Tooth pain – either mild or severe – is hard to ignore. There are many causes of toothache, primarily tooth decay, cavities, or infection. Toothache can also be a result of tooth extraction, which can cause a great deal of discomfort. Sometimes it is not possible to get treatment for a toothache right away, especially at night, therefore it is better to learn some dealing practices to help yourself during those unforeseen conditions.
In the below article, we’ll look at the different symptoms and causes of toothache along with toothache solutions and how to prevent it.
What Is A Toothache?
A toothache is a pain that radiates either from in or around a tooth. Minor toothaches can be caused due to temporary gum irritation, whereas severe toothaches can be a result of infection or injury. Toothaches are caused when the pulp nerves inside your tooth are irritated or infected by bacteria. The pulp nerve – which is filled with tissues, blood, and nerves is quite sensitive and when it gets inflamed, it can lead to severe tooth pain. If you are encountering persistent toothache for more than two days and doesn’t go away even when you take painkillers, then it warrants a visit to the dentist.
Toothache Symptoms
These are some of the major symptoms that people experience when they encounter pain sensations in the tooth; that is, toothache:
- Sharp Pain: Constant sharp and throbbing pain in and around the tooth, especially when pressure is applied to the affected tooth.
- Swelling: Swelling around the affected tooth or your cheek.
- Pain while Chewing: Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting.
- Bleeding Gum: Pain in the mouth & jaw as well as sore & bleeding gums which is a sign of gum disease.
- Sensitivity: Teeth sensitivity i.e. tooth pain when drinking hot/cold beverages.
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath and foul-smelling and foul-tasting discharge if the abscess ruptures.
- Other Symptoms: Dry mouth, and difficulty in breathing or swallowing. Also, fever and headache.
Types Of Toothaches
Toothaches can be dull to sharp and throbbing pain. These can appear anytime especially when you are eating or planning to go to bed. There are different types of toothaches based on the underlying causes and symptoms. Knowing these types could be the first step towards alleviating or eliminating your annoying dental pain.
Here are some major toothaches types given below:
1. Dull But Persistent Toothache
It is one of the most common types of toothache. In this condition, you may feel mild but persistent pain. It may be because of something stuck between the teeth or gum. The dull and persistent pain may be a sign of abscessed teeth or tooth decay. You can floss or rinse your mouth to remove the stuck food inside your teeth. However, consulting with your dentist is recommended to mitigate the chance of further complexities.
2. Sensitivity
One of the eight individuals is suffering from dentin hypersensitivity. The statistics show the prevalence of this tooth disease. In this condition, an individual may feel an annoying sensation when having hot or cold foods. The sensation may last for a few moments. However, if it persists longer than usual, it might be an indication of some serious underlying cause. Contacting and booking an appointment with your dentist is recommended.
3. Sharp And Throbbing Pain
If you are experiencing a sharp and jabbing pain that persists longer than usual, it may be an indication of some serious underlying issues. These kinds of pain may be triggered due to tooth decay, cavity, fracture or cracking ensemble. A qualified dentist intervention is required to identify the underlying causes of your sharp and jabbing pain.
What Are the Causes of Toothache?
While toothaches are not life-threatening, they can be signs of serious medical conditions that require immediate attention. By understanding the underlying cause of a toothache, you’ll be able to seek the right toothache treatment. Thus, here are some common causes of toothache and their respective symptoms.
1. Tooth Decay And Cavities
Tooth decay damages your tooth enamel – the outer, hard layer of your teeth. This is caused due to the plaque that forms on your teeth when you eat foods and drinks that contain sugar. This debris is turned into acids by the bacteria in your mouth, thus, acids attack the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Severe tooth decay can affect the outer layer (enamel) as well as the inner layer (dentin) of your teeth and the symptoms include toothache, sensitive teeth, holes in your teeth, pain when you bite down on the affected tooth and black/brown tooth stains. Learn more about tooth decay and cavities treatment.
