Tooth Problem Or Sinus Pain Allergies Can Blur Diagnosis
Tooth pain or sinus pain? Knowing the difference can be perplexing for both patients and professionals, especially during allergy season.
Diagnosis is really difficult. Theres no question about that, said Karl Woodmansey, DDS, MA, clinical assistant professor in endodontics at the Texas A& M College of Dentistry. During his 17 years in general practice, he ran into this quandary quite often. Diagnosis was always challenging, deciding, When do I refer to a physician or an ear, nose and throat specialist ? When is this an endodontic problem?
Such dilemmas have become somewhat easier to navigate with high-resolution imaging capabilities and an interdisciplinary approach, he said. CBCT, or cone-beam computed tomography, has been revolutionary with its computerized, cone-shape beam that produces 3D digital images.
Old-school, two-dimensional radiographs are just this agglomeration of everything between the film and X-ray tubehead. Now we can see these very precise slices where we can look right in one particular space in the sinus, Woodmansey said.
Gabrielle Dizon, a general dentist who graduated from the College of Dentistry and practices in North Dallas, says every now and then patients come in complaining about tooth pain that is sinus related, or vice versa.
Dizon sometimes recommends that her sinus-suffering patients take decongestants or any allergy medication they have. A nasal wash system like a neti pot used for a week often does the trick, too, she said.
Dry Mouth Triggered Tooth Pain And Decay
Patients who suffer from allergy-related issues during the spring suffer from dry mouth as well. Dry mouth means a reduced level of saliva, resulting in bacteria that further trigger tooth decay and pain.
Put simply, patients who experience dry mouth throughout the year due to allergy-related causes often end up with tooth pain and damaged teeth.
Dentists treat a decayed tooth with either filling or root canal procedure. Dry mouth requires changing in drinking habits as well as medication.
How Allergies Can Cause Tooth Pain
- Natomas Crossing Dental Care
When you think about spring, budding trees, warmer weather and blooming flowers probably come to mind. However, while spring is a beautiful time of year, itâs also allergy season. As those newly budding and blooming plants release pollen, your allergies kick in and leave you feeling miserable. Inhale that pollen and your immune system can release histamines into your bloodstream. This may leave you with teary and itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, sinus pressure and congestion.
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Whats The Difference Between A Regular Toothache And A Sinus Toothache
All pain is not created equal. Typically, a toothache thats not caused by sinus problems will only involve one tooth. Conversely, if youre experiencing a sinus toothache, youll probably feel discomfort in several teeth, particularly the top molars . A toothache thats accompanied by sinus problems usually includes some or all of the following symptoms:
- Pressure or tenderness around the eyes or forehead
- Bad-tasting nasal drip
- Inability to smell and taste
These symptoms all intertwine because the position of the nasal cavities causes discomfort across a persons entire face, head, and neck region, whereas a single toothache may be caused by decay, damage, or sensitivity in one tooth.
Can A Seasonal Allergy Affect My Gums
Seasonal allergies can affect the gums, causing them to become red, swollen and even painful. This is due to the sinus congestion making it difficult to breathe through the nose. The soft tissues in the mouth ideally exist in a moist environment. If these tissues become dried out from mouth-breathing, the tissues become irritated and inflamed.
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How Seasonal Allergies Can Affect Your Smile
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how uncomfortable they can make you feel. The budding trees, blooming flowers, and growing grass can leave you feeling stuffed up and miserable. The same can happen as the leaves turn to beautiful colors each fall.
In addition to sneezing, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat, you can experience toothaches and many unwanted oral issues. The following are four ways allergies can affect your teeth.
Toothbrushes For Braces And Other Tips For Gentle Effective Oral Hygiene
Now that youve got tooth-relieving medication, at-home care, and food choices dialed-in, its time to consider your oral hygiene. Practicing good oral hygiene can help teeth feel better, too. Dr. Okuda and his team always suggest starting with a soft-bristled toothbrush for those with braces.
Other tips for gentle care when allergies make your teeth hurt? As an alternative to that trusty, soft-bristled toothbrush, for braces-wearers, you can get a great clean from dental supplies like an electric toothbrush or a Waterpik. A warm, salt-water rinse is relieving, or try a gum massage where your teeth hurt. Simply use a clean finger to gently rub your gums in a circular motion while being mindful of your braces until your gums and teeth feel more relaxed.
At Okuda Orthodontics we want all our patients to experience comfortable care on their way to their dream smile. So if youve got braces and have allergies that might be causing your teeth to hurt, please let us know. We want to help! Book an appointment today at our family-friendly, welcoming Henderson, NV office.
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When Sinusitis Causes Toothaches
As an infection creates more problems in your sinuses, pressure can build, and drainage can increase to the point that will eventually cause you to feel pain in your teeth. This is a common symptom of sinusitis, and the pain is usually felt in the upper back teeth that are closest to the sinuses. This happens because the roots of your upper teeth and jawbone are near your sinuses. Sometimes the discomfort spreads into your lower teeth in whats known as referred pain.
