Everybody will experience dental pain of some sort at some point in their life. When pain occurs at the region around your cheeks, you could bet that it is most likely due to some dental problems; or perhaps probably some gum related disease. However,
Everybody will experience dental pain of some sort at some point in their life. When pain occurs at the region around your cheeks, you could bet that it is most likely due to some dental problems; or perhaps probably some gum related disease. However, it does not necessarily mean that teeth/gums problems are always the cause of pain in the cheek region, thus in this article, we’ll discuss about one of the possible indirect cause of toothache – through sinus infection.
When the term “sinus” is generally used, it is referring to the paranasal sinuses (para = beside, nasal = nose, sinus = empty space). Of all the 4 major paranasal sinuses, Maxillary sinus is the sinus that concerns us when there is occurrence of toothache related to sinus infection.
Maxillary sinus is the cavity or empty space which exists naturally behind our cheek bones, and just above the root of the upper molar teeth. At times, the root of the upper first molar can grow into the sinus, which causes difficulty should the teeth needs to be removed. Its function is to reduce the weight of our skull and to create a space to generate resonance of our voice when we speak. It has a tunnel which connects to the deeper part of the nose for fluid drainage. Obstruction of this connection will cause nasal congestion, resulting in difficulty in breathing.
Sinusitis is the term used when there is infection of the sinus. It can be either caused by introduction of foreign bacteria; or due to obstruction of the sinus.
Introduction of foreign bacteria
This can occur when there is exposure of the sinus due to cranial fracture caused by trauma; or oral-antral fistula which can occur during the extraction of an upper molar tooth, meaning an abnormal communication is established between the sinus and the oral cavity. Introduction of foreign bacteria into the sinus causes infection, in return promotes the secretion of thickened mucous which would ultimately lead to obstruction of the sinus opening.
Obstruction of the sinus opening
Failure for secreted mucous to drain from the si