Sinus tooth pain and a true toothache can feel very similar. A sinus infection can make your upper teeth ache, and a problem tooth can cause pain that spreads into your head, ear and jaw. This guide explains how to tell them apart, what helps, and when to see a dentist or doctor.
Can a sinus infection cause a toothache?
Yes. The roots of the upper back teeth sit just below the sinuses in your cheeks. When those sinuses are inflamed and blocked, the pressure can be felt as an ache in the teeth underneath.
Tooth pain is more likely to be coming from your sinuses if:
- several upper back teeth ache together, not one tooth
- you have a blocked or runny nose, or have recently had a cold
- you feel pressure or pain in your cheeks or around your eyes
- the ache gets worse when you bend forward or lie down
Signs the pain is coming from a tooth
- the pain is in one tooth, and you can point to it
- it hurts to bite, or the tooth is sensitive to hot, cold or sweet things and the pain lingers
- the gum next to the tooth is swollen or there is a bad taste in your mouth
- you can see a hole, a crack or a broken filling
- the pain throbs or wakes you at night
Common dental causes are decay, a cracked tooth, a failing filling, gum disease and a dental abscess. These do not get better without treatment.
Can a toothache cause a headache?
Yes. Pain from a tooth can be felt in the head, ear and jaw on the same side. An infected tooth, a tooth with an inflamed nerve and an impacted wisdom tooth are common causes. If a one-sided headache comes with a sore tooth, the tooth may be the source.
Clenching or grinding your teeth can also cause headaches, usually felt at the temples or on waking, along with a tired or tender jaw. See teeth grinding treatment.
Can wisdom teeth cause headaches?
They can. A wisdom tooth that is impacted or infected can cause pain that spreads to the jaw, ear and side of the head. If you have pain or swelling at the back of your mouth, have it assessed. See wisdom teeth removal in Penrith.
How to relieve the pain until you are seen
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the pack, if it is suitable for you.
- Hold a cold pack wrapped in a cloth against your cheek.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water.
- Eat soft foods and avoid very hot or very cold drinks.
- Rest with your head raised.
These measures ease the pain but do not treat the cause. If a tooth is the problem, it needs a dentist. If your symptoms point to your sinuses and have not improved after 7 to 10 days, see your GP.
When to get urgent help
See a dentist or doctor urgently if you have swelling in your face or mouth, a fever over 38°C, or trouble opening your mouth. Call triple zero (000) if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing. Pain in the jaw or teeth together with chest pain or shortness of breath can be a sign of a heart problem and also needs a triple zero call.
Toothache and sinus pain FAQs
How long does sinus tooth pain last?
It usually eases as the sinus infection clears. If your teeth still hurt once your nose and sinuses have settled, book a dental check-up.
Can a toothache cause a headache every day?
An untreated dental problem or nightly teeth grinding can cause repeated headaches. Frequent headaches have many possible causes, so see your GP as well as your dentist.
Why do my teeth ache when I am sick?
A cold or flu often inflames the sinuses, and the pressure can make the upper teeth ache. The ache should pass as you recover.
Can a dentist tell if the pain is from my sinuses?
Usually. An examination and an X-ray show whether a tooth is the cause. If the teeth are healthy, we will suggest you see your GP about your sinuses.
Toothache in Penrith?
If you have tooth pain, call Penrith Dental Care on (02) 4733 1197 and we will offer the earliest appointment available. See our emergency dentist page and our guide to what counts as a dental emergency.
Source: Healthdirect Australia, Toothache and swelling (last reviewed April 2024); Healthdirect Australia, Sinusitis (last reviewed May 2025). This article is general information only and does not replace an assessment with a registered dental practitioner.
Looking for more dental health tips? Browse all articles on the Penrith Dental Care blog, or meet the Penrith Dental Care team. Have a question? See our dental FAQ.
Reviewed by Mina Gibryal, Penrith Dental Care, October 2026. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dental practitioner.