What Are Some Natural Home Remedies For Dealing With Seasonal Allergies Our Emergency Dentist In Lincoln Ne Answers
Increasing your fluid intake can help the body eliminate allergens more effectively. Also, taking Vitamin D to help support immune function, as well as avoiding dairy products, which are known to increase mucous production in some individuals, can help. If these options dont seem to be doing the trick, try staying indoors as much as possible during times with high pollen count. Frequent washing of bedding and pillowcases can also help remove residual pollen that may be found in your hair.
Wishing you health hand happiness,
Your family and emergency dentist in Lincoln, NE
Dr. Kimberly Polley
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Can Allergies Cause Tooth Pain
Can allergies cause tooth pain?
The Palo Verdes are in full bloom and so is allergy season. If you are experiencing upper tooth pain, it may be due to sinus pressure. Our maxillary sinuses are located to the right and left of our nose, and just above the roots of the upper teeth. When these cavities become inflamed from environmental contaminants such as pollen and dust, the membrane lining the sinuses swells and creates pressure. Sometimes the pressure will extend down to the root tips of upper teeth, and cause infection-like symptoms. Try taking a decongestant and an anti-inflammatory , if symptoms persist make an appointment with Dr. Hicks for an exam.
C Read RDH
Finding Relief From Sinus
You may be experiencing tooth discomfort as a result of seasonal allergies however, not all cases of tooth pain are allergy-related. A simple way to tell the difference and determine where the pain is coming from is to ask yourself if the pain you are feeling is mostly near your upper molars, or in one specific tooth.
To relieve tooth pain related to sinus pressure, incorporate the following tips into your everyday seasonal allergy routine :
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Incorporate foods that have been proven to reduce inflammation, as that is a significant factor in sinus-induced tooth pain.
- Add Calcium and vitamin C supplements to your diet. Calcium-rich foods, such as broccoli, asparagus, leafy greens, and bean sprouts can counteract inflammation causing elements.
- Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like the ones found in salmon.
- Sleep with a humidifier to moisten the air and open your nasal passages to relieve sinus pressure.
- Rinse your sinuses with a saline solution to clear any discharge and moisture.
When To See Your Dentist or Doctor
If your toothache affects more than just your top molars or the discomfort is isolated in one specific tooth, call your dentist to schedule an appointment to determine if tooth decay is a contributing factor in your distress.
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Tooth Pain And Allergies: How It Works
A tooth ache is not an unusual symptom of environmentally-triggered allergies. If you come into contact with an allergen such as dog or cat hair, dust, or pollen your body has an immune response, trying to flush out the allergen or attack it if its already in your system.
When it comes to environmental allergens, your sinuses are usually the first affected, and this is actually how your teeth begin to ache. Your system responds to the allergen by filling the sinuses with mucus. This creates a feeling of pressure and occasionally pain.
The pressure in your sinuses can have the knock-on effect of irritating the nerves in your teeth, as the tooth roots are pressed down upon. Your upper molars are particularly likely to be affected, and you may notice an ache in the upper back part of your mouth, similar to that caused by a cavity.
Pain in the teeth isnt the only effect allergies have on your dental health. Because of the wide-ranging effects you feel when suffering an allergic reaction, the ecosystem of your mouth can be affected in multiple ways, such as dryness in the mouth due to mouth breathing or medication or teeth grinding caused by muscle tension.
Sinus Cavity And Upper Teeth Connection
Theres only a fine line of tissue that separates our teeth and our sinus cavity. The sinus cavities filter and moisture to the air that we breathe before it enters the lungs.
When an allergen enters the sinus cavities, the tissues around the sinus area is filled with fluid that causes congestion and sinus pressure.The congestion-induced pressure will then overlap to the common area where the sinus cavity and the root of your upper teeth are located. Thus, triggering toothache.
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Sinus Vs Regular Toothache
Many symptoms of a regular toothache are similar to those of a sinus toothache. However, sinus tooth pain is primarily felt in the upper molars, affecting several teeth instead of only one. If youre having pain in these teeth, and its coupled with some of the symptoms listed below, its likely that your toothache is due to a sinus infection. You may also feel a bit under the weather or have a fever.
A toothache caused by dental concerns will likely be the only source of pain, and it could be more intense and focused. Pain from a sinus toothache will intensify with certain types of movement. Jumping up or bending over may make the pain worse. This is because the sinus pressure shifts as you move and is felt more in your teeth. The pain may subside when youre sitting or lying down.
Can Allergies Make Your Gums Hurtour Emergency Dentist In Lincoln Ne Answers
Allergies cause nasal congestion which can make it difficult or impossible to breathe through your nose. Mouth breathing dries out the tissues in the mouth, which are normally coated with protective saliva and mucous cells. This irritates the gums and soft tissues in the mouth and leads to bleeding gums and more bacterial buildup of plaque on the teeth, increasing symptoms of gingivitis.
