Is your pain caused by a toothache or sinus pressure? Mouth pain is not uncommon; in fact, many of us will experience it at some point or another in our lives. When you are experiencing mouth pain, it is very easy to just chalk it up to a toothache. However, it’s important to not self-diagnose as there are many things that can cause pain in your mouth. Especially this time of year when the weather is constantly changing and allergies are at an all time high, it’s not uncommon for sinus pressure to cause mouth pain.
Not sure if your pain is caused from a toothache or sinus pressure? Here are some things to look out for.
Is Your Pain Caused by Toothache or Sinus Pressure?
What is a toothache?
Simply put, a toothache is any pain our pressure felt on or around one or several of your teeth. If you have a toothache, chances are you are also experiencing complimentary symptoms such as: swelling in your mouth, a slight fever, a foul/taste smell coming from the tooth and more. And if the pain is severe enough, you can even feel pain or pressure in your ear or head when opening your mouth, or have difficulty swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms please contact your dentist ASAP.
While it’s never fun dealing with a toothache, the good news is they are usually preventable! Observing proper oral hygiene like brushing twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash are great habits to form to ensure your mouth health is optimal.
What Steps Can I Take to Relieve Toothache Pain?
Pain Relievers
For quick relief from a toothache, it may be helpful to use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These pain relievers help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Elevate Your Head
When blood pools in your head, it can make tooth pain feel worse. Elevating your head can prevent this.
Avoid Hot, Cold, or Sugary Foods
When your toothache is from a sensitivity or cavity, consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods can make it worse.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water can help keep your mouth clean and free of food particles, which may be increasing irritation in your mouth.
Apply a Cold Compress
Wrap an ice pack in cloth and press it to the outside of your check where your toothache pain is emanating from. This can help reduce any swelling that is occuring.
What is sinus pressure?
Whereas a toothache generally causes centralized pain, sinus pressure is often less intense and is more of a dull ache. Because you have sinus passages located behind your cheekbones, it’s not uncommon for sinus pressure to result in mouth pain. If you’re feeling pain on both sides of your face, it is most likely a sinus infection. You also might experience other symptoms of a sinus infection, such as sneezing, coughing, running nose, and more.
How to Relieve Sinus Pressure
Drink Water
When you’re hydrated, your mucus will thin out, which will make it easier to unclog your sinuses. This, in turn, will relieve any pressure that is occuring.
Try a Steam Shower
A steam shower can help you drain your sinuses.
Turn on a Humidifier
When your sinuses are dry, it can create congestion. Using a humidifier can help keep things loose so you can relieve sinus pressure.
Try Eating Spicy Foods
Sometimes spicy foods can help your nose run if you’re feeling super congested. You can try foods such as horseradish, wasabi, or chili peppers to help clear out a stuffy nose.
Still Not Sure if You Have a Toothache or Sinus Pressure?
Not sure if you’re experiencing a toothache or sinus pressure? It never hurts to get checked out by your dentist! Contact us today to schedule an appointment and we’ll help you determine whether your toothache or sinus pressure is causing you pain.
About Krengel Dental
At Krengel Dental, we’re not your average dentist. We do everything we can to help your smile shine. If you’re looking for a dentist in the Twin Cities, we would love to help you at one of our metro locations. Visit our contact page to book an appointment with us.
