Does a Sinus Infection Affect Your Teeth?
                     DOES A SINUS 
INFECTION
AFFECT 
YOUR TEETH? 
Over the years, a few patients have come 
rushing through our doors, convinced that 
they had an infected tooth.
After reviewing their x-rays and conducting 
a physical exam, we sometimes find that 
the actual cause of their tooth pain is a 
sinus infection.
Tooth and sinus pain can be difficult 
to distinguish.
Sinus infections can cause tooth pain, 
but getting to the bottom of the problem 
does require a professional exam.
Why do Sinus 
Infections Cause 
Tooth Pain?
Sinuses help to warm the air 
that you breathe. They also help 
to filter out potential pathogens 
and debris. E
SIB
L
PO
N
S
RE
Mucus is produced in your 
sinuses and is meant to drain 
through your nose.
Colds and allergies are the 
most common reason for the 
sinuses to become clogged.
Filled and inflamed sinuses produce 
pressure in the mouth. 
These tend to press on the nerves 
that supply feeling to the top back 
teeth.
What Are the Signs
of Sinus-Related
Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain that arises from the sinuses 
often comes with other symptoms.
A stuffy or runny nose is a common 
symptom that might occur if you have 
a sinus infection.
Severe infections can cause: 
fever
postnasal drip
fatigue
The pain from a sinus infection might 
change depending upon your position.
Bending over sometimes changes sinus 
pressure in a way that increases the 
tooth pain.
People with sinus-related pain may 
notice that their cheekbones ache if they 
are pressed.
What Other
Conditions Can 
Cause a Toothache?
A tooth may hurt briefly in response 
to cold or heat if it has a cavity. Fractured 
teeth tend to respond in the same way. 
A broken tooth might feel more painful 
if you bite down on something chewy 
or hard.
Severe tooth pain is a symptom 
of an infected tooth or one with 
deep decay. This type of pain may feel 
like throbbing. 
It can increase in intensity over time. 
Someone with infected dental pulp 
or a dying tooth root might find that the 
pain interferes with their normal activities.
How Can I Tell
the Difference?
The nerves that run through the facial 
structures can send differing responses.
A full dental examination involves 
x-rays and other types of tests that 
identify the actual source of pain.
What Are the
Best Ways to Treat
a Painful Tooth?
Painful teeth calm down quickly once you 
treat the underlying problem. 
Sinus infections may be treated with 
home care strategies, such as using steam 
and avoiding allergens. 
Antibiotics and decongestants are useful 
for treating infections that don’t respond 
to self-care methods.
Pain that has a dental origin will require 
treatment such as fillings, crowns, 
or root canals. 
Extractions are a last resort method 
that is used when other treatments are 
not possible.
Tooth pain, from both sinus infections 
and dental problems, is often severe 
and unrelenting. 
In both cases, the problem can rapidly get 
worse if you don’t seek treatment.
Whether you have a sinus infection 
or a tooth problem, early diagnosis
and treatment help you find comfort faster.
Noble Dental Care is a family-oriented 
dental care clinic with dentists that care 
about you and your health.
Give us the opportunity to give you the 
smile of your dreams.
Call us for an appointment at 
(480) 820-3515.