Fwd: The Correlation between Tooth Pain and the Sinuses

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Opeyemi Adeniyi <adeniyiopeyemil@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 28 Nov 2015 13:10:28 +0100
Subject: The Correlation between Tooth Pain and the Sinuses
To: adeniyiopeyemil.1987@gmail.com

Under certain circumstances, a direct correlation can exist between a
sinus infection and a toothache. A sinus infection might be caused by
an allergic reaction, an anatomical obstruction in the nasal passage,
another bodily infection (like a respiratory infection) or – and
here's where tooth pain comes in – an infected maxillary tooth. In
fact, a person experiencing pain in many or all teeth may have a sinus
infection. The face and neck may also contain cutaneous sinus tracts
that are sometimes dental in origin.
Studies have indicated that in many cases, a correlation exists
between sinus infections and caries (cavities), impacted wisdom teeth,
incomplete dental work and tooth or crown fracture.
Additionally, untreated sinus infections may make it difficult to
maintain dental hygiene. Sinus infections may be the culprit in cases
of bad breath (also known as halitosis), as sinus drainage falls into
the mouth.
Diagnosing Sinus Infections as the Cause of Toothache
In order to determine if a sinus infection is the root cause of a
toothache, a dentist will typically perform a percussion test whereby
he will gently tap on an individual teeth to establish where the pain
is located. Pain located in all of the teeth signifies a sinus-related
infection.
Treating Sinus Infections and their Effects
If left untreated, chronic sinus infections may have an effect on the
teeth. In fact, people often struggle to differentiate between a sinus
infection and toothache since the roots of the upper teeth are in
close proximity to the maxillary sinus cavities. Seek the advice of a
medical professional and possibly an ear, nose and throat specialist
to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Depending upon the source of nasal discomfort responsible for causing
tooth pain, treatment may include nasal drops, allergy medication,
antibiotics or an ongoing regimen of nasal washes. Additionally,
dental treatment may be required to repair any areas that were
affected by the sinus infection.

Toothache Causes and Applicable Solutions

Treatment for toothaches varies significantly depending on the severity of the pain and its cause. The following list is of options is designed to provide you with some information about how your dentist may treat your toothache: Gum Recession: Gum recession can be reversed through a gum graft procedure whereby the gums are rejuvenated and maintained at their healthiest level. There are three approaches to the gum graft procedure: • The first approach involves removing tissue from the palate and grafting it to the root area. • The second approach involves an allograft (synthetic gum tissue) that is placed over a root. • The third approach is called a sliding graft whereby gum tissue is moved from adjacent areas over the root. Tooth Sensitivity: Professional grade desensitizers are applied at the dental office, and require a reapplication every so often. Desensitizers can also be used during times of sensitivity at home. Finally, over-the-counter desensitizers such as those offered in select toothpastes may also provide relief. Enamel Loss: An acidic diet, brushing too hard or natural wear and tear can result in enamel loss. When enamel is lost, the dentin (inner surface of the tooth) is exposed, causing sensitivity or pain. Desensitizers can help. Wear and Tear: Enamel loss, uneven teeth, tiny chips and cracks can cause sensitivity or pain, and is usually indicative of tooth destruction. Uneven surfaces of the teeth may be filled with composite materials. Many cases involving wear and tear require tooth restoration with a crown or veneer. Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is caused by an improper diet and poor dental hygiene. Depending on the amount of tooth decay you have, treatment may require a composite or amalgam filling, or, when accompanied by nerve damage or exposure of the root pulp, a root canal. When multiple tooth surfaces are affected, (making a dental filling an impractical solution) a dental crown or veneer is indicated. Infection or Abscessed Tooth: An infection or abscess is the result of tooth decay or trauma. The treatment plan for an infection or abscess often begins with antibiotics and pain treatment, with a follow-up visit for root canal treatment. For the final restoration, the weakened tooth can be strengthened with a crown or veneer. Crack or Fracture in Tooth: Cracks or fractures in teeth can occur from teeth grinding, trauma to the tooth or simply years of wear and tear. Usually, a cracked tooth is treated with a protective covering such as a dental crown or veneer. Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding can result in tooth fractures, unevenness and even a shift in the bite. Mouth guards used during sleep can help protect teeth from self-imposed injury caused by teeth grinding. Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth are back molars that fail to surface. Impacted wisdom teeth can crowd and shift other teeth. Oftentimes, oral surgery is required to remove impacted wisdom teeth and relieve pain. First Aid Relief for Toothache Until you are able to reach the dental office, there are a few ways to find relief from dental pain. Your dentist may advise you to take ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin to dull the pain. Over-the-counter medications containing benzocaine may reduce pain in the affected tooth, or surrounding gum area. However, aspirin applied directly to the tooth is not recommended, because it can burn the gums or cheek. To reduce discomfort from swelling, you may be advised to swish warm saltwater in your mouth periodically throughout the day, and apply an ice pack to the swollen area. Next, go to: • How serious are toothaches? • The correlation between tooth pain and the sinuses