Not many people know that tooth pain and sinus infections are related. More often than not, one of the symptoms of a sinus infection that won’t let up is a dull toothache. Any who suffers from what they believe to be chronic sinusitis will tell you that it can be quite unbearable.
Are you scheduled to visit your dentist for a series of dental crowns or a routine checkup? If you’re also battling sinusitis, it’s essential to mention this as there may be a connection to some of your dental issues. We take a look at the connection between sinus and tooth pain and how you can get pain relief at home.
Understanding What Your Sinus Cavities Are
Sinuses are two paired cavities found just underneath your eyes. Their primary purpose is to keep the nasal tract moist, and this is done by creating thin mucus that drips down into the nose.
This process is the body’s way of keeping the nose free from bacteria and dirt. Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is inflammation in these canals that manifests as swelling. This is what causes that common congested and blocked feeling.
How Sinus is Related to Tooth Pain
The roots of the teeth in your upper jaw lie very close to your sinus cavities and when they become inflamed, they can easily affect your sinuses. This is very common in young adults when their wisdom teeth are trying to come through.
On the other hand, an infected sinus can also cause tooth pain when the swelling in the sinus cavities places pressure on several tooth roots. This can leave you thinking you’re treating a few sore teeth when in fact it’s a symptom of a sinus infection.
If your toothache is related to your sinus, it will more than likely be accompanied by a few of these symptoms:
- Nasal drip
- Sore throat
- Feeling of pressure on multiple teeth
- Pressure around the eyes and forehead
- Excessive mucus production
- Painful or blocked ears
Fight the Root Cause
When dealing with sinus pain, the main goal is to identify the underlying cause of the pain. Your dentist will be able to help you with this, but until you can get an appointment, you’ll need some relief. Here are a few tried and tested tips that will help you deal with your sinus tooth pain until your dentist can see you.
1. Inhale Steam
It’s very difficult to even think straight when you’re sinus cavities are inflamed and swollen. The pressure created by the swelling can make it difficult to breathe, eat, or even sleep. That means the first thing to do is to try and alleviate this.
Steam is an effective way to cut through the congestion and open up an airway. Place some boiling water in a pot or container and hold your head over it.
You can also cover your head with a towel over the pot to help the process along. Breathe in and out deeply for a few minutes for the steam to get into your nasal cavities.
2. Get as Much Sleep as Possible
Sleep is essential whenever your body is fighting an infection. When you have a sinus infection, try sleeping in an elevated position to avoid more mucus buildup.
Add a few pillows or sleep in a recliner to keep your head higher than your chest. Some studies have shown that humming before sleep helps to temporarily open the airways, which will help you fall asleep.
3. Eat Spicy Food
A little-known fact is that the heat in spicy food can reduce the density of the mucus in your sinus cavity. This will not only help you breathe better but will also decrease the pain for a short while.
Any hot curry or chili pepper dish will do the trick. You can also combine these with a few anti-inflammatory foods to help fight the infection. Some of these include:
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Green vegetables
- Faty fish
4. Drain the Mucus Out
Draining the blocked mucous out of your airways will also provide instant relief. Using expectorant medications can expel the mucus in the form of phlegm. Decongestants on the other hand tighten the blood vessels which helps create better airflow.
5. Drink A lot of Fluids
You should also focus on staying hydrated during your sinus infection. Water and warm liquids such as tea, coffee, and soup help cut through the mucus. Drinking your liquids while they’re hot is another simple way to get steam into your airways. Add some honey for pain relief.
Final Thoughts
With these tips, you’ll be able to provide some relief to your sinuses, which will in turn reduce the pressure on your teeth. You may find that your symptoms start easing up when the blocked airways open, however, it’s still essential to visit your dentist.
They will check to make sure there are no other dental issues that may be contributing to the infection. With the right medication, you’ll soon be feeling like your old self again!
Angela Spearman is a journalist at EzineMark who enjoys writing about the latest trending technology and business news.