The good news is your toothache may have nothing to do with your oral hygiene. The bad news is it may have something to do with your cold. Let’s examine why sinus infection impacts tooth discomfort and remedies for it all.
First position
What you need to understand is that two of your main sinus cavities are positioned right above the molars of your top teeth. So, when they are having inflammation and infection issues, your teeth are feeling it at the base of their nerves.
One of the simplest things you can do to relieve the pressure and pain is to position your head in a way that can let mucus drain. That means don’t lay down completely horizontal. Prop your head up, perhaps using two pillows instead of one.
Sleep it off
Restful sleep is the body’s best way to fight off illness. But that’s easier said than done when you are feeling pain. So, consider the following routine before bedtime:
- Lay down, as described above, and gently massage your head and face
- Close your eyes and hum softly; it can be your favorite calming melody or a zen-like “ohm”
What you’re doing is allowing a little more airflow through your sinuses than normal. You’re also calming down your biorhythms making it easier to conk out.
Spice it up
Tamales with salsa verde, phad thai noodle with prik chili, marinara with extra crushed red pepper flakes … There are so many ways to enjoy spicy food. If you are having sinus issues, find your fave and let the heat take effect. Spices, including the often overlooked turmeric, are natural anti-inflammatories. That means they are natural pain killers, too, since much of the pain we deal with is caused by inflammation and pressure in various parts of the body.
Water water everywhere
H2O is the spice of life. When anything dehydrates it is one step closer to being dead. So, drink plenty of water and consider drinking liquids that are especially hydrating, like coconut water. The more liquified you feel, the more your body can help you heal.
It’s also helpful, when battling stubborn sinus infections, to get water into your nasal cavity and help wash out buildup. There are extreme ways of doing this, like a neti pot. But something simpler may do the trick just fine. As you are showering, when the air is still a little steamy, cup some of the water into the palm of your hand and moderately inhale. At first, you’ll feel clogged up, but that’s very temporary. Blow your nose and notice how much easier it feels to breathe.
Great expectations
All of the methods above are homeopathic, natural ways to relieve tooth pain caused by sinus problems. They really do work, but in extreme cases, you may need help from some man-made concoctions, most notably expectorants and decongestants.
Some products combine the two, but these over-the-counter medications work very differently. Expectorants express mucus from your sinuses. Result? You’re going to be blowing your nose more, but you’re body is getting some help in producing mucus rather than holding it in. For decongestants, the mucus in your sinuses are being dried out. While a well hydrated body is the healthiest body, drying out your sinuses for a short time is sometimes necessary.
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