My BEST Dentists Journal

All Journal Entries
Share

Why do I have tooth pain and how can I get relief?

Toothaches can be a minor tinge letting you know that something is wrong or they can cause crippling pain… that’s why we wanted to share some common toothache causes and their symptoms.

What is a toothache? Pain or inflammation in or around the tooth, often caused by tooth decay or infection.

What are common toothache causes?

A toothache can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples may include flossing, biting into something hard, getting something stuck in between the teeth, or braces. In children, it’s a regular part of the developmental process.

Common Toothache Causes:

Sensitive Teeth

Tooth decay

Inflammation of tooth pulp

Tooth fracture

Broken tooth

Abscessed tooth

Infected gums or gum disease

Damaged filling

Impacted tooth

Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth

Non-dental related issues, such as sinus congestion or infection

Common Symptoms of a Toothache:

Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant

Tooth pain while chewing

In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth

Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth

Hot or cold sensitivity

Swelling around the tooth or swelling in your jaw

Bleeding or discharge from around a tooth or gums

Fever or headache

Injury or trauma to the area

When Should I See a Dentist About a Toothache?

We recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:

Your toothache is severe

You have consistent tooth pain that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days

Inflammation increases

Swelling occurs around your jaw or face

Redness occurs around the gums or your gums are bleeding

You have a fever, earache

If you notice that a tooth is broken, cracked or chipped

You experience pain upon opening your mouth wide

Dull, persistent pain can be a sign of something that will get worse if not treated

You’ve suffered a recent trauma to your face or mouth

How do I stop my tooth from throbbing?

Before you’re able to get into your dentist’s office, try these self-care tips for some temporary relief:

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water

Gently floss to remove built up plaque or food between teeth

Apply a cold compress to your cheek or jaw

Take an over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and aspirin can relieve minor pain

Numbing pastes or gels (benzocaine) can help to dull the pain

What Happens When I Go to the Dentist for a Toothache?

First, your dentist will conduct a dental exam. He or she will ask you questions about the pain, such as:

when the pain started

where the pain is located

how severe it is

what makes the pain worse and what makes it better

does the pain wake you up in the middle of the night

Your dentist will examine:

your mouth, teeth and gums

jaws, tongue and throat

sinuses, ears, nose, and neck

X-rays may be taken as well as other tests, depending on what your dentist suspects is causing your toothache.

What Treatments Are Available for a Toothache?

Treatment for a toothache depends on the cause or source of pain. If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will remove the decay, fill the cavity or possibly extract the tooth, but only if there is no way to save the tooth.

A root canal may be necessary if the cause of the toothache is from an infection of the tooth’s nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner areas of the tooth cause that type of infection. An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling in the jaw to get rid of the infection.

How Can Toothaches Be Prevented?

Tooth decay causes most toothaches, so following a good oral hygiene routine can prevent most toothaches.

Good oral hygiene practices consist of:

brushing teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste

flossing daily

rinsing once or twice each day with an antiseptic mouthwash

seeing your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning and exam

Gently brushing your teeth with a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste will remove the plaque and bacteria are toothache causes to begin with. In addition to these practices, ask your dentist about fluoride treatments and sealant applications and make healthy food, snack and beverage choices that are low in sugar.

(01/04/2023)
by Adams Dental

More Information: https://dentistkansascityks.com/toothache-causes/

Views: 324
Share


My BEST Dentists Journal Headlines