooth pain can result from so many different causes, it can often be challenging to determine why you’re in pain without the assistance of a dentist. Often, our patients cannot identify between a toothache and the side effects of sinus pressure. Therefore, if you’re noticing a certain degree of oral pain, you mustn’t try to self-diagnose the issue.
Today, our trusted dentists at Advanced Indiana will be explaining the differences between sinus pressure and toothache. With the information in this article, you’ll have an easier time forming opinions about what you are experiencing. Still, when in doubt, we highly recommend consulting your local dentist to confirm the cause of your pain. Then, your dentist will be able to form the best treatment plan available for your unique symptoms and needs.
What is a Toothache?
A toothache is defined as any sensation of pain in or around a tooth. There are multiple causes of toothaches ranging from cracked or damaged teeth or an abscessed tooth to tooth decay or an infection. Regardless of the precise cause, tooth pain occurs when the nerve in the root of a tooth is irritated.
Signs You Have a Toothache
If you’re experiencing a toothache, there are some common symptoms that you’ll notice. You’ll likely notice a sharp or throbbing pain in a localized area of the mouth. You may also experience swelling, a foul taste or odor from the affected tooth, or even a fever or headache. If swelling occurs, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your local dentist as soon as possible. It’s also crucial to remember that if the pain is especially severe or you begin to notice pain in your head, ear, or when opening your mouth, you’ll need a dentist to help you find a solution to the problem immediately.
What is Sinus Pressure?
The main difference between a toothache and sinus pressure is found in the fact that while a toothache is usually limited to a more centralized location, sinus pressure is often felt over a more vast area. Additionally, the pain associated with sinus pressure is often duller than a toothache.
Similar to a toothache, sinus pressure (also known as sinusitis) is known to cause inflammation and swelling. While tooth pain is a common symptom of sinusitis, it’s essential to determine whether your tooth pain results from this condition or some other cause. Most often, sinus tooth pain is felt primarily in the upper molars and impacts several teeth rather than just one.
Why Do My Teeth Ache When I Have a Sinus Infection?
Understanding why your sinuses hurt when you have a toothache requires knowing how sinuses work. Several sinus passages sit within your cheekbones, and when something causes inflammation here, you’re likely to feel it in your teeth. That’s because your top teeth are situated very close to one of your primary sinus passages. So while you may think that you’re experiencing a toothache, the root cause may be a sinus infection.
How to Know If You’re Experiencing Sinusitis
So how can you determine whether or not what you’re experiencing is sinusitis? Suppose you’re experiencing pain on both sides of your face. In that case, you’re likely suffering from pain caused by a sinus infection. Additionally, if you press down on a tooth and do not experience immediate and severe pain, it’s likely you are not experiencing a toothache. It’s also helpful to watch for other symptoms of a sinus infection, including:
- A cough
- A sore throat
- A blocked or runny nose
- Pain behind or around your cheekbones
- Pain when moving your head up or down
If you ever find yourself unsure about what’s causing your pain, it is always best to contact your local dentist for an appointment. With their help, you will be able to determine the cause of your tooth pain. Unfortunately, sometimes it isn’t easy to decipher the difference between a toothache and a sinus infection, so it’s best to leave it to an expert dentist to make the final determination and form a treatment plan that can end your pain!
Say Goodbye to Tooth Pain With the Experts at Advanced Indiana!
If you are currently experiencing tooth pain or have experienced it in the past, you know that it can be excruciating. Fortunately, when you trust the experts at Advanced Indiana to uncover the root cause of your tooth pain, you can find a solution and get back to enjoying life pain-free! Here at Advanced Indiana, our experts offer various dental services to help you practice the best oral health possible, ensuring you have a happy and healthy smile. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!
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