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Sinus Pain and Toothache: How to Tell Them Apart

Sinusitis can make your upper back teeth ache, and a tooth problem can sometimes affect the sinus. Here is how health bodies describe the difference, what helps, and when to see a dentist or doctor.

Updated September 2026·By the OHA editorial team·6 min read·How we write
Key takeaways
  • Sinusitis (swelling of the sinuses, usually after a cold) can cause toothache, especially in the upper back teeth, because their roots sit very close to the sinuses above them.
  • It can also work the other way: an infected upper tooth can occasionally cause sinusitis, sometimes without any tooth pain.
  • A blocked or runny nose, facial pressure that is worse when you bend forward, and a recent cold point towards the sinuses. Pain with hot or cold food, pain on biting or a broken filling point towards a tooth.
  • Mayo Clinic advises seeing a dentist first for toothache, then a doctor if no dental cause is found.
  • Swelling, pain or redness around the eye, changes in your vision, confusion, a stiff neck, or trouble breathing or swallowing need emergency care.

Toothache is not always caused by a tooth. Mayo Clinic (US) says a sinus infection can cause a toothache, and that pain in the upper back teeth is a fairly common symptom of sinus conditions. Because the two can feel alike, it helps to know the clues, and when to get it checked.

What is sinusitis?

The NHS describes sinusitis as swelling of the sinuses, the small, empty spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead that connect to the inside of your nose. It is usually caused by an infection and is common after a cold or flu. NHS inform (Scotland) says it is usually caused by a virus, and only a few cases are caused by bacteria.

The NHS lists its main symptoms as:

  • pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
  • a blocked or runny nose, and a reduced sense of smell
  • green or yellow mucus from your nose
  • a high temperature

It also lists headache, toothache, bad breath, a cough and a feeling of pressure in the ears.

Why can sinusitis make your teeth hurt?

Mayo Clinic explains that the largest sinuses sit above the back teeth of the upper jaw, and that the roots of the upper teeth are very near, or may even extend into, the sinus. Inflammation in the sinus can therefore cause pain in nearby teeth.

The Better Health Channel (Victoria) lists "aching teeth in the upper jaw" among the common symptoms of sinusitis. healthdirect Australia says sinusitis can cause pain or pressure in the face that may feel worse when you bend over, or feel like pressure in your teeth.

Can a tooth cause sinus problems?

Yes, occasionally. NHS inform says an infected tooth can sometimes cause the sinuses to become inflamed, and Mayo Clinic says damage to or infection in a tooth may lead to long-lasting (chronic) sinusitis. The Better Health Channel lists dental disease, such as an untreated tooth abscess, as a risk factor for sinusitis.

The American Association of Endodontists (specialists in treating the inside of the tooth) explains that if an upper back tooth becomes infected, the infection can spread from the root tip into the sinus. People may have mild sinus symptoms, such as congestion or a drip at the back of the nose, and often have no tooth pain at all. It says antibiotics may ease the sinus symptoms for a while but cannot reach the infection inside the tooth, so symptoms tend to come back. Treatment of the tooth, such as root canal treatment, may be needed.

How can you tell sinus pain from a tooth problem?

The American Dental Association lists sinus problems among the possible causes of jaw pain, and says a dental examination, which may include X-rays, helps find the source. Health bodies also describe some differences.

More likely to be your sinuses (NHS, healthdirect, Mayo Clinic, Better Health Channel):

  • it started with or after a cold or flu
  • you also have a blocked or runny nose, green or yellow mucus, or a reduced sense of smell
  • there is pain, pressure or tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
  • the pain is worse when you bend over or lean forward

More likely to be a tooth (NHS inform, NHS):

  • eating or drinking makes it worse, particularly hot or cold food and drinks (see tooth sensitivity)
  • the pain is sharp and started suddenly, or started after a filling came out or a tooth broke (see cracked tooth)
  • it hurts when you bite, the gum is red, or the jaw near the tooth is sore to touch
  • there is a bad taste in your mouth, or your cheek or jaw is swollen

The clues overlap. NHS inform notes that toothache in upper teeth may feel as if it is coming from the sinuses, and that it can be hard to tell whether pain is in your upper or lower teeth. The NHS lists a high temperature both as a sinusitis symptom and, with toothache, as a reason to see a dentist. For pain around the jaw joint instead, see jaw pain.

Who should you see first?

Mayo Clinic advises that if you have a toothache, you see your dentist first to look for dental causes such as gum disease, decay or infection. If your dentist rules out a dental cause, see your doctor, who can consider whether a sinus condition or another medical problem is to blame. MedlinePlus (the US National Library of Medicine) similarly says a dentist is the right person for most toothaches, but pain that comes from elsewhere may need your doctor.

