| Teeth and Sinus Infections |
You have probably been told or heard somewhere along the way that sinus infections can cause severe tooth pain. You may have even experienced the situation yourself, and you would be right. Sinus infections can cause severe tooth pain. However, did you know that a tooth can cause a sinus infection?
'Sinuses'
Your sinuses are simply put, chambers in your skull filled with air. As you breathe, air circulates in your sinuses just before passing into your lungs. Your body is designed to keep your sinuses clean, but when bacteria are found in your sinuses, the result is a sinus infection. Sinus infections are often caused by colds, but can also be caused by your teeth.
Location is Everything
Everyone knows where their teeth are located, but do you know where your sinuses are located? Your sinuses are found above your eyes, around your nose and around your cheeks. The ones that are positioned at the lower part of your nose also sit just above your upper teeth. These sinuses are called your maxillary sinuses.
Consequently
Due to your maxillary sinuses close proximity to your upper teeth, an infection in your tooth (called an abscess) could spread to your maxillary sinus cavity. Basically the abscess in your tooth or your gum can find a way through to your sinuses. In fact, 20-25 percent of infections in the maxillary sinuses are a result of infections in your teeth.
If you suspect a sinus infection or an abscess in your tooth or gum, call our office right away.
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| Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
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Tooth sensitivity is tooth pain that can occur occasionally or constantly. Patients describe it as everything from tingling to sharp pain. Often tooth sensitivity occurs when hot or cold foods or beverages come in contact with teeth, but taking in cold air can also bring tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity happens naturally with aging and is a result of the wearing down of enamel and dentin exposure. Common causes of tooth sensitivity include drinking lots of acidic beverages like sodas, sports drinks and energy drinks (these drinks cause enamel loss, and subsequently, sensitivity), receding gum lines, grinding teeth, broken teeth, chipped teeth, periodontal disease, and nerve damage. |
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| The Solution to Tooth Sensitivity |
| Tooth sensitivity is a common form of tooth discomfort. It can be caused by any number of issues, the most general cause being the loss of tooth enamel and the exposure of dentin. When you visit our office we can evaluate the cause of your sensitive teeth and offer you solutions to stop tooth sensitivity pain. If your sensitivity level is only minor, we may suggest over-the-counter solutions including fluoride toothpastes and rinses which are designed to make teeth less sensitive, as well as forming a protective coating to guard against further sensitivity. If your sensitivity is at a higher level, we may recommend an application of a desensitizer. |
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