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How do you tell if you have a tooth infection or sinus infection?

Author

Jessica Burns

Published Feb 25, 2026

How do you tell if you have a tooth infection or sinus infection?

If you tap on an abscessed tooth, you will probably feel a sharp jolt of pain. You have several sinus cavities, and pain can emanate from any or all of them, so if you have infection in more than one sinus cavity, you may have pain behind the nose and eyes.

Then, do I have a toothache or sinus infection?

Yes, a sinus infection (sinusitis) or inflammation can cause a toothache — specifically in the upper rear teeth, which are close to the sinuses. In fact, pain in the upper teeth is a fairly common symptom with sinus conditions. If you have a persistent toothache, first consult your dentist for an exam.

Furthermore, can a bad tooth cause sinus problems? Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often persists even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria, or rarely fungus, may cause a sinus infection. Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also contribute to sinus pain and symptoms.

Likewise, people ask, can a tooth infection cause a sinus infection?

A dental infection can cause a sinus infection. As the back portion of the teeth is close to the maxillary sinuses, infectious organisms can travel to these cavities. A person with this infection type will have maxillary sinus infection symptoms.

What does sinus toothache feel like?

Conversely, if you're experiencing a sinus toothache, you'll probably feel discomfort in several teeth, particularly the top molars (or back teeth). A toothache that's accompanied by sinus problems usually includes some or all of the following symptoms: Pressure or tenderness around the eyes or forehead.

How do you get rid of a sinus toothache?

Here are a few options.
  1. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is key to relieving sinus congestion.
  2. Steam. Breathing in hot, moist air can help to open your nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure.
  3. Sinus flush.
  4. Limit decongestant nasal sprays.

How do you get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist?

Rinsing your mouth with salt water is an easy and affordable option for temporary relief of your abscessed tooth. It can also promote wound healing and healthy gums. To use this remedy: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of normal table salt with 1/2 cup of warm tap water.

What are the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading?

Signs of a tooth infection spreading to the body may include:
  • fever.
  • swelling.
  • dehydration.
  • increased heart rate.
  • increased breathing rate.
  • stomach pain.

Do I need antibiotics for sinus infection?

If your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, you may require antibiotics to get better. Typically, antibiotics are needed when: Sinus infection symptoms last over a week. Sinusitis symptoms are severe (high fever, skin infection or rash, extreme pain or tenderness around the eyes or nose)

How does a sinus infection feel?

Pain is a common symptom of sinusitis. Inflammation and swelling cause your sinuses to ache with a dull pressure. You may feel pain in your forehead, on either side of your nose, in your upper jaws and teeth, or between your eyes. This may lead to a headache.

Can tooth abscess drain into sinus?

In an upper tooth the root tips are so close to the sinus that the puss can drain into the sinus. The sinus issues that result from a tooth abscess connected to the sinus range from: a constant runny nose, clogged sinuses on one side, redden eye on one side, a musty or metallic smell or taste in the nose.

Why does my cheek and teeth hurt?

What is a Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)? A sinus infection can create pressure and pain in the mouth and cause a sinus tooth pain. Specifically, this is due to pressure and pain in the maxillary sinuses located behind the cheek bones.

Can a dentist diagnose sinus infection?

Previously, dental films and dental evaluations were most commonly used for diagnosing odontogenic sinusitis. However, these methods frequently fail to detect maxillary dental infection that can be causing odontogenic sinusitis.

What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?

When Sinusitis is Left Untreated
If left untreated, sinusitis (especially a case caused by bacteria) can have serious effects on your health. Antibiotics not only relieve your symptoms, but they help ward off potential long-term complications within your ears, eyes, and nose.

How long does a tooth abscess last?

It can take a few weeks for the tenderness and swelling to subside, so it is a good idea to keep taking approved painkillers. If you need stronger medication, because the pain is too intense, talk to your dentist. The average extraction takes around three to four weeks to fully heal.

Do tooth roots go into sinuses?

The maxillary sinus in particular sits behind the cheek bones just above the upper jaw. Tooth roots, particularly in back teeth, can extend quite near or even poke through the floor of the maxillary sinus.

Can sinus infection cause toothache in lower teeth?

It is not common, but the amount of pressure and swelling that occurs from sinus congestion can press against facial nerves, causing toothaches of the lower teeth. Sometimes patients will report that their discomfort seems to move if they move their head from side to side or bend over.

Which tooth is closest to maxillary sinus?

Conclusion: The buccal root of the maxillary molars was more commonly protruded into the maxillary sinus. Among the roots of maxillary posterior teeth, mesiobuccal root of first molar and palatal root of second premolar were found in close proximity to the floor of maxillary sinus.

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