The folks at FocusedCareDental here in Encino send our patients and neighbors a collective “Gesundheit!” – especially those with an allergy to tree pollen. “Gesundheit” is German for “good health” or “healthfulness,” and that’s what we want for all of you.
Pollen is just one of many allergens that aggravate the sinus system. Mold, dust, pet dander and smoke can be just as bad. Fortunately, we live in a dry zone, so mold is typically less of an issue here than, say, for the folks experiencing flooding and storms in the Mississippi Valley. Tree pollen, however, is at moderate to high levels in the Encino area right now, according to The Weather Channel’s Pollen Almanac, and grass pollen levels are expected to rise in the next week or so.
What’s this forecast mean? Well, for some it means itchy eyes. For others, it means constant sneezing and a nose that runs like a faucet. Some people get swollen congested sinus cavities. That stuffiness can lead to facial pressure, infection, bad breath and aching teeth.
Yup. I have patients that complain of tooth pain, which is not uncommon for those with sinusitis. The maxillary sinus cavity sits right above the top molars in the back of the mouth. The teeth and sinuses share a common wall, so when there’s infection or pressure buildup in the sinus cavity, painful teeth may result.
Determining the source of dental tooth pain is paramount. While we typically think “abscess,” “cavity” or “loose filling” when we hear complaints of tooth pain, the root cause can be something entirely different for chronic sinusitis sufferers. Sinus infections can aggravate facial nerves, infect bone tissue or cause tooth fractures. In the worst case scenario, a brain infection may ensue.
My advice? Don’t “just live with it.” Get to the bottom of your sinus problems. Get yourself evaluated medically, start treatment, and make lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms. (See tips below.)
If you come in with tooth pain, we will take a full medical history and do diagnostic testing to determine the source of your pain. If sinusitis is suspected, we tap the teeth with an instrument to test for sensitivity, and sometimes we take X-rays. Typically more than one tooth is sensitive when sinus pressure and infection are involved. Usually sinusitis presents with upper tooth pain. Lower tooth pain points to TMJ or other issues.
Standard treatment for allergy and sinusitis includes saline nasal washes, warm compresses to the face, antihistamines, analgesics, antibiotics, topical or oral decongestants, and steroids. Lifestyle modifications are encouraged. A referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist or allergist may be necessary.
FocusedCareDental.com’s Seasonal Allergy Tips
Limiting exposure to allergens is key when trying to get sinus attacks under control. FocusedCareDental.com offers these environmental control measures to alleviate sinusitis symptoms.
- Limit outdoor time during allergy season
- Bathe indoor-outdoor pets frequently
- Use a saline nasal rinse daily
- Wash your face and hair, especially before bed
- Use the air-conditioner in your car and at home
- Change air filters frequently
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Opt for wood or tile floors rather than carpet
- Keep indoor humidity between 40-60 percent
- Avoid cigarette smoke and other pollutants
Forty million American’s suffer from sinusitis. If you think your tooth pain might be linked to your sinuses, call us to schedule a consultation. We’d like to help. The consultation will be on me.
Tip of the Day: Don’t bubble wrap your children. Let them play and get dirty once in a while. I think it helps develop their immune systems, so their T cells don’t over-react – as they do during an allergic response. Overuse of hand sanitizer, antibiotics and disinfectants is one of the theories behind the development of “super bugs,” food allergies and immune system failures. And remember, it’s ok to eat candy once in a while. (I love very dark chocolate)
Best regards,
Allan Melnick, DDS
PS Check out our Home Page. It is the gateway to everything you ever wanted to know about dentistry and then some. Parts are hopelessly boring but there is a wealth of information there for those seeking knowledge.
