One of the leading causes of tooth pain actually has very little to do with the teeth themselves. Tooth pain and the sinuses can be directly related due to their close proximity. The roots of your teeth are located very close to the sinuses. In some cases, the roots of your teeth even protrude up into the sinuses. This close connection can cause tooth pain when the real issue actually has more to do with your sinuses.
When it comes to the pain you feel, the toothache may be more prominent on the side of your face that you sleep on. If you bend over and the tooth pain intensifies, then it is definitely caused by your sinuses.
Tooth Pain and the Sinuses
Experiencing tooth pain that is connected to your sinuses could be an early warning sign for the common cold. It may also indicate that your allergies are about to act up during season changes when the pollen count is high. The tooth pain can serve as a great predictor that you may encounter some of these issues in the very near future. With this knowledge, you might be able to stave off a cold or minimize your allergies before they hit full-force.
It could also simply be a sign that your sinuses are inflamed and infected. If you develop a bad taste in your mouth along with tooth pain when you shake your head, it is very likely that you have a sinus infection that needs to be addressed.
Natural Remedies for Sinus Relief
Once you know that your tooth pain is caused by your sinuses, it is time to tackle the issue of how to treat it. Any tooth pain or sinus pain lasting longer than a week should be addressed by a medical professional. However, there are a number of popular and natural home remedies that may offer you relief in the meantime.
Neti Pot Nasal Flush
Flushing out your nasal passages with saline is a simple and effective way to wash away allergens that may be bothering you. It also helps to eliminate mucus and loosen other debris that could be causing you problems. Most people find that it is easier to perform a nasal flush using a neti pot, but you can also try using squeeze bottles and bulb syringes.
This can be a great solution for sinus relief, but you must be careful when mixing the saline solution. You will need warm and sterile water along with pure salt. It may be easier for you to purchase saline at the store if you have any doubts about your ability to mix it correctly.
In order to use this method, simply stand over the sink and tilt your head to one side. Using your syringe or neti pot, squirt water into the upper nostril and allow it to drain through your sinuses to the other side. The water should come out the other side of your nose and down the drain. Then, tilt your head and flush out the other side. Blow your nose when finished to get rid of any loose debris that became dislodged.
Bromelain Supplement
Eating pineapples may be another quick way to relieve some of the issues related to sinusitis. Bromelain supplements are derived from an enzyme found in pineapple. According to research studies, this ingredient is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling in the sinus cavities.
Keep in mind that this supplement is not for everyone. You may wish to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement. It can increase your risk of bleeding so those who take blood thinners may want to steer clear of this natural remedy. Similarly, it can also interact with your ACE inhibitors to lower your blood pressure and should be used with caution.
Steam
Steam is a time proven remedy to help loosen up debris and get mucus flowing. It is also one of the simplest methods to help clear out your sinuses and alleviate tooth pain. Boil water and place it in a large bowl. Lean your head over the bowl and place a towel over your head. Do your best to breathe through the nostrils for several minutes or until all of the steam dissipates.
Spicy Foods
When is the last time you consumed an entire plate of hot wings or a platter of spicy tacos? This is another easy and natural way to eliminate some of the mucus that is causing discomfort. Certain ingredients in these spicier plates are actually proven to help relieve painful symptoms associated with sinusitis.
For example, capsaicin reduces inflammation, eases pain, and produces more mucus. Other ingredients will produce a similar effect, including horseradish or wasabi. Going out to eat or making a special meal may be just what the doctor ordered to get your mucus flowing once again.
Try a Humidifier
Adding a little more moisture to the air with a humidifier is an excellent way to relieve your sinus congestion. If you live with air that is too dry, the mucus in your sinuses gets stuck and can cause toothache pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. Humidifiers can help to correct this issue by adding extra water to the air you breathe.
In turn, the extra moisture in the air can loosen up mucus secretions and help to unblock the nasal passageways. You may want to consider leaving the humidifier on all night so that you can reap the benefits while you sleep.
Drink Lots of Water
You already know the importance of staying properly hydrated, but did you know that it can play a role in the health of your sinuses also? Drinking clear fluids has been proven to loosen up mucus and alleviate some of your congestion. While you may be able to get away with drinking clear fluids like Gatorade and other sports beverages, plain water is often the preferred choice.
A lot of people believe that they already know the proper amount of water to drink: eight eight-ounce glasses per day. However, experts tell us that we should actually drink half of our body weight in ounces. Challenge yourself to increase your water intake and you could potentially reduce some of your congestion, eliminating that nagging toothache.
Elderberry Syrup
If you haven’t already heard of elderberry syrup, it’s time for you to do some homework! This powerful elixir could be the answer to your stubborn sinus issues. A simple jar of elderberry syrup is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that are necessary to living a healthy life. It contains a significant amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and even potassium.
People with sinus issues may find elderberry syrup particularly helpful. Along with the antioxidant boost, it has also been proven to shorten the duration of the common cold. A toothache caused by congestion from a cold might disappear quickly with a few doses of this natural remedy.
Zinc
Zinc is an important nutrient, but few people seem to realize just what role it plays within the body. It is critical for healing wounds, regulating your taste buds, and even bolstering your immune system. Taking a zinc supplement is a proven way to short cold duration and intensity. Even better, you can combine the powerful duo of elderberry syrup and zinc to really knock down a cold before it truly gets started.
While you can always purchase zinc in the vitamin supplement section of your local health store, you can also add it to your diet.
Consider eating some of the following foods to increase your zinc intake:
- Raw oysters
- Baked beans
- Lean ground beef
- Lean pork loin
- Pecans
- Plain yogurt
Avoid Nasal Sprays
Walking through your local pharmacy, you may be tempted to pick up nasal spray that promises instant relief from your sinus issues. Unfortunately, many of these sprays contain a decongestant that can actually be harmful in the long run. Using these sprays for an extended period of time increases your body’s dependency on the products.
You may encounter increased swelling and more pain after the sprays wear off. Of course, you will continue to experience tooth pain when you shake your head if the swelling is never fully able to subside. It is better to turn to one of the other natural remedies listed here to help treat the sinus issues instead of looking for pharmaceutical options found in the leading nasal sprays.
Get to the Root of Your Toothache
Experiencing a toothache is an unpleasant experience, no matter what the underlying cause may be. While medical intervention may be necessary in some cases, many people are able to find the relief they need in the form of natural alternatives. You’ll be well on your way to alleviating some of the pressure in your sinuses and eliminating that toothache for good!