How to tell a Toothache Apart from a Sinus Problem

If you’re dealing with pain near your upper back teeth, you may assume it’s a toothache. After all, what else can mouth discomfort like that be? However, the truth is that such soreness can also stem from a sinus problem. Thus, you’ll want to know if you show toothache or sinus pressure signs. That way, you can confirm whether you need care from your dentist. Luckily, your local dental practice can help you out. Here, then, is a summary of the different symptoms of sinusitis and toothaches, respectively.

Know the Signs of Sinusitis

True, toothaches usually result from dental issues. However, they can also come about due to sinusitis.

Also known as a sinus infection, sinusitis occurs when your sinuses get infected with harmful bacteria. Regarding your smile, it can cause inflamed tissues to put pressure on your upper teeth. The resulting discomfort mimics an ordinary toothache.

To see if your tooth pain is sinus-related, see if you show other symptoms of sinusitis. These include:

• Thick, discolored mucus
• Facial tenderness or pressure
• Ear pain or fullness
• Fever
• Fatigue

Learn Common Causes of Toothaches

The common causes of toothaches are many. They can range from standard tooth decay and cavities to gum disease and tooth infection. In other cases, the ache may come less from poor hygiene and more from an accident. Dental injuries, for example, can chip, crack, and fracture teeth enough to cause them pain.

Given the wide range of causal factors, it’s pretty easy to determine if your toothache is a dental issue. Should the pain be sharp, throbbing, or localized to one tooth, it’s likely due to an oral condition. Similarly, the source is a dental problem if you know the tooth suffered trauma or spot signs of decay.

When to See a Dentist for Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can get serious at times, whether it’s caused by a toothache or sinus pressure. You should see your dentist if that happens.

In particular, book a dental visit if you have a minor ache that worsens or persists after a few days of home care. It’s essential to do so if the pain intensifies quickly. Many practices offer emergency appointment slots and will see you as soon as possible.

Ultimately, not all toothaches come from tooth problems. Common ones can and do differ from those caused by sinus pressure. Remember the facts above, then, to treat your tooth pain well in the future.

About the Practice

Pace Dental is based in Vienna, VA. Led by Dr. Ahmed Saad, our practice takes a warm-yet-practical approach to dental care. We thus perform top-quality procedures that span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency smile treatments. Our office can even fix toothaches with root canals or extractions! If you’d like to learn more or to book a visit, reach us on our website or by phone at (703)-938-6800.