Does a Bad Tooth Cause Sinus Trouble?

Does a Bad Tooth Cause Sinus Trouble?

Most people don't think a toothache could be connected to sinus problems, but the two areas are very close to each other. It is not uncommon for a toothache to cause a sinus problem or for sinusitis to cause tooth pain. If a patient is experiencing a great deal of sinus trouble and tooth problems, he will be checked for both a tooth infection and a sinus infection. In cases where both types of discomfort are being experienced, it is not uncommon to discover that one problem is causing the other, even though the sinus cavity and the teeth are both experiencing problems.

Sinus Infection or Bad Tooth?

• If you have just had work done on your teeth and are experiencing some sort of infection, it may be difficult to know if you have a sinus infection or a dental problem. Many people don't know how to tell the difference. Because the sinuses are located so close to the jaw and tooth area, it can sometimes be difficult to tell where pain is originating from. 
• The only way to determine if someone has a sinus infection is to see their regular doctor. A dental surgeon or dentist is not going to be able to diagnose a sinus infection. If you have not recently had dental work done and are experiencing tooth pain, see a dentist first to eliminate any dental problems. If none are present and there is still tooth pain, it is possible the pain is being caused by the pressure and inflammation of a sinus infection. Make a doctor's appointment with your regular physician to be checked for a sinus infection.
• Sinusitis can mimic the pain commonly associated with dental pain, so people will often have difficulty properly diagnosing the real problem. It is common for someone to experience both sinus issues and dental problems because the areas are located so close together. Any type of swelling and inflammation can lead to a sinus infection, so it stands to reason that developing a tooth infection may cause a sinus infection or sinus problems.

Reactions to Dental Procedures

• Most people are under the impression that you go to the dentist, have dental work done and then return back to life as normal. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way for some people. Someone may go into the dentist and have routine dental work done, but have a very bad reaction to something as simple as a filling or something more complicated, like a root canal. Just as having a sinus infection can sometimes seem like a tooth infection, having a reaction to a dental procedure, especially when someone isn't expecting to, can have the same outcome. If you've just had a dental procedure, are having a lot of sinus-related pain, but are given a clean bill of health at the doctor's office, check in with your dentist to determine if you may be having a bad reaction to the dental procedure.

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.

Ten Great Reasons Not to Dodge Your Dental Cleaning Appointment!

Ten Great Reasons Not to Dodge Your Dental Cleaning Appointment!

Sure, regular cleanings with our office promote good oral hygiene, but did you know

they can also prevent a multitude of diseases? That two o'clock chair -side rendezvous

may not seem nearly as exciting as a late lunch with a friend, but it will be well worth it

in the end. Here are 10 really great reasons to stick with your regular cleaning schedule!

 

1. It Prevents Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you're screened for

oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning. According to the Oral Cancer

Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It's a sad

proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early

diagnosis.

 

2. It Wards off Gum Disease. Gum disease (an infection in the gum tissues and

bone that keep your teeth in place) is one of the leading causes of adult tooth

loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not

receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum

disease. Regular cleanings and check-ups and daily brushing and flossing are

key weapons in the fight against these conditions.

 

3. It's about More than Your Mouth. Sure, not getting regular check-ups may

make you less kissable, but did you know that studies have linked heart attacks

and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene? A trip to our

office every six months could reduce your risk of serious health problems.

 

4. You Want to Preserve Your Smile. As mentioned, gum disease is one of the

leading causes of tooth loss in adults. To keep your pearly whites intact, stick

with your cleaning schedule.

 

5. It's Best to Detect Dental Problems Early. We've already touched upon early

detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don't overlook more basic dental

problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular trips to

the dentist, these problems can lead to root canals, gum surgery and tooth

extraction. Which sounds worse: a 30-minute cleaning or an hour under the

knife?

 

6. You Want to Know You're Doing It Right. Maybe you bought a fancy new

electric toothbrush, or aren't keeping up with what current research has to say

about caring for your teeth. Either way, check-ups allow us to examine your

mouth and keep you on the right path.

 

7. You Have Dental Insurance. Consider how much money you put into your

insurance plan. Take advantage of it and save a lot of money in the long run by

avoiding costly procedures that result from poor dental habits.

 

8. You Want to Upgrade Your Smile. If you're already suffering from tooth decay

or gum problems, regular appointments will allow our office to create a

personalized treatment plan that will give you the best smile possible.

 

9. You Want to Dazzle. Regular cleanings remove most tobacco, coffee and tea

stains, polishing your teeth to a beautiful shine!

10. You Need Some Time Alone. Okay, maybe not completely alone, but the time

you spend in our waiting room and in our chair is really your time. You can forget

about the office or the stresses of family life. Read a magazine or work through a

crossword if you want. Take advantage of the time you're given, rather than

worrying about how to fit it in your tight schedule. Your health and well-being

should never take a back seat to your daily planner.

 

If it's been more than six months since your last check up and cleaning, call our office to

schedule an appointment today! We promise to take good care of you (and your smile)!

 

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.