Do I have sinus pressure or a toothache?

tooth pain

If you feel a sharp ache suddenly that doesn’t go away, you may have a toothache. A toothache is a pain caused when the nerve at the root of a tooth is irritated. When your teeth start hurting, you may worry that it can be indicative of an underlying issue such as gum disease or a cavity. However, tooth pain does not always mean you have a toothache. To many people’s surprise tooth pain can be caused by a sinus infection. Oftentimes sinus pressure is mistaken for a toothache. If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is in your immediate interest to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled and dedicated general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ  who can help you determine whether you are experiencing sinus pressure or a toothache. 

How can I tell the difference between sinus pressure and a toothache?

For the most part, you can usually tell the difference between sinus pressure and a toothache based on whether your tooth pain is localized to one tooth or multiple teeth. If you experience pain in more than one tooth, it is likely because of sinus pressure. However, if you experience sharp pain in only one tooth, it is likely a toothache. Oftentimes, if the pain is felt in the upper rear teeth that are closest it is probably sinus pressure. It is also important to note that certain dental infections such as a tooth abscess can cause a sinus infection as most bacterial infections in your upper teeth cause sinus problems. This is because maxillary sinusitis is located behind the cheekbones near the roots of the upper back teeth. If a dental infection spreads to the sinuses it could cause serious sinus infections.

Furthermore, it is critical to understand the differences between sinusitis and toothaches as they share similar symptoms. Despite sharing some similarities, some symptoms can help you determine whether you are experiencing sinus pressure or a toothache. If you have a sinus infection you will likely suffer from a runny nose, sore throat, postnatal drip, loss of smell or taste, low-grade fever, and discolored mucus. If you have a toothache, you would not normally experience these symptoms. Rather, you would suffer from tooth sensitivity, chewing pain, throbbing pain, and swollen gums. It is never wise to ignore tooth pain as it usually indicates a more serious issue that requires treatment.

If you are unsure of whether your tooth pains are caused by sinus pressure or a toothache, schedule an appointment with one of our trusted and dedicated team members. Our dentists will determine the proper treatment for your tooth pain to ensure it does not worsen. Contact us today!

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