Dental / Sinusitis Connection

It is estimated that 37 million Americans are afflicted with sinusitis each year. The following table lists the most common symptoms associated with sinusitis:

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS	SINUSITIS
Facial Pressure/Pain	Yes
Duration of Illness	Over 10-14 days
Nasal Discharge	Thick, yellow-green
Fever	Sometimes
Headache	Sometimes
Pain in Upper Teeth	Sometimes
Bad Breath	Sometimes
Coughing	Sometimes
Nasal Congestion	Yes
Sneezing	No

Although colds are the most common cause of acute sinusitis, it is more likely that people with allergies will develop sinusitis. Being exposed to second hand smoke, swimming in chlorinated pools, dental infections and allergies can also trigger inflammation of the sinuses and nasal mucous linings. This inflammation prevents the sinus cavities from clearing out bacteria and increases ones chances of developing secondary bacterial sinusitis.

Most physicians are good at ruling out routine causative factors but most often overlook dental infections as a primary source. That was the case with A.S. Antonette who suffered with sinusitis for over 15 years. She could not breath and since 2003 had experienced severe congestion and inflammation. During the period of two and a half years she consulted her family physician, two medical allergists and an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist. Various antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines and topical steroid nasal sprays were used but with no long lasting results. The ENT specialist even recommended surgery as a last resort but could not guarantee any results.

A panoramic dental x-ray revealed extensive dental restorative procedures. Of primary interest was the presence of a 3-unit dental bridge in the upper right quadrant of the patient’s mouth. When questioned, Antonette stated that the bridge work was placed 15 years ago. Since the roots of the upper posterior teeth are in close proximity to the maxillary sinus, they pose a potential source for causing sinusitis. Direct Resonance testing revealed the existence of an infection under the upper right bicuspid crown, which was one of the abutment teeth supporting the dental bridgework. Streptoccocus viridans was shown to be present. The patient was placed on natural antibiotics to boost her immune system and bio-frequencies were used to eradicate the infection. After just two treatments, Antonette was able breath again without the use of drugs. The key point is that dental infections can be present under crowns without overt clinical symptoms of swelling, toothache or localized pain. Physicians must include a recommendation to patients with chronic sinusitis to have a dental evaluation to rule out possible dental related infections.

Figure 1 – Upper right three unit bridgework

Streptoccocus viridans infection present under anterior crown.

Figure 2 – X-ray of 3-unit bridgework

Possible defect on root providing bacterial entry.

Figure 3 – X-ray view showing proximity of maxillary sinus to roots of teeth.

Infections under crowns or in teeth provide a continuous source for sinus infections. Dental sources for infection are often over looked by most practitioners.

Figure 4 – Skull anatomy showing proximity of molar teeth to maxillary sinus.

Infections in posterior teeth from decay, root canals or leaky crowns have the potential of providing the source for chronic sinus infections. Once an infection takes hold it can spread to the other sinus cavities (frontals, ethmoids, sphenoid and other maxillary sinus).

Since the roots of the upper posterior teeth are in close proximity to the maxillary sinus, they pose a potential for causing sinusitis.