Wisdom teeth are a rite of passage into adulthood. For many of us, when we think of wisdom teeth, the first thing that comes to mind is the pain and discomfort they can cause.
But, as we’ve explored before in our previous articles, wisdom teeth problems aren’t just limited to toothaches or jaw pain. They can also cause headaches, neck pain and even sinus issues (no, we are not kidding).
While it’s not something most of us would connect (because what’s the link between your wisdom teeth and sinuses, right?), there is indeed a connection between the two.
So…
What’s the Connection Between Wisdom Teeth and Sinuses
Before going any further, let’s take a look at what sinuses are. Essentially, sinuses are the air-filled spaces within the bones of your face – your cheeks (maxillary), forehead (frontal) and around the eyes (ethmoidal).
Their job? To make it easier for you to breathe by warming and moistening inhaled air before it reaches your lungs. These sinuses can become inflamed – a state we commonly refer to as sinusitis, causing pain and breathing difficulties. It can be caused by a cold, an allergy, or even an irritation of the linings of the sinuses.
Now, back to the connection between wisdom teeth and sinuses.
The connection between wisdom teeth and your sinuses has to do with the proximity of wisdom teeth and sinuses. This is especially true when it comes to your upper wisdom teeth as they are positioned just under the maxillary sinuses (the air-filled spaces behind your cheeks).
What happens then is that your wisdom teeth can grow too close to the sinuses or even press against them, causing pressure, congestion and perhaps even infections – all sinus-related issues. Impacted wisdom teeth, especially if they are infected, can also pressure the sinus floor and lead to symptoms of a classic sinus infection.
What are the Sinus Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth
As we now know, wisdom teeth can play a role in causing sinus-related problems. Here are some symptoms of sinus problems caused by wisdom teeth:
- Facial Pressure and Pain: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the cheeks and forehead as they push against the sinus walls.
- Nasal Congestion: If you are experiencing that frustrating stuffy feeling without a cold or allergy, it could be a result of the proximity of your wisdom teeth to the sinuses.
- Headaches: Persistent headaches that just don’t go away can be caused by pressure building up in the sinuses.
- Postnasal Drip: Excess mucus running down the back of your throat can be linked to inflammation of sinuses caused by wisdom teeth.
Now, if your wisdom teeth become infected, things can get a tad dramatic because the bacteria can spread from the tooth to the sinus cavity, resulting in a sinus infection. In such instances, symptoms include:
- Swelling and tenderness, especially around your cheeks and nose.
- Yellow or green nasal discharge
- Pain when bending
- Fever and fatigue
Diagnosing and Treating Wisdom Teeth-Related Sinus Issues
How to Diagnose Wisdom Teeth-Related Sinus Issues
The symptoms of sinus problems caused by wisdom teeth can be easily overlooked and dismissed as the result of a cold or an allergy. But, if these symptoms linger or arise alongside dental pain or discomfort, it’s never a bad idea to get it looked at.
So, if you suspect there’s more to your sinus issue than what meets your eye, the best thing you can do is to visit your dentist for an evaluation. This may involve:
- Dental X-rays/CBCT Scans: These detailed images will help us map out the exact position of your wisdom teeth and their proximity to the sinuses.
- Oral Examination: We will also carry out an oral examination to look for signs of infection, swelling or impacted teeth that may be putting pressure on your sinuses.
- Sinus Assessment: Since sinus congestion could be due to various reasons, we will do a sinus assessment to rule out other causes such as allergies or respiratory infections.
How to Treat Wisdom-Teeth Related Sinus Problems
When it comes to treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The treatment option depends on the severity and root cause of the problem. Our team at Ashgrove Dental will first assess your mouth and then recommend a suitable treatment plan which could include:
- Monitoring the Situation: If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing severe issues and the sinus symptoms are mild, we may suggest keeping an eye on things. In many cases, minor sinus pressure may fade away on its own without medical intervention.
- Antibiotics and Pain Relief: If we identify signs of an infection, we will prescribe a course of antibiotics to help clear the bacteria while pain relievers may be prescribed to help with discomfort.
- Wisdom Teeth Removal: If your symptoms just won’t go away, wisdom teeth removal might be the most effective solution in the long run. Extraction can help relieve sinus pressure by eliminating the pressure it puts on the sinus walls, reduce the risk of infections by preventing bacteria from spreading from your mouth to the sinuses and clear sinus blockages caused by impacted wisdom teeth.
If you want to minimise the risk of sinus issues caused by wisdom teeth arising in the first place, there are a few preventative measures you can take. These include:
- Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups (at least every 6 months).
- Getting an early evaluation of your wisdom teeth, at the onset.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene practices like daily brushing and flossing.
- Seeking professional help if you experience persistent pain without brushing it off.
Think your wisdom teeth are causing sinus-related issues? Contact our team at Ashgrove Dental to schedule your consultation.
