Which sinus is most affected by dental infections?

The maxillary sinus is most commonly affected by dental infections due to its anatomical proximity to the upper teeth, particularly the molars and premolars. When there is an infection in the roots of these teeth, the inflammation or infection can easily spread into the maxillary sinus due to the thin bony wall that separates them.

Additionally, the drainage pathway of the maxillary sinus can be obstructed by swelling or infection, leading to a sinusitis condition. This relationship between the maxillary sinus and dental health highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms of dental infections that might also suggest a sinus issue. In contrast, the other sinuses, such as the frontal, sphenoid, and ethmoid, are less frequently involved in dental infections because they are located further away from the dental structures, and their drainage systems are not directly linked to the dental roots of the upper jaw. Thus, infections in these areas typically do not arise from dental pathology as readily as they do with the maxillary sinus.