While most of us have been basking in the hot weather, for others it’s been a different story.
With rapid temperature changes and the pollen count high, colds and sniffles have been rife. So if you’ve noticed toothache or discomfort in your upper teeth, it could be down to your sinuses.
How do my sinuses affect my teeth?
Sinuses are cavities in the skull which join up with the nasal passages and cheekbones. When we suffer from allergies or colds, these can become blocked, making us feel stuffy or causing difficulty breathing through the nose.
What causes sinus toothache?
Full sinuses exert pressure on the face, specifically on the back teeth of the upper jaw, which lie close to the sinuses. Inflammation of your sinuses could be a result of allergies, a cold or an underlying sinus infection.
Sinus toothache can occur during the summer or winter but it needs to be diagnosed by a dental professional.
What are the symptoms of sinus toothache?
Symptoms of sinus toothache include:
- toothache in the upper back teeth
- increased sensitivity to hot or cold
- a throbbing sensation in the upper back gums and jaw tightness
They can be hard to distinguish from common toothache, but the following symptoms usually accompany sinus problems:
- cold symptoms, such as a stuffy nose and sore throat
- yellowish-green mucus
- facial pain and headaches, specifically around the eyes and cheekbones
- a bitter taste in the throat or mouth
- earache
How do I treat sinus toothache?
If you’re suffering from any kind of toothache, make sure you book an appointment to see one of our Number 18 dentists. They will be able to check your mouth over and help determine whether the pain is indeed sinus toothache or a result of tooth decay or other underlying issues.
If you suspect you have sinus issues, you will also need to see your GP after your dentist has checked your teeth. Recurring or persistent symptoms could be a sign of a sinus infection, chronic sinusitis or an allergy, all of which require diagnosis by a doctor.
After diagnosis, your GP may prescribe over-the-counter decongestants, which restrict the blood flow to the sinuses and reduce pressure. Anti-inflammatories also help relieve the pain of sinus toothache while antihistamines should be used if your problems are related to allergies.
Most importantly, don’t suffer in silence! Call Number 18 Dental today on 0207 792 2333 to book your next appointment.
