This question was asked on Doctorbase.com and forwarded to me.
"I am a 45 year old female. I have been disabled for ten years. During this time, all the meds I'm on have caused dry mouth & my teeth are breaking into pieces. I have seen an oral surgan but I don't have dental insurance. I am suffering with both ears being infected, sinus infections & thrush. I want to know if my teeth could be the cause of the infection? My mouth does not hurt very often but I am on pain management. Thank you."
Here was my answer but check out the link above to see answers from many other dentists.
Some upper tooth roots can extend into our sinus. Bacteria can start in our tooth or gums, spread down the roots, and cause the infection to eat through into the sinus. So yes, it is possible.
I would suggest Biotene toothpastes and rinses to combat the dry mouth. Saliva helps to reduce acidity in your mouth, keep your teeth string with minerals, and provides some antibacterial properties. Drink lots if water and avoid diuretics like alcohol and coffee, and acids like soda, energy drinks, and fruit juices, or at least rinse with water. See your dentist for more suggestions.
Thrush is actually a fungal infection, candidiasis. See your doctor for treatment such as nystatin. It can be indicative of other systemic health issues so try to get that checked out.
(Upper teeth with roots dipping into the sinus space. Likewise, a sinus infection, cold, or allergy where mucus drips down to the bottom of the sinus can mimick tooth pain as the tooth nerves are compressed from the mucus in the sinus up above and a force from biting and chewing food below.)
My two cents on dental disease:
Cavities and gum disease are infections. They are diseases. When we get cut by a piece of metal Many of us get scared about what infections may follow. Or we get scared when our kids play with another sick child or a dog or bugs or trash. When we get a cut we wash it out, put on ointments and band aids to care for it. Bacteria bacteria bacteria! Yet, we often think a cavity, or bleeding gums is not a big deal....would you be afraid if your eyes started bleeding one day? Or urinating blood? Or having a toe nail turn black and fall apart from bacteria eating away at it? I would. That's why I brush and floss everyday to prevent an infection like that in my mouth. And just as any infection in our body can spread to another part of the body, the same holds true for infections that start in our teeth or mouth.
So lets get healthy & focus on prevention so we can live long and eventful lives!