SINUS INFECTIONS CAN BE DISGUISED AS TOOTHACHES

DEAR DOCTORS: I saw my dentist for pain in an upper molar, but the X-ray was normal. My nose was also plugged up, and she said it might be my sinuses. I started doing a saline rinse, and after a few days the pain had gone. Why would having a sinus infection give you a toothache?

- DR EVE GLAZIER & DR ELIZABETH KO

DEAR READER: Tooth pain that arises from inflammation or infection in the sinuses is fairly common. The sinuses are an important part of the respiratory system. They are four pairs of air-filled cavities that work together to warm, humidify and filter the air we breathe. They also produce mucus. The mucus acts as a lubricant and serves as a first line of defence for the immune system.