If things, like drinking hot coffee or eating ice cream, causes you to wince with pain, you might suffer from tooth sensitivity.
Some of the most common underlying causes of tooth sensitivity include cavities fractured teeth with exposed dentin, old fillings, eroded tooth enamel and periodontal disease. However, there are non-dental conditions that can cause tooth sensitivity.
Sinuses and Tooth Sensitivity
In fact, a sinus infection or head congestion can place undue pressure on several of the nerves in your face and head. In situations like this, the onset of the sinus infection is usually followed by sensitivity in your upper teeth.
Can Sinuses Cause Tooth Pain?
The short answer is yes, sinuses can cause tooth pain. The sinuses are located near the base of the skull, and they can become inflamed and swollen due to allergies or infection. When this happens, the pressure from the swollen sinuses can cause pain in the teeth.
Relieving Sinus Pressure
If your general physician or dentist feels this is the case they might prescribe a decongestant to help relieve some of the sinus pressure. You will most likely need to adjust your diet and lifestyle choices while treating the sinus infection. Try to avoid hot or cold food and drink. Also crunching down on hard foods may increase the pressure in the upper teeth causing discomfort.
With proper treatment, the problem should subside in less than a week. However, if it persists there may be a more serious underlying cause and you should contact your doctor.
If you have developed a sinus infection with tooth sensitivity and you would like confirmation of the cause please call us at (810) 671-5616 to schedule an appointment.