Everyone experiences facial pain at some point, but sometimes it can be hard to know if that pain is from a headache, toothache, or sinus congestion. The pain for each of these can be similar, so how can you know if what you are feeling is something that requires immediate attention? Dr. Mark Berenshteyn of SmileCare Dental of Fitchburg explains how to know if that pain you are feeling is sinusitis or something more, like a dental abscess.
There are some symptoms that can happen with both dental abscesses and sinusitis. These include facial pain/pressure, headaches, swelling, sensitivity, or fever. This can then make it hard to know if the symptoms you are experiencing are dental in nature or not. However, there are some factors that can help you determine if you are looking at a dental abscess that requires immediate attention.
Dental Abscesses
Dental abscesses are infections at the tooth root or surrounding gum tissue. These infections happen
when bacteria enter, leading to a pocket of pus. This can cause pain and swelling. An abscess can be caused by an untreated cavity or dental trauma, or gum disease.
Dental Abscess Symptoms
- The pain is typically a throbbing, intense pain that is localized to one tooth or part of the mouth.
- The pain will generally worsen when you eat or touch the affected area. Pain can radiate out to the jaw, neck, or ear.
- Severe abscesses can burst, leading to foul-tasting pus in the mouth.
- There may be swelling of the gums or jaw.
- You may experience pain or difficulty in opening the mouth, bad breath, and swollen lymph nodes.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. Your sinuses are the cavities behind your nose, eyes, and cheeks. When this inflammation happens, it can cause pain in the face, typically near your eyes but it can also be felt near the back teeth in the upper jaw.
Sinusitis Symptoms
- The pain is often felt as pressure in the forehead, around the eyes or in the upper part of your cheeks. You may experience some tenderness in your nasal passages, as well.
- Pressure can increase when you lie down, and pain worsens if you move your head.
- Postnasal drip can occur, leading to a sore throat or cough.
- You may experience nasal congestion, ear pressure, and lose your sense of smell.
If you experience persistent pain or discomfort that does not go away, it is important to seek medical attention. Dental abscesses can lead to more serious issues if not treated. If you notice swelling, a sudden rush of a bad-tasting liquid in your mouth, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a fever, or severe tooth pain, it is important to see your dentist right away.
While sinusitis can typically clear up on its own, a dental abscess requires antibiotics to treat and to ensure the infection cannot spread. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with a dental abscess, call your dental team right away.