Can A Sinus Infection Lead to Tooth Pain?

by Roseman Dental | Dec 6, 2022 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT

The short answer is yes but distinguishing between the two can be tricky. Your dentist will be able to perform certain tests and take certain x-rays to determine if it is indeed a tooth causing your pain or a sinus problem mimicking tooth pain.

What are sinuses? Sinuses are interconnected spaces in the skull that all lead to the nasal passageways. Their job is to filter, moisten, and warm the air that you breath in. The largest sinuses in your head are a pair of sinuses called the Maxillary Sinuses. They are located just above your upper back teeth. In fact, the roots of the upper molars can often extend into the maxillary sinuses.

This means that whenever the sinuses are inflamed from infection (sinusitis/sinus infection) or seasonal allergies for example, the roots of the upper back teeth can be affected, resulting in tooth pain.

The opposite can be true as well. In the event that you have an infected upper molar, you can even develop a sinus infection that originates from the tooth. This further emphasizes the ambiguous relationship between the teeth and sinuses.

Although it is difficult to differentiate between tooth and sinus pain, there are some unique signs that point towards an issue in the sinuses:

• Sinus pain typically affects the upper molars. If your toothache is coming from a bottom tooth, then the sinuses are an unlikely cause.
• Usually more than 1 tooth on that side hurts and it can’t be narrowed down to a single tooth. Pain originating from a tooth is usually more intense and specific to 1 tooth.
• Sinus pain is often worse when you bend over, jump/stomp your feet, and lie down. Tooth pain on the other hand, is usually not affected by positional changes.
• Pressure around your cheek, eye, forehead, and nose.
• Mucous discharge that is thick and discolored. Nasal drip with a bad taste.
• Pain and a feeling of “fullness” in the ears.
• Altered sense of taste and smell.
• Runny or blocked nose.

If you have pain in your teeth, it is very important that you see your dentist as soon as possible for evaluation. Your dentist will be able to determine if the pain you are feeling is really from the teeth (cavities, gum disease, etc.) or from something else. If your dentist rules out teeth as the cause of pain, he/she may refer you to a physician for further evaluation.

If you can’t make it to your dentist and/or physician right away, these home therapies may provide some relief for tooth pain caused by sinus inflammation and pressure:

• Use saline to flush sinuses (Nasal Lavage).
• Drink a lot of water. Adequate hydration thins out mucous and allows for better drainage of the sinuses.
• Use air humidifier and make sure your head is tilted on your pillow when you sleep.
• Over-the-Counter Decongestants/Expectorants (i.e., Pseudoephedrine)
• Eat spicy food (if you can tolerate it).
• Your dentist or physician may prescribe you additional medications such as antibiotics, stronger decongestants, allergy medication, pain relievers, nasal steroid spray, etc.

If you have questions, if you are experiencing dental pain, or if you are overdue for a dental check-up, please schedule an appointment today!

Roseman Dental & Orthodontics (Henderson, NV)
Roseman Dental (South Jordan, UT)

Author: Dr.Matthew Thacker, DMD, BS

Teeth Whitening: The Pros & Cons

by Roseman Dental | Dec 6, 2022 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to have a bright, white and beautiful smile? A radiant grin can be an instant boost of self-confidence and when we look our best, we can feel our best. Luckily, teeth whitening can help us achieve that dream smile that is easily achievable with the wide range of whitening options we have today. So, you may be wondering: what exactly is teeth whitening? Teeth whitening involves brightening one’s teeth while improving discolorations or stains left behind by certain types of foods and drinks we regularly consume. It is a popular and safe cosmetic dental procedure that typically contains one of two active tooth ingredients- hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which break down teeth stains into smaller pieces and make discolorations less apparent.

To help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you, today, we’re focusing on some of the pros and cons of teeth whitening!

Pro: You will gain a boost of confidence.

The largest benefit of teeth whitening is cosmetic. Your teeth will appear brighter and more appealing which will give you that confidence to show off your pearly white smile. Having a smile you are proud of will also help you show up more confidently and be less self-conscious about your smile.

Con: You may experience mild to moderate tooth sensitivity.

When a high concentration of tooth bleach is used and applied for long periods of time, you may begin to experience mild to moderate tooth sensitivity as well as gum irritation. This is because some whitening treatments can be harsh on enamel, leading to an increase in sensitivity. Fortunately, this issue will typically resolve in a few hours or days and can be decreased with the use of sensitivity toothpastes such as Sensodyne.

Pro: You have a plethora of whitening options to choose from that are convenient, low-cost and safe.

There are many options for teeth whitening today and those can include at-home products, from strips to gels to trays, as well as whitening products that can be applied professionally at your dentist’s office. Since there is a variety of whitening options, you can comfortably choose the option that is most convenient for you!

Con: Results won’t last forever.

After your teeth are exposed to things like coffee, wine or tobacco, it is very likely that your teeth will begin to lose their brightness and may yellow over time. In order to maintain a bright, white smile, it is important that teeth whitening or touch-ups are redone periodically. Along with maintaining brightness, it is even more crucial to maintain healthy teeth by continuing to brush your teeth twice a day as well as floss daily.

Pro: Results from teeth whitening are fast.

With at-home whitening kits, application typically takes a short amount of time, and you can expect to start seeing results after only a few treatments. With professional teeth whitening, results are typically even faster and can be noticeable as early as a day after treatment.

Con: Teeth whitening will not change the color of your crowns and fillings.

Unfortunately, teeth whitening cannot brighten or change the shade of your existing dental work and may cause teeth to look patchy as your natural teeth change shades while your restorations remain the same color. Teeth whitening may also not be effective on all types of stains and discolorations; therefore, it is important to keep expectations of teeth whitening in check.

If you’re looking to brighten your smile and boost your confidence with a radiant grin, don’t hesitate to reach out to the us to further discuss the best teeth whitening options for you.

If you are interested in our recommended at-home whitening kit, we are currently offering the Opalescence Go Tooth Whitening Trays*, which are both affordable and convenient. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Class of 2023 orthodontic residents’ graduation fund. Happy whitening!

*These whitening kits are only available at our Henderson, NV location – Roseman Dental & Orthodontics.

Author: Dr. Joy Tawadrous