Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
About Verity Longpar
Non-Dental Reasons for Toothaches
Eleanor Crawford
Toothaches are generally the result of dental decay, impacted molars, or abscessed teeth. Sometimes, however, certain health conditions unrelated to oral health can cause toothaches. Before your dentist treats your toothache, they will need to examine your oral cavity and ask you some questions about your general state of health. Here are some potential non-dental reasons for toothaches.
Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are caused by either bacteria, viruses, or fungal organisms. In addition to nasal congestion, they can cause facial pain, fever, body aches, green or yellow mucus, coughing, and sore throat. They can also cause toothaches, especially on the upper row of your teeth because they are closest to your sinuses. There are a couple of different ways in which sinus infections can cause toothaches. Sinus infections cause inflammation of the sinus cavities as well as mucus buildup.
When the swollen sinuses put pressure on the top row of your teeth, dental pain may develop. Another way sinus infections can cause toothaches is when bacteria-rich drainage from your nose drips down into your throat and mouth, spreading bacteria onto your gum tissue. When this happens, gum and dental infections may occur, leading to toothaches.
Once your sinus infection has cleared, inflammation and pressure will subside and your dental pain will go away. It is important to note that if you have a bacterial sinus infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics; however, if you have a fungal sinus infection or one caused by a virus, antibiotics will not be prescribed, because they are ineffective at eliminating infections caused by fungi or viral microorganisms.
Degenerative Bone Diseases
Other causes of non-dental toothaches include degenerative bone diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. In addition to causing back and joint pain, these diseases can cause pain and deformity of the jawbones and dental pain. When your jawbones are affected by the aforementioned degenerative bone disorders, your teeth may shift out of place. This can cause dental crowding and subsequent toothaches.
To rule out or confirm the presence of degenerative bone disorders affecting your oral cavity, your dentist will recommend diagnostic imaging tests to look for deformities, abnormal bone density, and fractures of the jawbones and the bones that support your teeth. If the findings of your imaging tests reveal abnormal bone structures as a result of degenerative bone disease, your dentist may refer you back to your primary care physician for further treatment, or they may recommend a consultation with a maxillofacial specialist or orthodontist.
If you have persistent toothaches, see a dentist right away. When the cause of non-dental-related toothaches is uncovered and treated as soon as possible, it may be less likely to progress.
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