Sinus Infections, Toothaches, and Heart Attacks

I had a toothache in and upper tooth and went to the dentist who didn’t see anything. So, I then went to see my doctor. It turned out that I had a sinus infection that was making my tooth hurt. Now I’m having pain in my lower tooth and jaw. Could this also be from the sinus infection or do I need to see a dentist?

Carlton

Dear Carlton,

While a sinus infection can cause referred pain to upper teeth, it would be unusual for a sinus infection to refer pain to your lower teeth. Plus, and this is just a guess, that your medical doctor provided you with an antibiotic for your sinus infection. Within 24 to 48 hours you should have been feeling better and there wouldn’t be any pain at all.

There are three possibilities for the pain in your lower tooth and jaw. First, you could have a problem with your tooth in your lower arch. That would be the most obvious. Another option, though less common, is that you have a problem with an upper tooth and what you are feeling is referred pain from your upper arch to your lower arch.

Either of these mean you have a toothache that is very likely a tooth infection. These should be treated like dental emergencies. You don’t necessarily have to get in that day— unless you are in a lot of pain. If you are in pain, then I’d call your dentist and see if he or she can get you in that day. Otherwise, I would call and tell them what is going on and let them know that you need to be seen at the soonest available. You could also ask them to put you on a cancellation list.

What you don’t want to do is put off getting a toothache looked at and then having it turn life threatening. There are still patients who die from untreated tooth infections every year in the United States.

A third possibility, if nothing is wrong with your teeth is to see a doctor about heart problems. Pain in the chest, lower jaw, and left arm have all been indicators of a heart attack. Whenever you have unexplained pain, it is safer to see a doctor.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Endodontist Dr. Scott Janse.