Have you ever had a toothache? If so, you know how miserable they can be. But did you know that there are many different things that can cause a toothache? In this blog post, we'll outline all of the potential causes of a toothache, so you can figure out what's causing your discomfort. Stay tuned!
What is a toothache and what are the symptoms associated with it?
A toothache is a common dental complaint that can have numerous underlying causes. If decay or a cavity is the source of the discomfort, it can progress into the nerve of the tooth, leading to severe pain (7 and above on a scale from 1-10) that may arise spontaneously or linger for more than 3 seconds. An infection in the gum area around a tooth can also present as a toothache – this pain can have a pulsating sensation and usually the pain can be quite severe. Cracked or fractured tooth can also cause a toothache – depending on how far the crack or fracture goes into the tooth can determine the severity of the symptoms. When experiencing a toothache, it’s important to address the source of the discomfort for relief. While everyone has different levels of sensitivity to pain, there are typically three main classifications; mild (1-3 on a scale from 1-10), moderate (4-6 on a scale from 1-10) and severe (7+ on a scale from 1-10).
Mild pain usually goes away with time and could be that you are grinding and clenching your teeth. Sometimes this can also lead to cold or hot sensitivity, but it's best to have an x-ray taken so further evaluation can be done in the area.
Moderate pain can be from many of the causes listed above and shouldn't be ignored. Sometimes, a tooth is flaring up and may need to be treated before the pain becomes severe. This could be a deep cavity or stress-induced inflammation of the tooth. An x-ray of the area will allow the dentist to see if a cavity is present or an infection around the root of the tooth.
Severe pain can indicate a more serious problem, such as an infection or abscess. A toothache of this level may be accompanied by swelling in the face or jaw area, fever, and sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures. This requires immediate attention – please visit your dentist right away if you experience any severe toothache symptoms. If you are having trouble breathing or swallowing, you should go straight to the emergency room.
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Emergency Toothache Relief
If you are experiencing a toothache, there are a few steps you can take at home to try to relieve discomfort. You can start by taking a painkiller such as Ibuprofen, Alleve, Advil (any NSAID), which might help reduce inflammation and soothe the area. With emergency toothache relief, some home remedies may help, but the best bet for complete relief is to see a dentist to properly diagnose the issue. Other natural remedies can be tried, however there isn't much research to support the claims these products claim to have. Additionally, salt water rinses done several times a day can help with any localized infection to the gums you may have. Taking care of your overall dental health is also key in preventing further issues related to toothaches, such as brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist routinely for cleanings and exams. Ultimately, toothaches should be examined by a professional if self-care methods fail to provide relief after one or two days.
When should you see a dentist for a toothache?
A toothache can be a sign of more serious dental issues, so when you experience any type of discomfort it is important to consult a medical professional. If your tooth pain persists, becomes worse, causes swelling or headaches, or affects how you eat or speak, you should immediately see a dentist. If the pain is milder and not reoccurring, you may still want to check in with your dentist to make sure things are looking good. All in all it's best to stay on top of any dental health concerns so that they do not become more serious down the line – better safe than sorry!
Can toothaches be prevented?
A toothache isn't something anyone likes dealing with and many of us are looking for ways to avoid having one. Unfortunately, toothaches can be unpredictable and there are rarely any sure-fire ways to guarantee prevention. With that said, brushing your teeth twice a day and practicing good dental hygiene is an important way of helping to prevent them, along with regular visits to the dentist for check-ups. Additionally, avoiding sugary/acidic foods and drinks can help because bacteria feed on sugar that is left in your mouth and acid can degrade enamel, which can lead to cavity formation in your teeth. Though traditional methods may not completely stop you from getting a toothache, they should prove effective in reducing their occurrences.
A toothache can be a painful and irritating experience, but the good news is that there are many things you can do to identify the potential cause of your toothache, as well as treat it on your own. From over-the-counter pain medications to preventive measures like brushing and flossing regularly, there's a variety of steps you can take to prevent a toothache. Of course, if the pain persists for more than a few days or gets worse over time, consulting with a dentist is always advised. Taking care of your teeth is essential for maintaining dental health and avoiding more serious issues, such as toothaches.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.