Are you experiencing discomfort in your upper jaw or face, but unsure if it’s related to your teeth or sinuses? It can be challenging to tell dental issues and sinus problems apart, as they often show similar symptoms. In fact, many patients get all the way to the dentist’s chair before they’re told what’s causing their aches. If you want to avoid this scenario and learn the differences between a toothache and sinus issues, continue reading.
Symptoms of a Toothache
A toothache typically manifests as a sharp or throbbing pain in a specific tooth or area of the mouth. The tooth may also be sensitive to hot or cold or worsen with pressure or contact when you eat. There may also be swelling around the affected tooth or gums. A quick visual inspection of the area in your mouth should give you some of these clues.
Symptoms of Sinus Pain
Sinus pain, on the other hand, is often a dull, achy sensation in the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes. You may also feel pressure in the affected areas of your face, along with congestion or mucus in your nose. Sinus pain can also worsen with changes in position, like bending forward or lying down. Be on the lookout for these signs, especially if you’re an allergy sufferer.
How to Tell the Difference
So, some of the symptoms between toothaches and sinus pressure are the same. However, there are some distinct ways they differ. This is how you’ll be able to tell them apart. If the pain seems to be coming from one area or gets worse from hot or cold, it’s most likely a toothache.
If you feel a more general sense of fullness or congestion in your head you’re probably dealing with a sinus-related issue. Because the two areas are so close together, it can sometimes be hard to tell. In fact, 40 percent of chronic sinus infections may come from dental issues! So, taking care of your teeth can also help your sinuses.
A toothache can be a sign of something more serious going on in your mouth. If you’re unsure of your diagnosis, or experiencing persistent discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. They can examine your mouth, figure out your issue, and set you out on the road to relief.
About the Practice
When you have a toothache, you need relief fast. At Arts Family Dentistry of Dallas, you’ll find a passionate and caring dental team ready to spring into action. They have same-day emergency appointments available, so you don’t have to worry about getting penciled in. Call (469) 981-1700 to schedule an emergency appointment or visit the website to discover other services they provide.