Struggling with Sinus Problems? Your Oral Health Could Be to Blame

Statistics suggest that around 31 million people struggle with sinus problems in the United States today. Various factors can cause sinus infections, including allergies, a cold, or a deviated septum. 

One often overlooked cause of sinus problems is poor oral health. Your mouth and nose are intrinsically linked; each affects the other in more ways than you may realize. 

For people living with sinus problems in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Mani Zadeh provides highly personalized and expert care to relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life. He explains how your oral health and sinus problems are linked and what you can do to improve both. 

How can poor oral health cause sinus problems? 

Your nasal passage contains small openings that allow for the free flow of air and mucus. When these passages become blocked, it can cause inflammation and infection of your sinuses. 

Poor oral health can contribute to sinus problems called odontogenic sinusitis, most commonly through tooth decay and gum diseases. 

Sinus infections can be caused by bacteria traveling from your mouth to your sinuses, causing inflammation and infection. For instance, the bacteria that cause gum disease can travel up from your mouth and into your sinuses, causing an infection. 

Gum disease and inflammation go hand in hand, affecting the small opening in your nose and causing sinus problems. 

Poor gum health isn't the only oral health problem that can lead to sinus infections; other culprits inlcude:

• Untreated cavities 
• Oral cysts
• Knocked-out or dislodged tooth
• Dental implant complications
• Leftover root canal material
• Abscesses

In short, anything that promotes bacterial growth in your mouth can cause bacterial growth in your sinuses. 

How can you prevent oral health problems? 

Sticking to a healthy oral hygiene routine can prevent oral health problems and related sinus infections. 

Good oral health habits include brushing your teeth twice daily, and we recommend using fluoride toothpaste each time. It's also crucial to floss daily to prevent plaque and harmful bacteria that can cause sinus infections from building up between your teeth. 

Improving your oral health is significantly beneficial to prevent sinus problems. 

How are sinus problems treated?

If your sinus problems stem from poor oral health, you may need dental treatment to tackle that first. Dental treatment could include filling or extracting a tooth with a large cavity. Sometimes all you need is a deep clean to remove the build-up of plaque and bacteria. 

If you have developed a sinus infection, antibiotics may be necessary to kill the bacteria and clear up your condition. 

In severe cases where other treatment options are ineffective, we may recommend surgery to drain your sinuses and remove any blockage.

While poor oral health might be responsible for your sinus problems, this isn't always true. To get to the bottom of your sinus problems today, book an appointment with Dr. Mani Zadeh online or call 310-286-0123.