The sinus cavity is at the very top of the roof of the mouth. When the sinuses swell because of infection or irritation, they can press on the roof of the mouth, causing the nerves of the teeth to feel pain. People often go to the dentist thinking they have a cavity, and it turns out to have been sinus pressure. There are ways to distinguish between sinus and dental pain.
Instructions
Differentiate
1. Take an ice cube and place it directly on the tooth that hurts. Bite down on the ice. If there is excruciating pain, you have a tooth problem. If nothing happens, the pain is most likely caused by your sinuses pressing on the roof of the mouth. Repeat this process on the surrounding teeth as well, because the pain could be coming from a neighboring tooth.
2. Take an over-the-counter decongestant such as pseudoephedrine. Follow the directions on the box and use for 12 hours. If the pain in the tooth persists, it is probably related to the tooth itself. If the pain subsides and then returns, it was probably the sinus cavity that responded to the drug.
3. Give a friend a metal spoon and have her tap on your teeth, one at a time, starting in the back of the mouth. If you have pain, raise your hand. Have your friend keep notes on which teeth hurt. If it's all of the teeth, or all of the teeth on one side, that's probably the effect of a sinus infection. If only one tooth hurts, it's probably a dental problem.
4. See your doctor. Ask him to take an X-ray of your head. The doctor will evaluate the X-ray to determine whether the pain is from swollen sinuses or a dental issue. Follow his recommendation if he suggests a follow-up or seeing your dentist.
Tags: roof mouth, sinus cavity