A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, can cause discomfort and pain in the jaw. While jaw pain is commonly associated with dental issues or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, understanding the sinuses’ proximity to facial structures helps clarify why jaw pain can be a related symptom. Sinusitis involves inflammation of air-filled pockets within the facial bones, leading to pressure and various other symptoms.
Understanding the Connection
The anatomical relationship between the sinuses and the jaw explains why a sinus infection can lead to jaw pain. The maxillary sinuses, the largest paranasal sinuses, are located behind your cheekbones and above your upper jaw. These air-filled cavities are lined with mucous membranes and are very close to the roots of your upper teeth and jawbone.
When infected, these tissues become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation causes fluid and mucus to build up, creating increased pressure within the sinus cavities, which can radiate downward. This pressure presses on nerves supplying sensation to the upper jaw and teeth, often causing pain felt in the upper jaw, teeth, and cheeks. This is known as referred pain, where the brain interprets signals from inflamed sinuses as originating from the jaw or teeth.
Common Sinus Infection Symptoms
Jaw pain from a sinus infection rarely occurs alone, usually accompanied by other characteristic symptoms. These include facial pain and pressure, particularly around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks, which can worsen when bending over. Nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe, is also frequently present.
Thick, discolored nasal discharge, often yellow or green, indicates a sinus infection. This can lead to postnasal drip, where excess mucus drains down the back of the throat, causing a sore throat or cough. Other symptoms may include a reduced sense of smell or taste, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a fever.
Other Causes of Jaw Pain
While a sinus infection can cause jaw pain, many other conditions lead to similar discomfort. Dental issues are a frequent cause, including cavities, tooth abscesses, gum disease, or an impacted wisdom tooth. These problems can cause localized pain extending to the jaw.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, affecting the hinge joints connecting your jaw to your skull, are also common sources. TMJ symptoms often include pain around the jaw, ear, and temple, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully, and headaches.
Muscle strain from clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism) can also lead to jaw soreness. Less common but serious causes include trigeminal neuralgia, causing sharp, electric shock-like facial pain, or in rare instances, jaw pain as a symptom of a heart attack, particularly if it spreads from the chest.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a healthcare professional if jaw pain persists or worsens, especially with other concerning symptoms. If suspected sinus infection symptoms like facial pain, headache, or congestion do not improve after 7 to 10 days, or worsen after initial improvement, seek medical attention. Persistent fever, severe pain, or vision changes like swelling around the eyes, require immediate medical evaluation.
Recurring sinus infections also warrant a doctor’s visit to investigate underlying causes. For severe, sudden jaw pain accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or numbness, seek emergency medical care, as these could indicate a serious condition like a heart attack. If unsure about the cause of your jaw pain, a healthcare provider can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.