If you’re experiencing pressure, soreness, or pain in your jaw or face, it isn’t always easy to pinpoint the cause. You could be experiencing a toothache or other dental issues. However, sinus pressure is another potential cause. You can tell the difference based on a few key facts and then act accordingly.
Don’t Ignore Any of These Symptoms
If you’re experiencing any symptoms that lead you to believe you have a toothache, you shouldn’t hesitate to see your dentist. Regardless of the cause, seeing your dentist is the best way to get a real answer and get treatment for toothache and other issues.
While many of the symptoms of these two issues overlap, you can take a closer look to help determine which one you may be experiencing.
Toothache Symptoms
Toothaches can arise from various causes, from a simple cavity to TMJ disorder or an abscessed tooth. Depending on the specific reason for your toothache, you could experience symptoms such as:
- Throbbing pain
- Swelling of the gums
- Sore or red gums
- Pain while chewing
- Increased tooth sensitivity
Any of these symptoms are reason enough to see your dentist and seek treatment for toothache pain immediately.
Sinus Infection Symptoms
If you experience a sinus infection, you can also experience pain and sensitivity in the upper back teeth. The maxillary sinuses are positioned above the back teeth, so an infection there can feel like a toothache. Watch for these other symptoms to distinguish this sinus pain from a regular toothache:
- Discharge in your throat
- Coughing
- Earache
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Pain when changing head position
While this list can’t provide you with a definitive diagnosis, these sinus infection symptoms are something to be aware of. Make sure to bring up any symptoms you’re experiencing with your dentist or physician.
Toothache Treatment
The treatment that you receive for your toothache will vary depending on the underlying cause. You could need one or more of a variety of dental procedures.
A simple filling may be all you need if you have a cavity or tooth decay. More advanced cases could require root canal treatment to prevent serious infection. Similar measures could be necessary if you have a chipped or cracked tooth that is causing pain.
A severe toothache could indicate an abscessed tooth. This is when an infection of the soft tissue inside the root of a tooth creates a pus-filled pocket in the bone at the tip of the infected root. A root canal treatment can remove the infected tissue, and your dentist can drain the abscess. Serious cases could call for extraction.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can also cause tooth and jaw pain due to stress on the joint that opens and closes your jaw. Options such as mouthguards can help provide effective relief.
Sinus Infection Treatment
Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of your sinuses, leading to inflammation and other symptoms. Around 31 million people in the US experienced sinus infection each year.[1] You can experience symptoms similar to allergies, other respiratory conditions, and tooth pain.
You may be prescribed various medications to treat and manage a sinus infection. Most sinus infections are caused by viruses rather than bacteria, so antibiotics aren’t always effective.
Instead, your doctor will likely recommend options to relieve your symptoms. Make sure to reach out to your doctor if you suspect a sinus infection.
Don’t Hesitate to Seek Treatment
Whether you’re dealing with a toothache, sinus infection, or any other issue, you need to seek out a professional for effective treatment. If you have any tooth or jaw pain symptoms, the Albion Family Dental team can help you.
Albion Family Dental provides a full range of dental procedures to resolve any dental issues you face and provide effective relief. We will carefully evaluate your case and determine the root cause behind your symptoms. Schedule your appointment today for a full evaluation. Call us at 585-589-9044.
Sources:
[1] https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/sinus-infection/