Although the two conditions can have very different signs and symptoms, a sinus infection and toothache can be connected. Nearly 28 million Americans suffer from sinus infections, or sinusitis, without knowing that the infection and inflammation of the nasal passages can give you toothache.
How a Sinus Infection Leads to Toothache
Once the infection has developed from a common cold, it causes a build up of mucus in the maxillary sinuses.This build up puts pressure on the nerve ending of your teeth since the maxillary sinuses are located above the tooth roots of your molars. The result is a toothache.
However, a toothache could also be the cause of your sinus or respiratory problems.
How a Toothache Leads to a Respiratory Infection
The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity as a result of tooth decay. Dental cavities are caused through the neglect of proper oral hygiene, which allows plaque to build up on the teeth. The bacteria in plaque secrets acids that eat at the enamel of teeth and cause cavities. If left untreated, tooth decay can result in gum disease and in severe cases, an abscess, both of which can cause toothaches.
However, the same bacteria that created the toothache can be responsible for other illness in the body. The respiratory system can suffer as a result of bacteria in the mouth from infected teeth and swollen gums. This bacteria can be breathed into the lungs or travel through the bloodstream and lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and even COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
What to do
If you are experiencing symptoms that are common to a toothache or a sinus infection, you need to take note of which symptoms appeared first. This will help determine the cause of the illness and the correct form of treatment. You should contact your doctor if you experienced a cold that turned into a sinus infection and are now experiencing a toothache. If you are unsure, you should visit a dentist who will be able to tell you if you are experiencing a toothache for any dental reasons or not.
If the pain originated with the tooth, or other areas of the mouth, then you should contact your dentist immediately. Bacteria from a tooth infection that spreads to the rest of the body will not only cause illness such as respiratory disease, but can also be the cause of other conditions such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
It is better to seek help from a professional than let the symptoms become worse. Getting the correct advice at the right time is vital to easing and curing the sinus and toothache symptoms. Pinpointing the root of the problem early on will make treatment easier and prevent other health complications from arising.
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