3 Oral Consequences Of Chronic Sinusitis

Dentist Blog

If you or your teenager suffer from chronic sinusitis, you are both probably familiar with its symptoms. They include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, diminished sense of smell, and possibly post nasal drip and fatigue. While these are the most common symptoms of sinus disorders, you may also experience problems with your teeth and gums.

If your teen wears braces and suffers from chronic sinusitis, visit a teenager orthodontics specialist who can monitor his or her oral status so that if problems should arise, they can be recognized and addressed early on. Here are three oral consequences of chronic sinusitis and what you can do about them.

1. Unpleasant Taste

Because sinus problems often lead to post nasal drip, you may experience an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Nasal discharge often contains bacterial microorganisms, and because of this, bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can develop. 

To reduce this risk, drink plenty of water throughout the day to help thin out viscous nasal secretions. In addition to this, water will also help wash away infection-causing bacteria from your oral cavity. If bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth persists, see your dentist to rule out other causes such as a tooth abscess or periodontitis. 

2. Dry Mouth

People who suffer from chronic sinus conditions often breath through their mouths because nasal congestion prevents them from breathing through their noses.  When you breathe through your mouth, oral tissues lose moisture which raises your risk of infection. Also, your mouth can become so dry that you may have trouble swallowing, eating, or even speaking. 

If you experience nasal congestion that prevents you from breathing through your nose, talk to your physician about taking an over-the-counter decongestant that will help shrink swollen nasal passages while facilitating an effective pattern of breathing. Sinus problems and mouth breathing can be uncomfortable for children who wear braces, so if your teen has trouble with inflamed sinuses, make an appointment with the pediatrician for further evaluation and treatment. 

3. Dental Pain

One of the most distressing oral symptoms related to chronic sinusitis is dental pain, especially pain in the upper teeth. When you have a sinus infection or sinusitis, pressure can be placed on your molars, leading to discomfort, sensitivity, and sometimes, swollen gums. T

Talk to your dentist if you develop dental pain. He or she will check your teeth to determine if your sinus problems have affected your teeth. In the meantime, consider taking an over-the-counter analgesic such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help keep you comfortable.

If you or your teenager has chronic sinusitis and subsequent oral problems, work with your dentists and physicians to ensure that your teeth and your general state of health remain in optimal condition. 

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6 May 2018