As the name suggests, sinus toothache is a consequence of problems affecting sinuses (connected system of small, air-filled spaces located behind the cheekbones and forehead). It is usually not serious, but can be quite painful and may interfere with your daily activities. One of the common causes is sinus infection. The frequently asked question, how long does this discomfort ache take to go away?
Sinusitis (a.k.a sinus infection)
It is inflammation (swelling) of tissue lining the sinus cavities. And there are a number of causes of this inflammation such as due to bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. It may also be triggered by allergies or common cold.
Sinusitis is a quite common condition. It’s commonly considered as not-contagious disease, though if the infection is caused by virus or bacteria. But it’s still important for people with sinusitis to avoid direct contact with others who’re vulnerable to have the condition – such as elderly people, toddlers, or anyone with weakened body immune system.
The good news, it is mild in most cases. It rarely leads to serious problem. It usually responds to lifestyle measures (typically the treatment is nothing more than fluid and rest). Even in some cases, it may get better on its own without treatment.
However its symptoms can be very bothersome. The symptoms can vary, but the main ones are as follows:
- Nasal symptoms. These could be nasal congestion (obstruction) or nasal discharge (runny nose with thick, foul-smelling discharge from the nose – the discharge may also turn into yellow or green that signals the infection).
- Pressure or even pain over the affected sinuses such as around your face and eyes.
- Other symptoms include cough, fever, headache, persistent cold, decreased sense of smell, and bad breath,
The infection may also spread elsewhere in the skull such as brain, but this is very rare. Again, sinusitis is usually harmless and rarely leads to serious complications.
Sinus toothache
Toothache refers to ache or pain that occurs in or /and around the teeth. The main cause is tooth decay. And pain that you feel is usually as a result of when the dental pulp (the innermost layer of your tooth) becomes inflamed.
The dental pulp hosts sensitive nerves and blood vessels. Therefore, the inflammation in this layer can be painful. Besides tooth decay, there are a number of other conditions that can lead to the inflammation of dental pulp, these include:
