Toothache is something that every one of us has experienced at least once during our lifetime. However, there are many different causes for this extremely painful condition, and it requires immediate treatment. Tooth pain can also be caused by things you may not think of, such as injuries or illnesses.
Toothache Symptoms
This usually occurs when a cavity is untreated but can also result from other things such as food stuck in your teeth or a cracked tooth. The pain associated with tooth pain can range from mild to severe and will typically only worsen over time if it’s not properly treated. Below are some common symptoms of tooth pain:
- Tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling in the face
- Gum pain
- Discoloration to the tooth
- Bad breath
- Swelling in the face, especially around the jaw
- A foul taste or bad breath
Toothache Causes
There are many different causes of tooth pain. Some of the common causes include:
Mild cavity
These types of cavities typically only cause mild pain and discomfort but can lead to more serious issues if they aren’t taken care of. In some cases, a cavity may not even be noticeable until it starts to get worse.
Severe cavity
If the cavity is untreated, it can lead to nerve damage in your tooth and may cause an abscess. This can be a very serious condition and needs to be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.
Injury
In some cases, an injury can cause tooth pain or pain in the jaw area if you have suffered trauma. This is commonly known as “tooth whiplash.” It typically occurs following a car accident but can also be caused by falls and other accidents.
Dental abscess
A dental abscess is a dental emergency that must be treated as soon as possible. An abscess will cause severe pain, swelling, and discomfort in your gums or jaw area. It’s a serious condition because it spreads toxins throughout the body. It is a bacterial infection in your gums and can become life-threatening if it’s not treated.
Infection
Infections from bacteria, sinusitis, streptococcus, tooth decay, dental caries, infected salivary glands or a peridontal disease can cause tooth pain. Salivary gland infections typically result from a viral or bacterial sinus infection.
Pericoronitis
This is an infection caused by food and can result in severe pain and swelling. It typically occurs on the third molar or wisdom tooth and causes a fever, swelling near your wisdom tooth, and tenderness.
Toothache Treatments
If you are experiencing tooth pain, it’s important to see your dentist immediately. If you don’t have dental insurance, many affordable options are available for paying for treatment.
There are also some steps you can take at home to ease the pain until you get proper treatment. You can start by applying pressure to the affected area. Applying pressure will help reduce pain and swelling. By doing so, you’ll also be able to tell if the pain is coming from another part of your mouth. If so, more than one issue may need to be treated.
Another option is rinsing your mouth with salt water (warm or cold). This can help reduce bacteria in your mouth and relieve some of the pain you’re experiencing. It may also help to rinse with warm water before applying pressure. If this doesn’t work, try applying ice instead of heat to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
It would be best to consider taking over-the-counter pain medications. Some of these options include ibuprofen and acetaminophen. However, always talk with your doctor or dentist before taking any medication.
If you are experiencing a severe tooth pain and the pain isn’t manageable, take note of this. This could be a sign that it’s too late to take care of the problem at home and needs immediate treatment from an emergency dentist.
Toothache Prevention
By maintaining good oral hygiene at home, you can prevent most types of tooth pain. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once per day is recommended to ensure healthy teeth. Good oral hygiene also includes eating a balanced diet, which can help keep your teeth strong.
Another way to prevent toothache is by scheduling regular dental checkups. During these visits, your dentist will examine all of your teeth to ensure that they’re healthy. They will also clean and polish your teeth if necessary. If you have any issues along the way, it’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible before the problem gets worse.
Also, try to stay away from things known to cause tooth decay. These include eating candy, drinking carbonated beverages, and smoking or chewing tobacco. If you have teeth that are damaged or weak, it’s important to wear a mouthguard when participating in physical activities.
Some tooth pain can be prevented, but if you do experience one, don’t wait to get treatment. In some cases, it might be too late, and the cavity has already caused damage that needs immediate attention. Taking good care of your teeth is essential for preventing most types of tooth pain.
