Skip to main content

Sinus Pain or Toothache? How to Tell the Difference

A man with short gray hair holds his cheek with a pained expression, indicating a toothache or facial discomfort.

If you’ve ever experienced a throbbing sensation in your upper jaw or aching near your cheekbones, you might wonder whether it’s a toothache or sinus pain. These two issues often mimic each other, making it difficult to identify the real culprit. At Dr. Mitzi Morris’s dental practice in Roswell, we frequently help patients navigate the confusion between sinus-related discomfort and dental pain to find effective relief.

Why Do Sinus Pain and Toothaches Feel Similar?

The connection between your sinuses and teeth lies in their close proximity. The maxillary sinuses, located just above the upper back teeth, can cause pain that radiates into the jaw and teeth when inflamed. Conversely, an infected or damaged tooth can create pressure that mimics sinus pain. This overlap can make it challenging to determine the root cause.

Symptoms of Sinus Pain

Sinus pain is often linked to sinusitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses. Common symptoms include:

  • Pressure in the Cheeks or Forehead: A heavy sensation around the eyes, nose, or cheeks.
  • Postnasal Drip: Mucus draining down the back of your throat.
  • Nasal Congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose due to swelling or blockage.
  • Worsening Pain When Bending Over: Increased pressure when tilting your head forward.
  • Multiple Teeth Affected: Discomfort typically affects several teeth, especially in the upper jaw.

Symptoms of a Toothache

A toothache, on the other hand, is often localized to a specific tooth or area and may result from cavities, gum disease, or an infection. Symptoms include:

  • Sharp, Throbbing Pain: Pain that intensifies when chewing or biting.
  • Sensitivity to Temperature: Discomfort triggered by hot or cold foods and drinks.
  • Swollen Gums: Tenderness or inflammation around the affected tooth.
  • Persistent Pain: Pain that doesn’t subside, even after taking over-the-counter medication.
  • Localized Discomfort: Typically affects only one tooth or a small area.

How to Differentiate Between Sinus Pain and a Toothache

While some symptoms overlap, there are ways to distinguish the two:

  • Test with Movement: Sinus pain often worsens when you bend forward or lie down, while toothaches remain constant.
  • Pain Location: Sinus pain usually affects multiple teeth in the upper jaw, whereas a toothache is more localized.
  • Check for Nasal Congestion: If you have a stuffy nose or sinus pressure, the pain may be sinus-related.

If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult both your dentist and your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

When to See Dr. Mitzi Morris in Roswell

If you suspect your discomfort is dental-related, it’s important to address the issue promptly. Dental conditions like abscesses or advanced decay can worsen without treatment. Dr. Mitzi Morris and her team specialize in diagnosing and treating dental problems that may be causing or contributing to your pain.

During your visit, we’ll perform a thorough examination, including X-rays if necessary, to determine whether a dental issue is the source of your discomfort. If we rule out dental causes, we may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation of your sinuses.

Treatment Options for Relief

  • For Sinus Pain: Decongestants, saline nasal sprays, or antibiotics for bacterial sinus infections can help alleviate sinus-related discomfort.
  • For Toothaches: Treatment depends on the cause and may include fillings, root canals, or periodontal care.

Don’t Ignore the Pain: Seek Professional Care

Ignoring persistent pain, whether it’s from your sinuses or a tooth, can lead to further complications. At Dr. Mitzi Morris’s office in Roswell, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care to help you feel your best.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and find relief from your discomfort. Whether it’s a sinus issue or a toothache, we’ll work with you to get to the root of the problem and restore your smile and comfort!

Posted on behalf of Mitzi D. Morris

1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202
Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: 678-459-2990

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

  • Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

    Cathy Q
  • Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

    Kelly T
  • Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods. I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

    Eric F
  • I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

    Christopher P
  • Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

    David G
  • I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++ Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

    Adam O
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

    Bruce C
  • I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.

    Marc Mamane

Load more reviews Write a review

Contact Us

Phone

678-459-2990

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Social Media

Address

1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202
Roswell, GA 30076

Request an Appointment

Fill out the form below to request an appointment





    678-459-2990 Request an Appointment