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Allergic Reactions Caused Due To Toothpaste And Dental Care Products
Along with allergies to metals and dental filling materials, a minor percentage of patients also report an allergic reaction to toothpaste.
Symptoms include peeling and itching of lips, irritated tongue, swollen gums, and sores in the mouth. Flavourings and other ingredients present in specific oral care, dental products can cause the same. Of course, avoiding these products is the best option. Dentists may also recommend low-potency topical steroid and other medication to deal with the allergic reaction.
Do you wish to discuss more on possible allergic reactions resulting in dental issues? You can always make an appointment at Roswell based TruCare Dentistry to know more about the same.
Wherecan I Get An Allergy Test
Youve probably heard of others taking allergy tests. But where can you get allergy testing done?Thankfully, you can receive allergy tests by seeing an allergist. If youre in Lincoln, you can see Dr. Petra Razdan, an allergy expert, or any of her cohorts at Allergy Asthma and Immunologyright here in Lincoln, NE.
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Unexpected Causes Of Dry Mouth
People suffering from allergies might experience dry mouth regardless of the medication theyre taking, and it has to do with how they sleep. Generally, people sleep with their mouths closed, maintaining the moist environment their mouth needs through the night. Whenever someone is experiencing nasal congestion, however, their mouth opens during the night for easier breathing.
This cause of dry mouth is much harder to avoid, but its just as easy to treat as dry mouth brought on by medication use.
Dry mouth is easy to diagnose.Increased thirst or a dry or gummy feeling in the mouth are the main symptoms reported. Dryness in the throat, cracked lips or soreness or dryness at the corners of the mouth are also common signs. More extreme symptoms involve a loss of sense of taste and swelling in the tongue, gums and tissues of the mouth.
If figuring out you have a dry mouth is simple, treatment for dry mouth is similarly easy: water. Drinking plenty of water is the first option for treatment when you have a dry mouth, and is usually effective. Chewing some sugar-free gum can stimulate the saliva glands. If the dryness persists, whether or not you suspect its linked to your medication, its a good idea to consult your dentist to ensure the ongoing health of your teeth.
How Can My Sinuses Affect My Teeth
Congestion and sinus pressure can cause tooth pain. Depending on their size, your maxillary sinuses may fall near the roots of your upper molars. When these sinus cavities are inflamed, they can push down on the roots of your upper teeth, causing discomfort or pain.
People with larger sinus cavities may experience tooth sensitivity, discomfort when eating, or throbbing tooth pain because of allergy symptoms.
Sensitivity caused from inflamed sinuses affects multiple teeth and only lasts a short while. Only the upper molars are likely to be affected because their roots are closest to the maxillary sinus cavities. You should talk to a dentist if your tooth pain doesnt go away after your other allergy symptoms subside.
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Unexplained Toothache It Might Be Due To Seasonal Allergies
You probably know Its that time of year againallergy season. But did you know that allergies can cause dental issues?
The symptomsWeve been seeing a lot of toothaches lately due to sinus inflammation from seasonal allergies. Symptoms are most commonly localized to the maxillary premolars and molars. You may have been feeling toothache symptoms on teeth without a reason to hurt, including hypersensitivity to cold, pain on biting, sensitivity to tapping, and throbbing sensations. While it is true all of these symptoms mimic an infected tooth, they also are indicative of sinus pressure.
What you should doEarly spring-like conditions have led to an increase in seasonal allergies, in turn some of these allergies can increase inflammation in the sinus membrane leading to generalized pain in upper premolars and molars. However these symptoms generally manifest with the typical seasonal allergy symptoms, so if you dont have your normal seasonal allergy symptoms you may want us to take a closer look.
TreatmentOnce you have seen your dentist and ruled out a tooth infection, you can treat the symptoms. In order to treat sinus congestion and pressure to relieve tooth pain, you must eliminate the congestion which causes the pressure. A good trio of medications often recommended to treat these symptoms are:
1. Antihistamine 2. Decongestant 3. Topical Nasal Spray-
Call us to schedule an appointment! 541-548-8175.
Redmond Dental Group
Learn More About Allergies And Teeth With An In
Your toothache might not actually be a problem with your teeth. But even if you think these symptoms might be due to allergies, you should still come in and see Dr. Porter to rule out actual tooth problems like decay, abscess, etc. To schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Porter, call our office at 546-0655. He can help you determine whether your tooth pain is allergy-related or caused by other problems.
Located at 467 South Rivershore Lane in Eagle, we also treat patients from the surrounding communities of Star, Middleton, Meridian, Garden City, and Boise, Idaho withcomprehensive dentistry for the whole family.
Allergy-related dental pain is not something you have to suffer from. Give us a call today!
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Can Your Teeth Hurt From Sinus Pressure
It is of common knowledge that gum disease and decay can be one of the primary reasons behind a toothache. However, there are several other lesser-known factors, like the presence of sinusitis that can result in pain.
Inflammation of the nasal sinuses is caused due to bacteria associated with flu and cold. Sinus infection affects the cheekbones sinuses, resulting in pressure and toothache.
