April Showers bring
May Flowers
What are sinuses
anyway?
The sinuses are multiple air filled cavities that are
connected to the inside of your nose. They are lined with mucous membranes.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses due to infection,
allergies, or some autoimmune problems. The most typical symptoms of sinusitis
are headache, drainage (which can cause a bad taste in your mouth also) and
occasionally toothaches. Since these sinuses are air spaces the inflammatory
process allows pressure build up. If the sinuses are not able to drain properly
this can cause pressure buildup which can lead to serious pain.
Why do my teeth hurt
when I have sinusitis or a sinus infection?
Your upper teeth especially the molars are sitting right on
your sinuses. It’s quite common for someone to present with a toothache when
they are having sinus problems, even when it is not a tooth problem. Often the
toothache will be difficult to localize to one tooth. We need to perform tests
to determine the cause of the toothache. When in doubt we can treat you for
sinusitis and then re-check the tooth or teeth in question in a few days.
How can you treat
sinusitis?
There are a few methods of treatment. Nasal irrigation with
a saline solution can be helpful, or nasal spray decongestions can be used for
short periods of time. Using these for extended periods of time can lead to
sinus ‘rebound’, which means the same sinus problems reoccur. Over the counter
decongestants can be helpful to reduce sinus pressure. In some cases
antibiotics are indicated to combat the bacterial infection.
What does not work?
Treating a tooth that is actually referred pain from
sinusitis will not relieve your discomfort or reduce your symptoms. Get the
right diagnosis, ask questions, and relay all your symptoms.
