Toothache vs. sinus infection vs. TMJ

[minniecarousel]

I think I have a sinus infection and some TMJ irritation (life is stressful right now & I'm a tooth grinder). So my doctor has me on an antibiotic, since it seems to be a sinus issue. When I bent over to clean out the litter box, the right side of my face (cheek) really hurt! So that makes it seem more sinus.

Yet, when I eat anything hot or cold, the right upper teeth seem more sensitive. I had a bagel for breakfast and it was hard to chew. Can teeth hurt with sinus infections? The chewing seems to be a TMJ problem.

I'd rather it not be a dental problem. I guess a few days on antibiotics will take care of a sinus infection. If it doesn't, then it may be a tooth issue?

Anyone have experiences with this?

 

[mickeyboat]

It is incredibly common to have tooth pain when you have a sinus infection, and sinus pain can definitely increase when you bend down. You could also be dealing with tooth pain. If it doesn't stop when you are done with the antibiotic, call your dentist. Ibuprofen should help with the pain.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

That's how I usually know that I have a sinus infection... tooth and jaw pain.

Feel better!!!

 

[WDWBarb]

Yep, I concur. I have TMJ and have frequent sinus infections and one of my tell-tale signs is pain when I bend over and sensitivity in my teeth.

 

[webprinter]

That's how I usually know that I have a sinus infection... tooth and jaw pain.

Feel better!!!

Me too. In fact, when it gets really bad, even my bottom teeth hurt. It usually takes about a week after the antibiotics are done for my pain to totally go away.

 

[momof1princess]

unfortunately, all the nerves in the head are connected. i was diagnosed with TMJ about 15-16 years ago, and i had gone to the ENT for a sinus infection. he said i didn't have a sinus infection, but after doing some x-rays and examining my mouth and jaws, he diagnosed me with TMJ. i had NO idea what that was, i just thought my sinuses had gone haywire again (i have lots of allergies). you can definitely feel effects of a sinus infection and actually have TMJ. i went to an orthodontist and had a TMJ splint made (looks like an ordinary, orthodontic retainer) and as long as i sleep in it at night, i have no issues, unless i get really stressed out. in stressful times, i wear it day and night. best $250 i ever spent. i hope you get some relief soon

 

[Tigger2252]

I have chronic sinusitis and suffer from seasonal allergies that always trigger a sinus infection. I am currently suffering with one right now and can tell you from experience my teeth ALWAYS ache when my sinuses flair up. If they are really bad I would recommend some nasal spray to relieve the swelling. I also use a NettiPot if they get really bad. I hope you feel better soon! There is nothing worse than sinus pain IMHO.

 

[swald91]

Yes...I had this happen & it feels like my teeth are going to actually fall out! I haven't tried it but I know that clove oil is great for a toothache! Keep taking the antibiotic once in your system-you'll start to feel better...

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I agree with the others. TMJ pain is mostly on the side of the face under the ear. It does radiate into other places (I get it up into my head and even down my neck sometimes but it starts right at the jawbone). Sinus infections make the whole side of my face hurt, especially when I bend over. I also get tooth pain with sinus infections and chewing hurts. After you finish your antibiotic, the tooth pain should go away. If it doesn't, that would be the time to see a dentist to determine if it's a tooth issue.

 

[krcit]

I get bad headaches when I have a sinus infection, usually that is my ONLY symptom. It's weird, no stuffiness or anything just these headaches that I know are sinus. This summer I had such a toothache and I went to the dentist. It was a sinus infection and after a few days of antibiotics was much better. I bet all your symptoms are from the sinus infection and you'll feel better soon

 

[Muushka]

I usually have a fever with sinus infections.

 

[Macca1111]

As pointed out above me, all of those nerves are connected. My canine on the left top side and the next one back are generally the ones that hurt when I have a sinis infection - in fact, that's how I know it's turned into a sinus infection now. Last time I had to get antibiotics they explained that since I get infected in that sinus underneath the cheekbone it presses the nerves right there. It hurts enough that every time I worry I have a cavity or my tooth is going to fall out, which is dumb because when I had a ton of tiny cavities I didn't have any pain at all. Anyway, the neti pot suggestion is good, as are steam baths to get the sinuses cleaned out. Good luck!

 

[dicar123]

If the antibiotic doesn't help, you might want someone to take a real good look at the space near your upper tooth roots and your sinus cavity. My cousin has been going back and forth between dentists and an otolarynologist (I think that's it) for MONTHS.

She was just diagnosed with infection way up at the end of the roots (possibly caused by an incomplete root canal done several years ago). It was difficult to find because regular dental x-rays don't usually see up that far. It was only noticed when they did a CT scan of her sinus'.

She needed oral surgery and a bone biopsy to see if the infection had spread into the bone. If she hadn't been very persistent, it would have continued to be missed.