Bacterial Sinus Infections And Oral Health
If you develop a bacterial sinus infection, then you may experience facial pain and pressure, headaches, thick and discolored nasal drainage, fever, and nasal congestion. Since sinus infections can be viral or fungal in nature, you'll need to see your doctor, who will determine if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Here are some ways bacterial sinus infections can affect your oral health and what you can do about them.
Dental Pain
Bacterial sinus infections cause pressure and congestion, which can cause pain in the top row of your teeth. Although the back teeth are the most susceptible to the painful effects of bacterial sinus infections, you may feel pain in your front teeth or even your bottom teeth. After your physician determines that you have a bacterial sinus infection as opposed to a viral or fungal infection, he or she will prescribe antibiotics.
While you're waiting for the antibiotics to work, take an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen to help relieve your dental pain. Once the infection has cleared, your nasal congestion and dental pain will also subside. If your infection is caused by a viral or fungal microorganism, antibiotics will do little to eliminate the infection.
Gum Infection
Bacterial sinus infections can cause post nasal drip. When bacteria-rich mucus from your nasal cavity drips down your throat, it can make contact with your gum tissue. The bacteria from the drainage can infect your gums, leading to redness, inflammation, pain, bleeding, and purulent drainage. If you develop a gum infection as a result of a sinus infection, you should see your dentist. Treatment for sinus-related gum infections may differ from gum disease, or gingivitis, which is caused by poor oral hygiene practices.
If you have sinus problems, talk to your dentist about taking vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C helps promote gum health, enhances collagen synthesis, and it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Additionally, if you are prone to bacterial sinus infections, you may have nasal polyps, which are benign growths that develop inside your nasal cavity. When your sinuses are obstructed because of nasal polyps, mucus cannot drain effectively, raising your risk for infections. Long-term aspirin users are at a heightened risk for nasal polyps, so if you take aspirin and develop frequent sinus infections, see your physician.
To learn more about how bacterial sinus infections affect your teeth and gums, make an appointment with your dental care services provider. When you work with your physician to treat your sinus infections and your dentist to provide regular dental care, you will be less likely to develop infection-related dental pain or gum problems.