Hay fever season is here, which makes many Australians experience a clogged nose. Then you notice tooth pain in your upper teeth. Is this the sinus tooth pain they were talking about, the hay fever, or is there really a problem with the tooth?
It can be confusing because it can feel just like a toothache. Our team at Ivory Dental Co can help you understand it better. Let’s explain why it happens and how to tell the two apart. It also covers when to see a GP or a dentist.
Can Sinus Pressure Cause Tooth Pain?
So, can sinus pressure cause toothache? It can. Your sinuses are hollow spaces behind your cheeks, eyes, nose and forehead. Healthdirect says sinusitis symptoms may worsen when you bend over or spread to your teeth.
It comes down to where the sinuses sit. The largest pair, the maxillary sinuses, lie above your upper back teeth. The roots of those teeth sit very close to the sinus, and some may even reach into it. So when a sinus is inflamed, you may feel pressure in nearby teeth.
How Hay Fever Can Lead to Sinus Tooth Pain
Hay fever is an allergic reaction in the nose. Some of the common symptoms of this may include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. It can be seasonal, and common triggers include pollen, dust and animal fur. When swelling blocks the narrow tubes that drain the sinuses, pressure inside them can rise.
Healthdirect also says hay fever may trigger sinus infections in adults. This is why “sinus infection tooth pain” can follow in some cases. However, it’s important to remember that only a doctor can diagnose a sinus infection.
Sinus Tooth Pain or Toothache? How to Tell the Difference
When sinus and tooth pain show up together, they can feel alike. Sometimes both are present. For example, you may have hay fever and a cracked tooth at once. These are general pointers, not a diagnosis.
Sinus tooth pain may be more likely with:
- Ache in your upper back teeth, sometimes more than one
- Pressure that may worsen when you bend over
- A blocked or runny nose, or pressure in your cheeks
- Pain that started with a cold or hay fever
A dental toothache may be more likely with:
- Pain in one tooth
- Pain when you bite or chew
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet things
- A swollen or sore gum near the tooth
- Pain that continues after cold or hay fever symptoms ease
Sinus tooth pain, one side or both, can happen, so the side of your face doesn’t settle it. Some people also have a sinus problem and a dental problem at the same time. Your dentist can help sort out which is which, so a check can be worthwhile.
When to See a GP or a Dentist About Tooth Pain
See your GP or pharmacist if you have:
- A blocked nose, facial pressure or other cold-like symptoms
- Hay fever symptoms that are hard to manage
- Tooth pain along with a fever
See a dentist if you have:
- Pain in one tooth, or pain when biting
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- A swollen or sore gum
- Tooth pain that continues after your cold or hay fever symptoms ease
Not sure who to see first? If your main symptoms are in your nose and face, start with your GP. If the pain is in one tooth, start with your dentist.
The Australian Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist for dental pain. It may be caused by decay, gum disease or another dental problem. If you have facial swelling, a high fever or trouble swallowing or breathing, seek medical care straight away.
What to Expect at a Dental Check
At a check, your dentist will ask where the pain is and when it started. They’ll also ask about any blocked nose or hay fever symptoms. Then they look at your teeth and gums and may take an X-ray. They’re checking for dental causes, such as decay or gum disease. If your teeth look healthy, your dentist may suggest seeing your GP about your sinuses.
A dentist can check your teeth, but only a doctor or GP can diagnose a sinus condition. At Ivory Dental Co, we offer clear explanations and honest recommendations for your teeth, so you can make informed decisions.
Next Steps for Your Smile
Sinus tooth pain can feel very much like a dental toothache, especially during hay fever season. Sinus pressure can reach the upper teeth, but a tooth problem can feel the same. A dental check can help show whether your teeth are involved.
If you’re unsure where the pain is from, our team at Ivory Dental Co is happy to take a look. We’ll check your teeth and gums and talk through your options. You can also read more about our toothache treatment in Maroubra.
Book an Appointment or call (02) 8531 1666 to talk through your options with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hay fever cause toothache?
Hay fever mainly affects the nose, eyes and throat. However, it can block the nose and sinuses, so you may feel sinus pressure in the upper teeth. A GP can advise you on managing hay fever.
Which teeth does sinus tooth pain affect most?
Usually the upper back teeth because their roots sit close to the maxillary sinus. A dentist can check whether a tooth problem is involved.
Can a toothache cause sinus problems?
Sometimes. Mayo Clinic notes that damage or infection in a tooth may lead to ongoing sinus problems. That’s another reason to have persistent pain checked.
Can a dentist diagnose a sinus problem?
A dentist can check whether your teeth and gums are causing the pain. Only a doctor can diagnose a sinus condition, so your dentist may suggest seeing your GP.
