A 12 year old girl is experiencing facial pressure and tooth pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

The most likely diagnosis for a 12-year-old girl experiencing facial pressure and tooth pain would be acute sinusitis. This condition often occurs following a viral upper respiratory infection and is characterized by inflammation of the sinus cavities, leading to symptoms such as facial pain and pressure, commonly around the cheeks, forehead, or behind the eyes. Additionally, tooth pain can occur because the roots of the upper teeth are close to the maxillary sinuses, and inflammation can cause referred pain.

Acute sinusitis typically presents with additional symptoms including nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, a reduced sense of smell, and sometimes fever. Given the age of the patient and the acute nature of the symptoms described, this diagnosis fits well, particularly if the facial pain is primarily in the sinus area rather than specific to dental origins.

While an acute dental abscess could cause localized tooth pain and facial pressure, its symptoms would more likely be focused around the affected tooth and potentially involve swelling or tenderness in the jaw specifically, rather than generalized facial pressure. Chronic sinusitis usually involves a longer duration of symptoms and is often associated with a history of recurrent sinus infections, which don’t align with the acute presentation here. Severe allergic rhinitis typically presents with itchy eyes, sneezing, and watery