Can a sinus infection cause tooth pain?

Nearly 29 million American adults are diagnosed with a sinus infection each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)1. While symptoms are largely similar across patients, ranging from congestion to a sore throat, there are times when a sinus infection may actually cause pain in the teeth that can be mistaken for a toothache.

In this article, we’ll help you understand what a sinus infection is, the symptoms of a sinus infection vs. a toothache, and how to recognize if your sinuses are causing tooth pain. If you’re experiencing a toothache, schedule an appointment with your local Aspen Dental office today to figure out the root cause and the right treatment plan.

¹Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Chronic Sinusitis.

What is a sinus infection?

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is a condition caused by inflammation in the sinuses. Your sinuses are air-filled passages in your head located around your nose. Sinuses are responsible for filtering the air you breathe and producing mucus that helps to drain germs from the face. When fluid builds up in the sinuses, germs can reproduce, resulting in inflammation and, in some cases, a sinus infection. 
 
Sinus infections can be caused by bacteria or a virus. If bacteria cause a sinus infection, you may need antibiotics to treat it. Viral infections often cannot be treated by antibiotics, and the disease must run its course while you treat the symptoms. Your doctor can tell you which type of infection you have and recommend a treatment plan accordingly. 
 
Many people mistake a sinus infection for the common cold due to overlapping symptoms. The symptoms you might experience with a sinus infection include:

• Facial pain (Particularly when touching the area under the eyes on either side of the nose) 

• Runny nose 

• Nasal congestion 

• Headache 

• Coughing 

• Fever 

• Bad breath 

• Fatigue 

• Pain in the teeth 

Can a sinus infection cause tooth pain?

A sinus infection can cause tooth pain, especially in the upper teeth. There are several types of sinuses located in the face. The largest sinus, the maxillary sinus, sits within your cheekbones right above your upper back teeth. For this reason, when the maxillary sinuses become infected, it can cause nerve pain in the upper back teeth. While the upper back teeth are most often the site of tooth pain from a sinus infection, that pain can also radiate to lower teeth. 

Differentiating between sinus pain and tooth pain 

It’s possible to have tooth pain that is caused by your sinuses or a sinus infection that’s caused by a dental issue. While you might not be able to distinguish at first, recognizing the differences in symptoms can help you determine the cause of the pain. 

Symptoms of a sinus infection 

There are several symptoms of a sinus infection that often do not present with a toothache, including:

Symptoms of a toothache

The following symptoms may indicate your pain is the result of a toothache:

Ultimately, it’s up to your dentist or medical professional to assess your symptoms and issue the best treatment, depending on whether the pain originates in your sinuses or teeth. 
 
Since the symptoms of a sinus infection and toothache can overlap, you may need professional support to diagnose the root cause. Your local Aspen Dental team is available to look at any concerns about tooth pain and help you determine the most appropriate next steps.

Treatment for a sinus infection

If tooth pain is caused by a sinus infection, it’s important to start treatment as quickly as possible to get relief. The following treatments may help:

Medical treatments

Antibiotics: Severe sinus infections may require a course of antibiotics to go away completely. Your doctor will prescribe the most appropriate antibiotics based on your medical history and the severity of your infection. 

Antifungal: If a fungal infection is to blame for sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication to treat it. 

Decongestants or corticosteroids: If a sinus infection is not severe enough to require antibiotics, your doctor may advise you to take an over-the-counter decongestant or corticosteroid to reduce swelling in the nasal passage. 

Since the symptoms of a sinus infection and toothache can overlap, you may need professional support to diagnose the root cause. Your local Aspen Dental team is available to look at any concerns about tooth pain and help you determine the most appropriate next steps.

Sinus infection vs. tooth pain FAQs

Can a sinus infection cause jaw pain?

A sinus infection can cause jaw pain because of where the sinuses are located in the face. Pressure and pain can radiate from the sinuses to the jaw, teeth, ears, and head.

How do I know if my tooth pain is caused by a sinus infection? 

The best way to know if a sinus infection causes tooth pain is to visit your doctor. However, if you have other signs of a sinus infection, like congestion, pain or pressure in your cheekbones, or pain when bending over, it may mean your tooth pain is sinus-related.

How do you relieve sinus pain in your teeth? 

One way to relieve sinus pain in your teeth is to reduce the mucus in your sinuses. You can do this by drinking lots of fluids, like water, tea, and soup, using a saline solution in the nasal canals, or changing your head position to encourage drainage. 
 
Now that you understand the symptoms of a sinus infection vs. a toothache, you can hopefully figure out the cause of your pain more easily. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a toothache, schedule an appointment at Aspen Dental today to get the treatment you need.