Can sinus pressure cause pain in my teeth?

A Answers (5)

    Because the sinuses are close to the upper jaw, a sinus infection -- and the resulting sinus pressure -- can sometimes cause you to feel pain in your teeth. To alleviate the pain, first visit your dentist, who can give you an exam to determine if sinus pressure (rather than a toothache or other issue) is causing discomfort to your jaw joints and teeth. Once you know the cause, you can treat it accordingly, and your pain should subside.
  • It's true. On top of everything else a sinus infection brings, it can also cause tooth pain. That's because your upper teeth are so close to your sinuses and when they get infected, it can feel like your mouth is infected too. Of course it is possible that the tooth pain is unrelated to your sinus infection, which is why, in addition to consulting a physician, you should also have your dentist to perform an exam to make sure you don't have a cavity or abscess or other oral health problem.

  • AEdmond Hewlett, DDS, Dentistry, answered on behalf of American Dental Association

    Sinus pressure or infection can indeed cause pain which feels as though it’s coming from teeth. Here are some signs that it’s a sinus problem and not a tooth problem: the pain is only in the upper back teeth, it’s a continuous dull ache and/or tenderness to chewing or biting vs. sensitivity to hot or cold, and you have sinus or nasal congestion on the same side as the tooth pain. In this case try a decongestant nasal spray. If in doubt, see a dentist to examine the painful teeth.

    Helpful? 2 people found this helpful.
  • ATodd Welch, Periodontics, answered

    How to know if the pain is coming from a tooth or your sinuses: When a patient comes in with severe tooth pain, we normally take an x-ray of the offending tooth. Tooth pain is usually caused by reversible and irreversible pulpitis. We also do some tests on the tooth by feeling around it for an infection, tapping on it, and/or putting ice on it. This allows us to better understand if the pain is coming from one tooth or not. If the teeth don't have any cavities in them and appear to be healthy, then we usually try to find another source of the pain, such as a sinus infection (sinusitis).


    Treatment of maxillary sinusitis: Maxillary sinusitis can be treated in a variety of ways. Here are some common treatments for maxillary sinusitis:

    • Using nasal spray that contains phenylephrine or ephedrine.
    • Taking decongestants orally such as Sudafed (psedoephedrine).
    Conclusion: Although toothaches are generally caused by a problem with your tooth, it is important to understand that your teeth have neighbors, such as your sinuses, which can mimic a toothache.
  • ALarry Schmitt, Dentistry, answered
    Absolutely! The maxillary sinuses are hollow air filled cavities on either side of the nose. Some of the sensory nerves that supply the upper back and middle teeth run through the maxillary sinuses. When the sinus membranes are inflamed or infected, the nerves can be irritated resulting in toothache symptoms. An upper toothache can often be the major symptom in sinusitis.
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