When someone feels pain near or around their back teeth, they could easily assume it’s a toothache. Most folks know nothing else that could cause such mouth-adjacent soreness. With that said, the so-called “ache” could also stem from a sinus problem in some cases. You’ll thus want to be able to tell those issues apart; you won’t get the best care otherwise. So, read on to learn the key differences between a toothache and a sinus problem.
Signs of Sinusitis
While tooth-related pain often points to an oral issue, that isn’t always the case. The ache could also come from sinusitis.
Sinusitis – better known as a sinus infection – occurs when sinuses are infected with bacteria. As that infection occurs, it can cause inflamed tissues to put pressure on your upper back teeth. That pressure will often mimic the sensation of an ordinary toothache.
Often enough, you can tell if tooth pain is sinus-related if you show other symptoms of sinusitis. These would include the following:
- Thick, discolored mucus
- Ear pain or fullness
- Fever
- Facial tenderness or pressure
- Fatigue
Causes of Toothaches
Toothaches have a wide range of potential causes, but please don’t panic. These causes come with telltale signs that prove whether your pain is dental-related.
Most toothaches stem from one or two things: poor oral hygiene or physical injury. With the former factor, teeth will often ache as they suffer decay, cavities, gum disease, or tooth infections. As for the latter point, a tooth can also feel pain as it’s chipped, cracked, or fractured in an accident.
Thanks to their many potential causes, it’s easy to tell whether a toothache is a dental issue. Your pain likely comes from an oral condition if it’s sharp, throbbing, or localized to one tooth. On the other hand, it may stem from an injury if the tooth recently suffered trauma.
When to See a Dentist for Tooth Pain
Whether its source is a toothache or sinus pressure, tooth pain can get serious at times. You should see your dentist if or when that happens.
To be specific, see your dentist if a minor ache worsens or persists after several days of home care. Booking an appointment is even more crucial if the pain intensifies rather quickly. Regardless, you can rest assured that many practices offer emergency appointment slots; they’ll see you as soon as possible.
Do you want more help with the differences between a toothache and a sinus problem? If so, just consult your local dental provider!
About the Practice
Sachse Family Dentistry at Woodbridge is based in Sachse, TX. Led by Dr. Rottman, our practice is proud to offer comprehensive and family-friendly dental care. Whether your smile needs preventive, cosmetic, or restorative treatment(s), we can (and will) get the job done! Our team will even perform emergency oral treatments as required. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (972)-848-0073.