Sinusitis, a condition affecting 28.9 million Americans annually, presents with symptoms such as headaches, runny or congested nose, facial pressure, and even dental pain. This inflammation of the mucous lining in the nasal passages and sinus cavities can lead to blocked sinus drainage, complicating the condition further. Research from the University of Helsinki highlights a startling link between hidden tooth infections and heart disease. They found that acute coronary syndrome, a critical heart condition, is 2.7 times more likely in individuals with infections at the root of a tooth, even without obvious tooth symptoms.

Symptoms of a sinus infection primarily include painful pressure, which varies depending on the affected sinus area. The pain might be felt in the forehead (frontal sinusitis), over the cheek or upper jaw and teeth (maxillary sinusitis), behind the eyes (ethmoid or sphenoid sinusitis), or at the top of the head (sphenoid sinusitis). To alleviate the initial symptoms of sinusitis, which resemble those of a cold, remedies like nasal rinses, decongestants, and pain relievers are recommended. Factors such as infection (bacterial or viral), allergies, and pollution are known to cause sinusitis. Specifically, odontogenic sinusitis can arise from issues related to the maxillary posterior teeth, including oral infection, dental procedures, or trauma.

Distinguishing between sinus-related pain and dental issues can be challenging, especially when the pain is generalized. However, if the pain or pressure is localized to one tooth and is visible on a radiograph above that tooth, it’s possible to narrow down the cause to either the sinus or the tooth itself. Dental imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing the vitality of the tooth.

Environmental, anatomical, and genetic factors can lead to sinus blockage, with common culprits being the common cold or allergies. Structural issues like a deviated septum can also contribute to more severe sinusitis. When differentiating between a sinus infection and COVID-19, it’s important to consider accompanying symptoms like facial pain/pressure for sinus infections, and fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and possible gastrointestinal symptoms for COVID-19. Because of overlapping symptoms, professional consultation is advised.

UT Health San Antonio
Harvard Health
Harvard Health
Harvard Health
Portada
Texas A&M Health Science Center
Harvard Health
Ohio State Health & Discovery