Sinus problem? Dental problem? What do you think?

[Pool Hall Ace]

Hi all,
A couple of weeks ago, I had some swelling on my upper right gumline. I had just had my six-month checkup and had been flossing, brushing, rinsing with Listerine, etc. It didn't go away by itself, so I went back to see my dentist. She asked me if it was an area that was prone to trapping food, and I told her it was. She thought the most likely scenario was that food had been trapped, but I had already dislodged it, because she could see no cause for the swelling. I asked her if it was possible if it could be sinus-related. She said it could be, but if it were, I would be more likely to experience pain in a tooth rather than swelling in the gum. She didn't take an x-ray (just as well, since I don't have dental insurance).

A day or so later, my sinuses were really bothering me, so I started on a decongestant. It was then that the swelling finally started to ease. Could it have been related? I don't know.

Fast-forward to now: after dinner this evening, I noticed my gum was starting to swell again, so I brushed, flossed, and Listerined right away.

Ever hear of or experience anything like this? There's no pain or hot/cold sensitivity; only swelling.

[Scout1071]

1. They can definitely be related.

I had recurring sinus infections for at least 6 months, then had a sharp pain in my tooth. I went to the dentist and they pulled the tooth (it was a baby tooth - yes, I was 32 at the time and I know it's odd - and yes, the adult tooth was underneath it and come up on it's own - very weird) but once that tooth was gone, but sinuses improved dramatically. The dentist told me the two are often related.

PS - Call your doc or dentist again. I'm thinking this thread may get locked, but good luck!

[Pool Hall Ace]

4. Lock my thread? :( I haven't had that happen yet.

I was wondering if anyone had experienced anything similar, I'm not really seeking medical advice (I don't think). :)

I can believe that about the baby teeth!

[MrsMatt]

2. Never had the problem, but have had mulitple

bouts of sinusitis. Irrigate your sinus cavities with salt water. It's the best thing you can do for your sinus health. If you don't have a neti pot, use a bulb syringe (useully used for cleaning ear canals).

[Pool Hall Ace]

5. Actually, I have one of the Grossan hydro pulse nasal irrigators.

I haven't used it in a few days, so I'll start that back up again.

Since moving to North Carolina, I have sinus issues much more frequently.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

3. My dentists told me they're related...

If you haven't had an exam for awhile, you should go get x-rayed. I've had more sinus problems that were the result of tooth problems than vice versa. And a lot of times I'll take a decongestant when my gums are swollen...it seems to help.

[Pithlet]

6. I'm locking this.

I know it's tempting when you're suffering, but DU members as a group aren't qualified to give medical advice. I hope you feel better soon.