Sinus Infection or a Toothache? How to Tell the Difference Between the Two

You all of a sudden get sensitivity or pain in your teeth when you are chewing food and the first thing that comes to mind is, “I have a cavity.” However, because your body is so interconnected, what you may think is a cavity may actually be something as simple as a sinus problem. So, how can you tell the difference between these two? This article will discuss a few helpful tips to help you differentiate between each of these problems.

Sinus Infection

Symptoms of a sinus infection likely aren’t just going to exhibit itself in your mouth. However, your toothache or sensitivity will probably be the first thing that you notice. In order to help you decipher whether or not you have a sinus infection, try to notice if you have been suffering from a headache, fatigue, pressure under your eyes and around your nose, congestion, or even a slight cough. If you do have any of those symptoms, then it very well could be a sinus infection.

Toothache

As mentioned previously, the tough thing about trying to determine whether or not you have a toothache or sinus infection is the fact that your ears and mouth are so interconnected, that your symptoms may be very similar. If you have a toothache, however, it will likely worsen when you chew on it or drink water. Additionally, the pain will also most likely worsen over time— leaving you with the inability to eat things like ice cream or soup.

If you aren’t sure whether or not you are suffering from a sinus infection or a toothache, the dentists at Centennial Dental Center are here to help. By taking x-rays and conducting a brief oral examination, we will be able to give you a diagnosis and send you on your way toward recovery in no time.