A stuffy nose can be caused not only by a cold, but also by dental problems. And that’s why.
Cause of troubles
A diseased tooth can be a source of ongoing infection. Disease-causing bacteria in it secrete toxins that are carried through the bloodstream. Strong immunity copes with the infection quickly, but stress or hypothermia reduces the defenses, as a result, an untreated tooth becomes the cause of diseases such as sinusitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses) and sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary paranasal sinus). Problems also arise against the background of chronic inflammation in the canals of the teeth of the upper jaw. Their roots can be located close to the sinus or directly in it. And then the infection spreads to the sinus mucosa.
If you have a chronic runny nose or runny nose even with the slightest hypothermia, plan a visit not only to the otolaryngologist, but also to the dentist. The doctor will conduct an examination to identify possible negative effects of an untreated tooth. Comprehensive treatment will be required.
It is important to note that all sinuses communicate with each other. If the infection has entered the maxillary sinus, then it can spread throughout the entire sinus system, and this is already a complication that leads to serious consequences. Therefore, it is important to have regular check-ups with a dentist, to treat teeth and to carry out high-quality oral hygiene every day.
The other side of the problem
It happens that the dental procedures themselves become the cause of complications. Damage to the floor of the maxillary sinus sometimes occurs when a doctor works with chewing teeth in the upper jaw. A hole appears through which an infection from the root can enter the sinus and cause inflammation.
Perforation can occur during tooth extraction, endodontic treatment (a surgical procedure to save a tooth), implantation, root resection (removal).
Alarms
The following symptoms indicate that there has been a perforation of the maxillary sinus:
the appearance of small air bubbles in the blood from the tooth socket, the number of which increases with a sharp exhalation through the nose;
the occurrence of bloody nasal discharge on the side of the damaged sinus.
If the perforation was detected immediately, there is no infection and foreign objects in the sinus, then treatment is carried out, the procedures at the dentist are fixed with therapy. Prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, drops with a vasoconstrictor effect. If, during perforation, a foreign body (implant, filling material, root fragments) got into the sinus, then treatment is possible only in a hospital setting. An operation is performed with opening the sinus cavity, removing a foreign body and infected tissue and further closing the perforation.
Note
Diseased teeth can cause thrombosis, atherosclerosis. The algorithm is the same: pathogenic bacteria enter the bloodstream and settle on the walls of blood vessels. They cling to the already outlined atherosclerotic plaque. As a result, it grows, blocks the vascular bed. At any time, the clot can break off and lead to disaster – causing a heart attack or stroke.
Bacteria can settle in the tonsils and provoke a sore throat. Other complications are possible – it all depends on which organ will be attacked by the infection.