Do I Have a Sinus Infection or a Toothache?

The reason why dental school takes so much time, and that a professional’s expertise is deeply important, is because it can be really hard for the average person to tell some common conditions apart.

For example, you may have started experiencing what feels like a combination of face pain and a toothache set in recently. In that case, you may wonder if you’re really dealing with a toothache, or if the problem is a sinus infection. Here’s a guide that can help you discern between the two.

Is it a Sinus Infection?

Sinuses are passages that are located across the face, centered primarily around the nose and mouth. The sinuses actually run fairly close to the upper jaw, which is where this confusion may come from. These sinuses can potentially become inflamed, which can cause pain and discomfort across the face. Practically speaking, this might feel like a pressure pushing outward, and a toothache in your top teeth.

This could be accompanied by a wide variety of symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Sore Throat
• Bad Breath
• Mucus buildup
• Ear Pain

Is it a Toothache?

Toothaches are complicated to talk about, in no small part because their causes are so varied. Infection, decay, and trauma can all cause pain within a single tooth. In some cases, this discomfort can be so intense that it radiates to the rest of the face, making it feel like the problem is much deeper than just the one tooth.

Telling Them Apart

You would need a doctor or a dentist to be able to tell you exactly what’s happening, but if you’re trying to figure out what may be happening by feel alone, there are some telltale signs.

For one, toothaches tend to be sharp, piercing pain localized primarily in one tooth. Even if the pain radiates, it should still feel like a pulsing or stinging. Sinus infections will feel much more like a “pressure.” They’re also often accompanied by a lot of mucus, which is unlikely in the case of a toothache.

That said, dentists are experts in the entire face, meaning that even if you’re dealing with a sinus infection, one may be able to help you out.

About Our Practice

If you want a practice that can make you feel comfortable and welcome, filled with trained professionals who will take the time to listen to you, we at Dolfield Dental have got you covered. We want our patients to feel empowered to take control of their oral health, which is why our dentists work closely with patients to craft their treatment plans.

If you have any questions about facial pain, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (410) 902-4110.