Some people experience allergies year-round and not just during allergy season in Philadelphia. For some, that means irritated eyes and runny noses all year long. But for others, it means headaches. When you have allergies, your body triggers an aggressive immune system response to something that is relatively benign, like pollen.

One of the effects of this can be swelling in the lining of your sinuses. This can cause a painful sensation in your cheeks, around your eyes, and in your forehead. The pain may be constant, or it may pulse with your heartbeat. However, it turns out that sinus headaches are actually very rare, and that many people who have been diagnosed with them actually have migraines or tension headaches. They may also be related to a toothache.

With patient-focused dental care in Blue Bell, we’re here to help you discover whether your pain stems from a sinus infection, a toothache, or TMJ, and guide you toward relief.

Sinus Infection & TMJ Overlapping Symptoms

Sinus infections and TMJ share many overlapping symptoms, such as headaches, jaw pain, facial pressure, neck stiffness, ear issues, dizziness, and even toothaches. However, sinus infections typically include additional signs like nasal discharge, congestion, sore throat, upset stomach, and fever. TMJ, on the other hand, is more likely if you notice jaw joint soreness, clicking or grinding noises, and muscle tenderness limited to the head and neck. If sinus symptoms clear up but discomfort remains, TMJ may be the underlying cause.

Can a Sinus Infection Cause Toothaches and Headaches?

Toothaches and headaches can sometimes be linked to sinus infections, but an untreated tooth infection is often the real cause. When decay reaches the tooth nerve, it can spread to the sinuses, leading to recurring infections with pain, fever, and other complications. Signs of an infected tooth include discoloration, swollen or tender gums, discharge, bad breath, or a gum sore. In contrast, sinus-related issues are more likely if symptoms include nasal congestion, postnasal drip, or swelling in the nose. If a toothache shifts into sinus headaches, it’s important to see a dentist, as dental treatment may be needed to resolve the problem.

TMJ Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). When the jaw joints are strained or misaligned, the surrounding muscles work harder to keep the bite balanced. This extra tension often radiates upward into the temples, forehead, and even behind the eyes, creating persistent or recurring headaches.

Unlike typical tension headaches, TMJ headaches are usually accompanied by other jaw-related symptoms, such as clicking or popping noises when you open your mouth, soreness in the jaw joints, or difficulty chewing. Some patients also notice that their headaches get worse after long periods of talking, chewing, or clenching their teeth.

If you suffer from frequent headaches that don’t seem to improve with traditional treatments, TMJ may be the underlying cause. A thorough dental evaluation can help determine whether your jaw alignment and bite are contributing to your pain and guide you toward effective relief.

Trusted TMJ Dentist in Blue Bell

Dr. Kenneth Siegel is highly qualified to treat TMJ because of his advanced training in neuromuscular dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and his 35+ years of experience helping patients restore comfort and function. As a Blue Bell dentist, he combines his expertise in TMJ care with reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry, ensuring treatment addresses both the functional and aesthetic aspects of your smile. By improving bite alignment and reducing stress on the jaw joints, Dr. Siegel not only relieves pain but also enhances your overall dental health and appearance. His personalized, patient-focused approach means your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and goals, giving you confidence in both the process and the results.

TMJ Treatment

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for TMJ disorders, which is why our Blue Bell dentist, Dr. Siegel, takes a personalized approach to every patient. TMJ pain often stems from a combination of bite alignment issues, muscle strain, and inflammation, so treatment is designed to relieve pain, stabilize your bite, and restore long-term function.

Customized Therapies

Your treatment begins with a detailed evaluation, often using the advanced K7 system to pinpoint your jaw’s ideal resting position. From there, a custom bite splint (neuromuscular orthotic) may be created to reduce strain and guide your jaw into balance. Many patients notice significant relief within weeks.

Advanced Options

To ease muscle tension and support healing, therapies like TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and MLS laser therapy may be recommended. TENS gently relaxes the jaw muscles and blocks pain signals, while MLS laser therapy improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and encourages tissue repair.

Restorative & Orthodontic Care

For lasting improvement, some patients benefit from restorative dental treatments—such as crowns, fillings, or implants—to rebuild tooth structure and correct wear. Orthodontic care, including braces or clear aligners, can also realign the bite, taking pressure off the joints and reducing chronic discomfort.

Find Lasting Relief from TMJ and Headache Pain

Whether your discomfort is coming from sinus issues, an infected tooth, or TMJ, living with ongoing pain isn’t something you should have to accept. At our Blue Bell dental office, Dr. Siegel combines advanced training with patient-focused care to uncover the root cause of your symptoms and provide solutions that restore comfort and function.

If headaches, jaw pain, or facial pressure are affecting your daily life, now is the time to seek answers. Schedule a consultation today by calling (610) 272-0828 to take the first step toward lasting relief and a healthier smile.