Which sinus is commonly responsible for pain in the upper teeth when infected?

The maxillary sinus is commonly responsible for pain in the upper teeth when infected due to its anatomical proximity to the upper dental structures. Located beneath the eyes and above the upper jaw, the roots of the upper teeth can extend into or close to the maxillary sinus cavity. When the maxillary sinus becomes inflamed or infected, a condition known as maxillary sinusitis can occur. This inflammation can irritate the nerves that innervate the teeth, leading to referred pain in the upper teeth, which may feel like dental pain.

In contrast, the other sinuses mentioned are located in different regions and are less likely to directly affect the upper teeth. For instance, the frontal sinus is located in the forehead area and primarily causes pain in that region, while the sphenoidal sinus is located deeper in the skull and can lead to pain in areas such as the back of the head or behind the eyes. The ethmoid sinus, positioned between the nose and the eyes, can cause discomfort in the areas around the eyes and the nose, but does not typically result in pain localized to the upper teeth.