In the UK, the NHS says a pharmacist can treat sinusitis and give the same treatments as a GP, and that a GP cannot give dental treatment for toothache.

Easing sinusitis yourself

The NHS says you can usually treat mild sinusitis yourself by:

  • getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of fluids
  • taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
  • avoiding things that trigger your allergies, and not smoking
  • cleaning your nose with a salt water solution

NHS inform adds holding warm packs to your face. Check that a painkiller suits you before taking it: our toothache guide lists the main cautions.

Decongestants: sources give different limits. NHS inform says nasal decongestants should not be used for more than a week. healthdirect and MedlinePlus say not to use decongestant sprays for more than 3 to 5 days, and MedlinePlus says longer use can make stuffiness worse.

How long it lasts is described differently too: the NHS says sinusitis usually clears up within 4 weeks, NHS inform says within 2 to 3 weeks, and Mayo Clinic says acute sinusitis most often clears up within a week to 10 days.

Antibiotics are not usually needed. The NHS says they are rarely needed because sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, and MedlinePlus says most of the time they are not needed for acute sinusitis.

When to see a dentist
  • See a dentist if toothache lasts more than 2 days, painkillers do not help, or you have pain when you bite, red gums, a bad taste or a swollen cheek or jaw (NHS).
  • If you keep getting sinus infections, ask your dentist to check your upper teeth: the American Association of Endodontists says an infected tooth can be a hidden cause.
  • See a doctor about sinusitis if symptoms are severe or getting worse, have not started to improve after about 7 to 10 days, or keep coming back (NHS inform, healthdirect). The NHS says to see a GP if you are no better after 3 weeks of treating it yourself or after 7 days of treatment from a pharmacy or GP.
  • The NHS says ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you feel very unwell, painkillers do not help or symptoms get worse, or you have a weakened immune system.
Get help urgently
  • Mayo Clinic says see a health care provider immediately for pain, swelling or redness around the eyes, a high fever, confusion, double vision or other vision changes, or a stiff neck. healthdirect says complications of sinusitis can involve the eye or, very rarely, the brain.
  • UK: the NHS says go to A&E if you have toothache and the area around your eye or your neck is swollen, or swelling in your mouth or neck makes it hard to breathe, swallow or speak.
  • Australia: healthdirect says get emergency medical care if toothache or gum swelling causes problems breathing or speaking, or swelling around your eye or neck.
  • See also dental emergencies.

Frequently asked questions

Can a sinus infection really cause toothache?

Yes. Mayo Clinic says pain in the upper back teeth is a fairly common symptom of sinus conditions, and the NHS lists toothache among the symptoms of sinusitis.

Should I see a dentist or a doctor?

For toothache, Mayo Clinic advises seeing a dentist first, then your doctor if no dental cause is found. For sinusitis symptoms without tooth pain, the NHS suggests starting with a pharmacist.

Will antibiotics fix sinus-related tooth pain?

Usually they are not needed, because most sinusitis is caused by a virus (NHS). If a tooth infection is behind repeated sinus problems, the American Association of Endodontists says antibiotics cannot reach the source and the tooth itself needs treating.

Why does my tooth pain get worse when I bend over?

healthdirect and Mayo Clinic say sinus pain and pressure can feel worse when bending over. It is a clue, not proof, so see a dentist if the pain continues.

Sources

  1. Sinusitis (sinus infection), NHS, accessed September 2026
  2. Toothache, NHS, accessed September 2026
  3. Sinusitis, NHS inform (Scotland), accessed September 2026
  4. Toothache, NHS inform (Scotland), accessed September 2026
  5. Sinusitis, healthdirect Australia, accessed September 2026
  6. Toothache and gum swelling, healthdirect Australia, accessed September 2026
  7. Sinusitis, Better Health Channel (Victoria), accessed September 2026
  8. Sinusitis, MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, accessed September 2026
  9. Toothaches, MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, accessed September 2026
  10. Sinus infection and toothache: any connection?, Mayo Clinic, accessed September 2026
  11. Acute sinusitis: symptoms and causes, Mayo Clinic, accessed September 2026
  12. Top 10 dental symptoms, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy), accessed September 2026
  13. Could a tooth infection be the source of chronic sinus problems?, American Association of Endodontists, accessed September 2026

This article is general information about oral health. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a dentist or doctor who knows your situation. If you have pain, swelling, bleeding that does not settle, or a problem that is getting worse, see a dental professional. In an emergency, contact your local emergency service.

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