Nobody should want to needlessly endure tooth pain—but when it happens, sometimes it’s difficult to tell if it’s your tooth hurting, or if sinus pressure is causing you grief! After all, the proximity of the sinuses to the upper teeth often leads to confusion, leaving people unsure about what exactly is happening. Keep reading below to learn a little more about what causes tooth pain and sinus pressure respectively, so that you know when you need to seek help from your trusted emergency dentist.
What Causes Sinus Pressure?
The sinuses are air-filled cavities located near the facial bones, particularly around the nose and eyes. They warm, moisten, and filter the air that enters your nasal cavity. However, when they become inflamed or congested, often due to sinusitis or sinus infections, they can cause pressure and discomfort. In some cases, this discomfort manifests as unbearable tooth pain that affects multiple teeth, but most often the upper molars since they’re the closest to the sinuses.
When sinus pressure is the culprit behind tooth pain, it’s often paired with other symptoms that resemble that of a cold or allergies. These include things like fever, fatigue, a sore throat, foul breath, discolored mucus, and facial tenderness.
What Causes Tooth Pain?
On the other hand, toothaches are localized pain in or around the teeth and jaws, and this pain can stem from a very lengthy list of issues including things like cavities, gum disease, facial trauma, or bruxism to name just a few. When the pain is sharp, throbbing, or seemingly affecting just one specific tooth, it’s a safe bet that it’s the result of a dental issue.
This might also be obvious if you know the tooth has recently suffered trauma, such as getting hit during a sporting game or during a fall. It’s also wise to take your dental history into account; if you know you haven’t been brushing regularly or seeing your dentist as needed, more than likely, there’s some type of hidden issue.
When Should I See My Dentist?
If you find yourself struggling to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort, it’s crucial to consult with your dentist at once, especially if what started as a minor ache has progressed and worsened. They’ll be able to thoroughly inspect your mouth after listening to you describe your symptoms, which will help them determine the reason behind the pain. From there, it’s a simple matter of prescribing whatever treatment is necessary—after all, no one should have to suffer needlessly or endlessly from tooth pain, regardless of the cause!
About the Practice
Here at Simply Dental of Lowell, our team understands that dealing with tooth pain can be quite anxiety-inducing at times, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure a smooth experience from the moment you pick up the phone until you’re seated in our office! If you have any questions about the blog or you need to get in touch with our team to schedule an emergency visit, don’t hesitate to contact us at once. Telephone: (978) 485-2929.
