Sinus infection is kinda similar to that of an ear infection, it can affect other areas of your body.The sinus cavities are connected to the mouth and the nose by openings and passages. When there is an infection involved, it can affect your teeth and cause toothache.Typically, mouth and nose bacteria are kept in the mouth by cilia, which are linked to the passages of the sinus. Cilia are finger-like projections, and they sweep bacteria back down toward the mouth to keep them from entering the sinuses.
The Key takeaway
- What a sinus infection is in simple terms
- Relief and Treatment options for sinus infection
- Causes of sinus infection
- Symptoms of sinusitis
- Prevention
- The relationship between sinus infection and tooth pain
What is sinus infection in simple words?
The sinuses are openings inside the skull that communicate through into the nasal passages, through a small opening. They produce mucus to help keep the nose healthy, however, something can go wrong and lead to issues. What happens is, when a person gets sick, these little narrow openings can get inflamed, like get plugged up, and then over time it creates an environment where bacteria grow, and finally turn into a more significant infection. That’s just how it happens.
How do you determine you have a sinus infection?
Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Cough
- Congestion
- Sinus pain and pressure
- Runny nose
- Fevers
- Nasal drainage
- Bad breath
- Headache
- Altered sense of smell
- A sore throat
- Tiredness
- An aching jaw or teeth
- Green nasal discharge
These symptoms can be confusing for many people because they look similar to the symptoms of a cold. However, you don’t need to be, why? Because sinus infections typically start out being caused by a normal cold virus. And you wouldn’t be able to tell whether your symptoms are a viral or bacterial source. However, studies have shown that in most cases, it’s a virus causing your symptoms, especially early in
You should go to the doctor quickly if these things happen.
- Persistent fever
- Symptoms that are getting worse or last more than 10 days
- Symptoms that initially started to get better then became worse all of a sudden and continued to do so.
10 ways to improve sinus toothache at home (Not many know these secrets!)
In most cases, it’s not necessary to treat a sinus toothache as they typically get better on their own unless they have been going on for over 10 days or if you’re not relieved by normal treatments. And remember, toothache from a sinus infection can improve when you treat the infection itself. Here are a few things you can do at home to lessen the severity of your symptoms:
1 . Stay hydrated
Start by drinking more water, adequate hydration is essential to overall good health. In the case of sinusitis, adequate hydration plays a key role in reducing irritation, thinning out mucus, and further preventing infection.
Take a 5-minute sneak peek at this article –drinking water you’ll love it.
2 . Rest
You have to get enough rest so your body gets enough strength to fight infection. Most cases of sinus toothache resolve independently within 2-3 weeks, so make sure you avoid strenuous activities and get a good amount of rest every day.
3 . Warm compresses
Applying a warm compress to your cheek area may help ease pain and relieve pressure from the blocked sinuses. To make a warm compress is pretty easy:
- Boil water.
- Soak a clean facecloth in hot water.
- Wring it out.
- Place it on the affected areas of the face, like the nose and forehead.
4 . Over-the-counter pain relief medications
OTC pain medication may help relieve the pain from your teeth and the symptoms of a sinus infection. These medications include:
- Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin
- Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol
- Aspirin, but only for those above the age of 18.
OCT pain relievers may help ease symptoms such as localized pain, headaches, and fever.
5 . Keep the sinuses moisturized
If you want to reduce the pressure, keep your sinuses hydrated. Here are some guidelines you can quickly follow:
- Sleep with a humidifier in your bedroom to help relieve nighttime nasal blockages
- Make use of saline nasal sprays during the day and before bedtime
- Take hot showers, or steam bowls to help ease congestion and swelling.
6 . Use a neti pot or other nasal irrigators
Nasal irrigation is a process many people use to ease the symptoms of sinusitis. Research suggests that using a neti pot with a saline solution can eliminate some symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
Follow these quick steps with your neti pot:
1 . Fill the pot with saline solution.
2 . Incline your head over the sink at a 45-degree angle to avoid yourself and the floor.
3 . Insert the spout of the pot into your top nostril. Carefully, pour the saline solution down that nostril, avoid rushing, and take your time.
4 . Do the same with your other nostril.
Avoid using water straight from the tap in a neti pot. It’s safe to drink tap water because our stomach acid kills any bacteria or parasites present. The nasal environment cannot kill these types of germs, so using a neti pot with tap water may cause a serious infection. Use only distilled or sterile water and be careful to sanitize your neti pot after every use.
7 . Clear the sinuses with oils
Many claim that topical application and inhalation of essential oils can help alleviate symptoms of sinus congestion. A study in vitro tissue suggested that 1,8-cineole, the main component of eucalyptus oil, may have anti-inflammatory effects on human tissues. Still, there is a need for further research to determine the efficacy of these oils in human cases.
Even if you still want to go ahead and give it a try, no problem. To alleviate sinus or upper respiratory infections, people often use oil externally on the temples or chest or inhale via a diffuser when the oil is added to boiling water. However, it’s best to only use food-grade essential oils. Rub one drop of each oil on the roof of your mouth, then drink a glass of water. It is important that you only use essential oils as directed, as inhalation can cause airway irritation and potentially worsen your symptoms.
8 . Eat foods with natural antibacterial properties
Adding natural antibacterial foods like garlic, ginger, and honey to your meals may help improve your immune system. Some foods contain anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling from sinus infections. These include berries, green leafy vegetables, and oily fish. Some foods may worsen your symptoms, such as sugary drinks, dry, and grainy foods.
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A man shared his story on a social platform concerning his diet choice.
“ I used to always have sore throat mucus pretty much my entire life. I would constantly clear my throat and it would pretty much drive my wife and those around me crazy. I noticed it would get worse after eating grains. These days I eat close to zero grains and never have throat mucus problems anymore”.
Some other people have also mentioned that eating biscuits also worsens their symptoms and somehow delays their recovery. However, there is a need for research into the direct application of diet changes for symptom relief in sinus infections.
Learn more about healthy eating here
9 . Warm lemon water
Drinking a couple of cups of hot or warm lemon water during the day may help relieve your symptoms and improve your mood. If you don’t want to put lemon into your water, plain hot water is fine as well. You’re also free to add some honey to your water, but not too much.
10 . Soups
A bowl of soup in the morning and evening may help clear your nose and provide some relief. Soups can also be very calming to the body, soothing for toothache, and may help keep you feeling warm.
What causes a sinus infection?
A sinus infection occurs when the tissue in the sinuses swells up. This leads to a buildup of mucus, pain, and discomfort. The sinuses are the air-filled pockets in the bones of your face that form the top part of the respiratory tract. These pockets run from the nose into the throat.
These factors may stop the sinuses from draining:
- the common cold
- exposure to allergens such as house dust mites
- hay fever
- changes in air pressure
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, viruses cause 9 out of 10 sinus infections in adults.
How to reduce your risk for sinus toothache
- Wash your hands as regularly as possible, especially when you’ve been in crowded places like public transportation or markets
- Don’t hang around people suffering from a cold or other upper respiratory infections, if possible.
- Keep up to date with recommended immunizations.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Use a clean humidifier to keep the air moist in your home
- Get plenty of rest if you develop a cold, to reduce your risk for complications like sinusitis.
- Don’t always take cold liquids, especially during cold seasons.
- Keep your chest covered during cold nights.
- Drink warm water at least once a day.
- Keep your house clean from dust and insects.
What’s the relationship between upper tooth pain and sinus infection?
Can a sinus infection cause upper toothache?
Yes, sinus infections can cause upper toothache. The reason is that when the sinuses become inflamed or infected, the pressure from the congestion can radiate to the upper teeth, and this is due to the proximity of the sinus to the upper teeth, leading to a pain that feels like a toothache.
How you can know your toothache is from a sinus infection.
If you’re experiencing pain in your teeth, alongside symptoms such as headaches, stuffy nose, fever, and bad breath, there’s a high chance it’s caused by it.
Are there treatment options for tooth pain caused by sinus infection?
When you treat the symptoms of the sinus infection, you’ll feel better from the toothache. However, you may try gargling warm salt water 3 times to relieve the pain in your teeth. Some medications can help ease the pain you feel.
How long does sinusitis tooth pain last?
The duration can vary depending on the underlying cause and how effectively you treat the infection. Generally, sinus-related toothaches may persist until the sinus issue resolves, which could be a few days to a couple of weeks with proper treatment. If it persists longer or worsens, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
Preventing toothache from sinus infection
It’s not very possible to solely prevent toothache from sinus infection, the only way to prevent toothache caused by sinusitis is to prevent the infection itself.
