Can My Wisdom Teeth Cause Sinus Problems? – What Dentists Say 

As third molars at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can sometimes exert pressure on the sinuses and cause discomfort. When erupt improperly or become impacted, they can create a barrier that obstructs the natural drainage of the sinuses. 

According to dentists in the United States, there’s a growing recognition of the potential impact of wisdom teeth on sinus health. You should know the relationship between wisdom teeth and sinus problems if you have chronic sinus problems or are considering wisdom tooth removal. Let’s understand how a wisdom tooth and sinus are relevant.  

Can My Wisdom Teeth Cause Sinus Problems? 

Yes, your wisdom teeth can cause sinus problems. The growth and development of upper wisdom teeth contribute to sinus problems. As these teeth emerge and their roots develop, they can push against the sinuses in the jaw.

The proximity of upper wisdom teeth to the sinuses increases the likelihood of sinus-related issues like congestion, pain, infections, and headaches.           

How Wisdom Tooth and Sinus Are Relevant 

The relevance between wisdom teeth and sinuses lies in their proximity and potential impact on each other. This includes: 

• When the pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can obstruct the natural drainage of the sinuses, it causes congestion, facial pain, and even sinus infections. 
• The proximity of wisdom teeth to the sinuses increases the risk of infection, as bacteria from the mouth can easily travel to the sinuses through the small openings. 
• Sinus issues such as sinus infections or inflammation can also affect the surrounding tissues, including the roots of nearby wisdom teeth that leads to discomfort and dental problems.               

Wisdom Tooth in Sinus Cavity | Symptoms  

Following are the symptoms that indicate that your wisdom teeth are affecting your sinuses:

• Discomfort around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead.
• Difficulty breathing through the nose due to sinus blockage caused by pressure from the wisdom teeth.
• Sinus headaches, typically felt in the forehead or around the eyes, can result from the pressure and inflammation caused by impacted wisdom teeth.
• Pressure on the sinuses can sometimes radiate to the ears which causes ear pain or discomfort.
• Wisdom teeth pressing against sinuses can cause discomfort or pain in the teeth or jaw.
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the face or head can indicate sinus issues related to impacted wisdom teeth.   

If you experience these symptoms, you will know that your wisdom teeth affect your sinuses. You should immediately consult your dentist or orthodontist if you notice any of these symptoms.

 

 

Other Dental Problems That Can Cause Teeth Sinus  

Here are some other dental problems that can lead to teeth sinus issues:

• Tooth infections.
• Advanced gum disease.
• Root canal infections.
• Impacted teeth.
• Dental injuries.          

Can an Abscessed Tooth Cause Sinus

Yes, an abscessed tooth can cause a sinus infection that is known as odontogenic sinusitis. Here’s how it happens:

Infection Spread:

An abscessed tooth results from bacterial infection of the dental pulp due to untreated tooth decay or dental trauma. If left untreated, the infection can spread from the tooth’s root tip into the surrounding bone.

Sinus Proximity: 

If the infection spreads to the bone near the sinus cavity, it can breach the sinus floor or walls, leading to sinusitis.

Sinus Inflammation: 

Once the infection reaches the sinus cavity, it can cause inflammation of the sinus lining which results in symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, postnasal drip, and headache.

Symptoms Similarity: 

Symptoms of odontogenic sinusitis often mimic those of other sinus infections, making it challenging to diagnose without a thorough dental examination.

Treatment Approach: 

Treating odontogenic sinusitis involves addressing the dental infection through root canal therapy or tooth extraction, along with appropriate antibiotic therapy to eliminate the infection and reduce sinus inflammation.

 

 

FAQs

Can Tooth Decay Cause a Sinus Infection? 

Yes, tooth decay can lead to a sinus infection. When tooth decay advances and reaches the tooth’s root, it can cause an abscess which leads to the spread of infection to the surrounding bone and breaches the sinus cavity. Here’s how it happens:

Bacterial Growth: 

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food and produce acids that erode tooth enamel.

Root Canal Infection: 

As decay advances, it can reach the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Bacteria infiltrate the pulp which leads to pulpitis.

Sinus Infection: 

Untreated pulpitis can spread infection from the tooth’s root tip into the surrounding bone, leading to a condition called periapical abscess. Once the infection enters the sinus cavity, it can cause sinusitis.

Can Cavities Cause Sinus Problems?      

Yes, cavities can cause sinus problems. When cavities develop in the upper teeth, particularly the molars, they can lead to sinus issues. If left untreated, the bacteria from the cavity can spread to the sinus cavity which causes sinus infections or sinusitis. 

Treating cavities promptly through dental fillings or other necessary procedures can help prevent sinus problems associated with tooth decay.

Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Sinus Headaches? 

Yes, wisdom teeth can cause sinus headaches. When wisdom teeth become impacted or erupt improperly, they can exert pressure on the sinuses that leading to inflammation and irritation. This pressure and inflammation can trigger sinus headaches felt in the forehead or around the eyes. Extracting the impacted wisdom teeth can alleviate sinus headaches associated with wisdom teeth.     

Can Braces Cause Sinus Problems?   

Braces themselves do not cause sinus problems. However, in some cases, individuals can experience temporary discomfort or pressure in the sinus area shortly after braces are placed or adjusted. This discomfort is usually mild and resolves on its own as the mouth adjusts to the braces. 

Some patients have an allergy to latex rubber, which can lead to a range of symptoms from mild to severe. Latex allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to proteins found in natural rubber latex, which is commonly used in various medical and dental braces.

Can Bottom Wisdom Teeth Cause Sinus Problems?

Yes, lower wisdom teeth sometimes push against the roots of neighboring teeth or the jawbone which leads to pressure or even infection. This localized inflammation can extend to nearby structures like the sinus cavities in some cases.

The roots of the lower wisdom teeth are near the floor of the maxillary sinus, the largest of the paranasal sinuses located within the cheekbones. In rare instances, the roots can exert pressure on the sinus floor or even penetrate the sinus cavity itself. This can lead to inflammation or infection of the sinus lining.