Toothache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

Toothache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

Posted by Richard Lee on Aug 31 2022, 10:28 PM

A toothache is any pain in or around a tooth. Toothache pain can be caused by inflammation of the pulp and by pressure from surrounding swollen tissue. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, so when it is inflamed, the nerves in the tooth are irritated and can cause pain. Toothache pain can also be caused by conditions like an infection, an abscess, periodontal disease, or tooth decay.

What Are The Symptoms of Toothache?

The main symptom of a toothache is pain. This pain may be intermittent or constant. The pain may be sharp or dull, and the pain may move to different areas in your tooth over time. Toothache often displays the following symptoms:

  • Pain when chewing, biting, or putting pressure on the tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Swelling of the gums
  • Pain when biting down
  • A bad taste in the mouth

What Causes A Toothache?

A toothache, or pain while chewing, is most commonly caused by tooth decay. Tooth decay happens when the tooth’s enamel, the outer material of the tooth, is broken down by bacteria. This bacteria is usually the result of plaque buildup on the tooth. However, it can also result from gum disease, and this can be caused by poor dental hygiene or it can be hereditary.

You may also experience toothache due to trauma, teeth grinding habits or infection.

Treatments For A Toothache

Treatment for a toothache will depend on the cause of the pain. If you are experiencing a toothache, contact your dentist immediately. He or she will examine your mouth and help you diagnose the source of your pain. If your toothache is from tooth decay, your dentist will numb the affected area and give you fillings or crowns to repair the damaged tooth. If your toothache is from gum disease, your dentist will clean the teeth and gums.

If your toothache is caused by a cracked or chipped tooth, your dentist will treat the tooth with a crown. If the tooth is impacted, your dentist will extract it.

At-home Treatments For A Toothache

Before you reach your dentist, you can follow these tips at home to ease your toothache: 

  • Rinse the mouth with warm salt water.
  • Use an over-the-counter medication to relieve pain.
  • Rinse the mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
  • Brush and floss the teeth.

Preventing A Toothache

The best way to prevent toothaches is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Floss daily, and be sure to floss between each tooth. Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.

Call (408) 830-0123 for an appointment or visit our office at 1298 Kifer Road Suite #501, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Our dedicated dentists and staff will gladly take care of you!

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Location

1298 Kifer Road Suite #501, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

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Email: drlee@identalspecialist.com

Phone: (408) 830-0123