How to Relieve Tooth Pain from Sinus Pressure

Sinus issues can lead to a whole host of unpleasant symptoms, from headaches to post-nasal drip to congestion to a runny nose. Sometimes sinus pressure can even lead to a unique type of tooth pain that affects multiple teeth at once. When that happens, it can be distracting enough to become all you can think about. 

If you’re currently experiencing tooth pain due to sinus pressure, you’re more than likely looking for any solution to this unpleasant issue that you can find. You’ll be happy to know that you’ve come to the right place. We’ve created this simple guide with everything you need to know about the connection between tooth pain and sinus pressure and what you can do to put an end to it.

What Are Sinuses?

Your sinuses are not something you’re likely to put much thought into until you’ve started experiencing issues with them, but they’re actually quite important for maintaining good health. They consist of four connected cavities in your head: two below the eyes and two above. They create mucus, which works to prevent dirt, dust, pollutants, and germs from remaining in your nose.

What Causes Sinus Pressure?

Sinus pressure occurs when the nasal passages become irritated and swollen, leading to a buildup of mucus in the sinus cavities. This can also be referred to as sinusitis or a sinus headache. 

Symptoms of sinusitis include the following: 

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Cough
• Headache
• Post-nasal drip
• Sore throat
• Loss of smell and/or taste
• Pressure in the face
• Tooth pain 

Tooth pain resulting from sinus pressure is unlike other toothaches in that it can typically be felt in multiple teeth at once. This is because sinus pressure-related tooth pain is not caused by dental damage but by pressure on your teeth from your inflamed sinuses.

Relieving Tooth Pain from Sinus Pressure

Oftentimes, the number one remedy for sinus pressure is time, as there is no single, fast-acting solution for the issue. However, there are steps you can take that will help relieve the tooth pain you may be experiencing. We’ve listed the most effective strategies below.

Drink Plenty of Water

Hydration is a go-to remedy for a whole host of issues, but in the case of sinus pressure, it has a particularly useful application: providing your sinus cavities with the liquid they need to support regular drainage. Drinking a ton of water and stocking up on electrolytes can help keep that tooth pain at bay until the sinus inflammation is totally gone.

Take a Nice Hot Shower

This solution is only a temporary one, but it can be highly effective while in action. The steam from a hot shower will help to open your sinuses, allowing for drainage and relieving that painful pressure. If you’re unable to take a shower, you can use a hot compress on your face for a similar effect.

Eat Healthy Food

Maintaining a healthy diet is always a good idea, but there are certain healthy foods you can turn to when you’re dealing with tooth pain related to sinus pressure that may be able to provide you with some relief. Sinus pressure is the result of inflammation, so foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as blueberries, leafy greens, nuts, and olive oil, may be able to help. Immune system boosters like spinach, ginger, citrus fruit, and garlic may also prove useful. 

You may also want to consider eating some spicy foods, as they can thin your mucus and help encourage drainage of the sinuses.

Use Over-the-Counter Expectorants

There are a number of over-the-counter remedies that may be able to provide you with some relief from your sinus pressure. However, you’re going to want to carefully select an expectorant, not a decongestant, as expectorants are designed to reduce mucus production. If you’re uncertain about which OTC remedy you should buy, consider speaking about it with your doctor or pharmacist.

Get Plenty of Rest

This remedy is sort of an ironic one. It’s not always easy to get meaningful rest when you’re plagued with tooth pain and sinus pressure. However, getting as much sleep as you can is key to fighting off the infection that’s causing your sinus issues. Just make sure to keep your head propped up when it’s time for bed, as lying in a horizontal position may only serve to perpetuate or even worsen the pressure.

Speak with Your Doctor or Dentist

If your symptoms persist and nothing seems to be making it any better, you’ll want to speak with a medical professional about it. If it’s the sinus pressure and tooth pain that won’t go away, consult your doctor. If the sinus pressure leaves and the tooth pain stays, speak with your dentist or schedule a checkup.

Experiencing Tooth Pain?

If you live in Canada and are in need of an experienced Calgary dentist to help alleviate your tooth pain, contact Inglewood Family Dental today by calling or going online.