Have you ever gotten a stuffy nose, and then ended up with a toothache? If you have, you're not alone. Many people develop a condition known as maxillary sinusitis. You see, the sinus floor sits right below the roots of your upper teeth, which means when your sinuses are infected, the pain is going to spread to your teeth. In most cases, your toothache pain will go away as soon as your sinus infection is cleared up. The important thing to remember is that the toothache pain you get during a sinus infection doesn't necessarily mean you have something wrong with your teeth. In fact, your teeth may be perfectly healthy, and you'll still develop a toothache when you have maxillary sinusitis. Here are four steps you need to take if you're suffering from a toothache during a sinus infection.

Moisten the Air

If you've got a toothache that's related to a sinus infection, the first thing you need to do is clear up the sinuses. One of the best ways to do that is with a humidifier. Adding some moisture to the air will help you breathe easier, by loosening up all the gunk you have inside your sinuses. For best results, leave the humidifier on until your infection clears up. If you don't have access to a humidifier, spend a few minutes a day in your bathroom with the shower on. The steam that builds up in the bathroom will help you breathe easier, and will alleviate the pressure on your teeth, which will clear up the pain.

Reach for the Decongestants

If sinus pressure is causing increased toothache pain, it's time to reach for the decongestants. Pick up an over-the-counter decongestant and take it as prescribed on the box. Be sure to increase your consumption of water too. The decongestant will clear up your sinus passages, and the extra water will help loosen the secretions so you can breathe easier. Once the nasal secretions are loosened, there won't be so much sinus pressure on your teeth.

Take Your Antibiotics

If your doctor has determined that your sinusitis was caused by a bacterial infection, you'll need to take your antibiotics. One of the benefits of taking your antibiotics is it will clear up any infection that might have passed through to your teeth. Be sure to complete the entire cycle of antibiotics to prevent the infection from returning.

Schedule a Dental Checkup

If maxillary sinusitis is causing you to suffer toothache pain, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist, even if you've recently had a checkup. Your dentist will be able to identify any new problems that might be contributing to the pain.

For more information, contact companies like Advanced Dentistry of St. Charles.