Pain in the upper teeth or cheek can come from a tooth, the sinuses or another structure. Its location alone cannot reliably distinguish the cause. Dental examination and sometimes an X-ray may be needed when a tooth is suspected.
Call 112 if swelling affects your breathing. Seek urgent dental or medical assessment for facial swelling with fever, difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing, or rapidly worsening illness. Do not wait for an ordinary online consultation in these situations.
Clues to describe, without diagnosing yourself
| Observation | What to tell the service |
|---|---|
| One tooth reacts to biting, heat or cold | Name or point to the tooth if you can; mention a broken tooth or recent dental work. |
| Cheek pressure with a blocked or runny nose | Describe the cold symptoms, duration, sense of smell and whether pain changes when leaning forward. |
| Gum swelling or an unpleasant taste | Explain whether swelling is localised or spreading, and whether you have fever. |
| Pain that is difficult to localise | Describe chewing, jaw movement and how the pain spreads; several causes remain possible. |
A nasal symptom does not exclude a dental cause, and a painful tooth does not exclude a sinus problem. Sometimes an infection around an upper tooth can involve a nearby sinus. This is one reason repeated self-treatment without reassessment can delay the right help.
When to contact a dentist
Contact dental care for persistent toothache, pain linked to a particular tooth, a damaged tooth or gum swelling. A dentist can examine the teeth and tissues, test a tooth’s response and decide whether imaging is useful. Pain relief may temporarily change the symptoms without treating the cause.
If you are unsure which tooth hurts, say so. Do not delay contact until you can identify one exactly. Mention a recent filling, root treatment, extraction or dental implant when booking, because that history may affect the assessment.
When sinus symptoms need medical assessment
Sinus symptoms often accompany a cold and may improve without specific treatment. Contact a vårdcentral if suspected sinusitis is not improving within about ten days, or sooner if you become significantly worse. Severe illness, high fever with marked facial or forehead pain, a stiff neck, or swelling around an eye needs urgent medical assessment.
The right treatment depends on the clinical findings and the course of symptoms. The appearance of nasal mucus alone cannot decide whether antibiotics are appropriate. Antibiotics also do not replace treatment of a dental source when one is present.
A useful call or appointment checklist
- When did the pain begin, and is it constant or intermittent?
- Can you link it to one tooth, biting, temperature or jaw movement?
- Have you had a cold, blocked nose or changes in smell?
- Is there swelling, fever, trouble swallowing or difficulty opening your mouth?
- Which dental procedures and medicines are relevant?
For pain relief, ask a pharmacist or clinician which non-prescription option is suitable for you and follow the packaging instructions. Tell them about pregnancy, other medicines or relevant medical conditions. Do not place a medicine directly against a tooth or gum unless it is intended for that use.
Dental care and medical care in Sweden
A vårdcentral cannot provide the dental treatment that a damaged or infected tooth may need. If you have both nasal and dental concerns, explain both so the service can direct you. Call 1177 for advice if you are unsure where to seek help. Ask the dental practice about examination and treatment costs; a private medical visit and dental treatment are separate services.
Common questions
Does pain when leaning forward prove it is sinusitis?
No. It is useful to describe, but a single symptom is not a diagnosis.
Can I wait because a painkiller helped?
Temporary relief does not identify or remove the cause. Persistent or recurring pain still needs the appropriate assessment, and warning signs require urgent help.
Sources and further reading
Sources and links checked on 22 October 2026. Editorial team: Hagakliniken. This is general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment.