The Link Between A Tooth Infection And Chronic Sinus Problems

Chronic sinus infections are sometimes caused by an underlying tooth infection, according to Dr. Michael J. Lewis, a root canal specialist. “In short, sometimes the roots of one’s teeth become infected, and that infection can spread to their sinuses.” Dr. Lewis says. 

This medical condition Dr. Lewis referred to is called Maxillary Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin (MSEO). Most people do not realize it, but the roots of the upper back teeth often extend quite close to a hollow air-filled space located behind their cheekbones called the maxillary sinus. If one of these upper back teeth becomes infected, the infection can spread rather easily out of the end of the tooth’s root and spread into the maxillary sinus. Patients suffering with MSEO will often exhibit low-grade sinus or nasal symptoms including post nasal drip or general sinus congestion which they may think is due to seasonal allergies.

Some patients may even experience recurring sinus infections, which are often treated by their physician with antibiotics. While antibiotics will resolve the patient's sinus symptoms for a period, the antibiotics are incapable of reaching the source of the infection inside the tooth. Once the antibiotics are ceased, the infection will slowly re-emerge from the tooth and spread back into the sinus and the symptoms will often recur many months later.

Patients with MSEO often do not exhibit any tooth pain. This absence of dental symptoms can make it very difficult for both the patient and their medical doctor or general dentist to recognize that there is even a tooth infection present. As a result, patients often suffer from this condition for many years before it is recognized. While the diagnosis of MSEO can be difficult to arrive at, endodontists are specially trained and equipped to diagnose and treat this condition. 

Root Canal Therapy

Easy and relatively painless treatment options like a root canal therapy can help eliminate the bacteria that are causing these infections. In some cases, the MSEO infection is originating from a tooth that has already undergone root canal treatment once before, but is now failing. For those patients dealing with a failing root canal, the specialized training endodontists undergo allows them to offer remedial services such as retreatment that can predictably eliminate the infection inside the tooth even where past efforts by other practitioners may have failed. “Many people may cringe at the thought of having root canal treatment, but in the hands of a skilled practitioner, the process is quite effective, easy, and relatively painless,” Dr. Lewis continued. “For those patients diagnosed with MSEO, root canal therapy or retreatment may completely resolve their sinus symptoms, with about half of all patients experiencing the procedure requiring no other medical care. Patients who do not experience relief may require additional care from an ENT to fully resolve their complaints, though a root canal treatment is often a necessary first step. 

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Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.