Can Sinus Infections Cause Jaw Pain?

That throbbing ache in your jaw can be incredibly frustrating, making it difficult to eat, speak, or even concentrate throughout the day. When this discomfort coincides with sinus problems, you might wonder, “Can sinus infections cause jaw pain?”

Yes, sinus infections can cause jaw pain. The maxillary sinuses, located right above your upper jaw, can become inflamed during a sinus infection. This inflammation puts pressure on the surrounding areas, including your jaw joints and facial nerves, often resulting in teeth and jaw discomfort.

If you’re struggling with persistent jaw pain, frequent sinus infections could be the source of your discomfort. Kaplan Sinus Relief offers an innovative solution with balloon sinuplasty in Houston — a minimally invasive procedure that can provide long-lasting relief from chronic sinus infection symptoms, including troublesome jaw pain. Schedule an appointment today to discover how we can help restore your comfort and quality of life.

The connection between sinus infection and jaw pain

Think of your sinuses as hollow spaces in your skull, connected like a network of caves. When you get a sinus infection, these spaces fill with fluid and become swollen. Since one pair of these “caves” sits right next to your upper jaw, the swelling can press against the surrounding tissues, nerves, and muscles that control your jaw movement.

This pressure can make your jaw feel sore, achy, or tight. You might notice the pain gets worse when you chew, talk, or first wake up in the morning. Some people even say their teeth hurt, even though there’s nothing wrong with them — it’s just the sinus pressure playing tricks on your nerves.

In fact, many people initially mistake sinus-related jaw pain for a dental problem. The key difference is that sinus infections often come with symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, a stuffy nose, nasal congestion, and face pressure. Plus, this type of jaw pain typically affects both sides of your face, while dental problems usually cause pain on just one side.

Can a sinus infection spread to your jaw?

A sinus infection can potentially spread beyond your sinuses, though this is relatively uncommon. When left untreated, the infection can move into surrounding areas, including your jaw bone and soft tissues. This spread often causes intense sinus pain in jaw and neck regions, along with increased swelling and tenderness.

Warning signs of a spreading infection include:

• Severe facial pain and swelling
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Fever and chills
• Neck stiffness
• Changes in vision
• Persistent sinus infection headache

If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. A sinus doctor can assess the extent of your infection and recommend appropriate treatment, from antibiotics to more advanced procedures like balloon sinuplasty when necessary.

How do you get rid of jaw pain from a sinus infection?

When dealing with sinus-related jaw pain, finding the right treatment approach can make a significant difference in your comfort and daily life. Targeting the root of the problem will give you the best chance at relief. Here are the most effective ways to manage and treat jaw pain caused by sinus infections:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to thin mucus and reduce sinus pressure
• Use steam therapy through showers or humidifiers to open nasal passages
• Elevate your head while sleeping to prevent mucus accumulation
• Try nasal irrigation with a Neti Pot to flush out congested sinuses
• Apply warm compresses to your face for 10-15 minutes to ease discomfort
• Consider over-the-counter decongestants to reduce sinus inflammation
• Seek professional treatment like balloon sinuplasty for chronic symptoms

If your jaw pain persists beyond 10 days or comes with symptoms like fever and severe, chronic nasal congestion, don’t wait to seek professional help.

Sinus infection jaw pain — FAQs

Can sinuses cause jaw pain on one side?

While sinus and jaw pain on one side can occur when a single sinus cavity becomes inflamed, one-sided pain may indicate other conditions like dental problems or TMJ disorders that require professional evaluation.

Can a sinus headache hurt your jaw?

When you have a sinus headache and jaw pain together, it’s because your sinuses sit right above your upper jaw. During a sinus infection, the inflammation creates pressure that can cause both head and jaw discomfort, especially when moving your head.

When should I be concerned about jaw pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• The pain is severe, persists for more than 10 days, or keeps returning
• You have fever, severe swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth fully
• The pain spreads to your neck or affects your ability to eat and speak

Schedule an appointment with Kaplan Sinus Relief if you experience chronic sinus infections along with persistent jaw pain. Early intervention can prevent complications and provide lasting relief through treatments like balloon sinuplasty.

Break free from jaw pain with Kaplan Sinus Relief

Can sinus infections cause jaw pain? They certainly can — and you don’t have to live with the discomfort. Treating your sinus issues is the first step to achieving lasting relief.

At Kaplan Sinus Relief, our pioneering balloon sinuplasty treatment has helped countless patients find freedom from chronic sinus infections that could be causing their jaw discomfort. This procedure is pain-free, minimally invasive, and done right here in our office by Dr. Kaplan who pioneered balloon sinuplasty here in Houston.

Schedule an appointment today with Houston’s leading sinus care specialist, where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate care. 

More Helpful Articles by Kaplan Sinus Relief:

• What is Rebound Congestion?
• Sinus Health Tips for the Cold and Flu Season
• Understanding the Link Between Sinus Symptoms and Chronic Fatigue
• The Role of Sinus Health in Overall Health
• Why Your Chronic Sinusitis Medication Isn’t Working