Your Dentist Wants You to Know Your Sinus Infection Could be a Dental Problem

Do you suffer from frequent sinus infections? Believe it or not, this can be a dental problem, and it can also lead to dental problems. This is why your dentist wants you to take these infections very seriously.

The sinuses located on the sides of the nose are called the maxillary sinuses. The upper back teeth actually grow into this sinus cavity. This means that inflammation and congestion in the sinus cavity can cause oral pain in these upper back teeth. That is why many patients find out they have a sinus infection first with a trip to the dentist.

Typically, a sinus infection occurs when swelling to the nose prevents the sinus from draining properly, since it drains through the nose. Once the sinuses are filled with fluid, the fluid becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. This typically requires a trip to the doctor and an antibiotic to cure the infection.

That is the most common way a sinus infection occurs. However, it is also possible for an infection to occur because of a dental problem. Because of the connection between the sinuses and the teeth, a tooth infection can actually trigger a sinus infection. Severe tooth decay in the teeth that touch the sinuses can introduce bacteria to the sinus cavities. Then, all they need is a little bit of congestion to start multiplying and create the pain and discomfort of a full-blown sinus infection.

That is why it is so important to maintain regular visits to your dentist. Avoiding tooth decay is important to keeping your sinuses happy. If you are suffering from regular sinus infections and have been lax in your dental appointments, it may be worth considering whether or not you have tooth decay that is causing your problems.

Sinus infections can also cause problems with your teeth, particularly if you are young. When sinus infections are not treated, they can lead to poor dental development. This makes it very important for children who have immature teeth to see a doctor if they have signs of a sinus infection. Sinus infections can also impact an individual's ability to get braces or have other orthodontic procedures done.

So what can you do about this? If you feel you might have a sinus infection, visit your medical doctor right away. If you feel you might have dental decay, visit your dentist. These two professionals should work hand in hand to ensure that you get the best possible care.

If you find that you suffer from chronic sinus infections and your teeth are not to blame, consider doing some more digging to find the reason. This is not a condition you want to ignore, because doing so could harm your physical and oral health.

If an anatomical feature or other condition is causing your repeat problems, then you need to get it treated or fixed quickly to avoid further complications. Your health is worth it!