2. Abscess Tooth
A pocket of pus that forms around the root of an infected tooth is called an abscess. It is caused by a deep cavity or tooth decay, cracked tooth or gum disease. The infection from an abscessed tooth if not treated can spread beyond the neck, jaw, head, or other body parts and lead to serious problems. The symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, gum redness, teeth sensitivity, bad mouth odour, and trouble chewing, swallowing and breathing.
3. Cracked/Damaged/Broken Teeth
This is another cause of toothache. Over time, cavities can make the tooth enamel brittle, which could lead to cracked/damaged teeth. Likewise, a broken tooth can also cause pain if the tooth dentin and nerves are exposed. Also, a broken tooth may have sharp edges that may cut your tongue and cheek. Thus, this needs to be treated to alleviate tooth pain and avoid further damage or complications.
4. Gum Disease
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused due to bacterial growth in your mouth and can lead to tooth loss if not treated. Periodontal disease is caused by poor oral hygiene, illness, medications or hormonal changes. Its symptoms include receding gums, persistent bad breath, bleeding during/after brushing, and loose/shifting teeth, among others. Click here to learn more about periodontal examination.
5. Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to tooth pain as they are more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. They don’t always have symptoms, but if infected, they can cause jaw pain, red/swollen gums, bad breath, bleeding gums, etc. Go here for details on wisdom tooth extraction services.
Toothache Solutions
The most obvious solution for toothache is to visit a dentist at the earliest. However, if you can’t go to the dentist right away, then you can alleviate tooth pain by taking a painkiller and eating soft foods like yoghurt or scrambled eggs. Avoid smoking as it can worsen the pain. Also, avoid foods that are extremely sweet/spicy, hot and cold.
If the problem persists further, book an appointment with the dentist for your dental treatment for toothache as early as possible to avoid the chances of losing your teeth. Plus, it eliminates any further complications.
To treat tooth pain, the dentist will:
- Review your medical history and conduct an examination.
- Your doctor may ask some specific questions: when did the pain start, which part is paining, and what is the severity of the pain?
- Examine the gums, teeth and surrounding areas.
- A dental x-ray and other tests may be recommended to determine the exact cause.
- Based on your dental problem, the dentist will outline treatment options. For example, cavities may need fillings while a tooth nerve infection may require root canal treatment.
Also, depending on the cause and seriousness of the dental problem, the dentist may provide immediate treatment. Or he may ask you to wait for a few days and in the meantime, prescribe toothache medicines to alleviate discomfort.
Treatments And Remedies For Toothache
- The best remedy for toothache is to brush twice a day and floss at least once. Read here to learn more about how to brush your teeth.
- Eating healthy can also help maintain your oral and dental health. This means avoiding foods such as soda, candies and other junk foods and eating more green veggies, fruits, almonds, and nuts, among others. Check out this infographic on the best and worst foods for your teeth.
- Smoking can also affect your teeth and cause discolouration, plaque, and gum diseases. Thus, it is best to limit or quit smoking altogether. Know more about how smoking and dental health are related.
- Lastly, have regular dental check-ups at least twice a month to prevent any kind of dental issues. Learn more about the importance of visiting the dentist every 6 months.
Emergency Dental Care
As a renowned Sunshine Coast dentist, we make available emergency after-hours dental care services to the residents of the Sunshine Coast. Through our after-hours emergency service helpline, we transfer the calls received to qualified dentists, who’ll provide timely advice to alleviate dental pain until you can make an appointment with your dentist.
Common dental emergencies include toothache, broken fillings, dental abscesses, chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, and painful ulcers, among others. Thus, if you need the aid of an after-hours emergency dentist, then don’t hesitate to call (07) 54444308 A/H service number.
If you need any further help or have a query? Get in touch with us!
FAQs
Q) Why does my toothache not go away with painkillers?
Ans. If your toothache doesn’t go away even with painkillers, it indicates some serious underlying issues. Contacting or scheduling an appointment with a dentist is required for a proper diagnosis of your dental concerns.
Q) How do dentists treat toothaches?
Ans. It goes with the right diagnosis that causes toothache. Your dentist may advise you for an x-ray imaging to identify the issues and design a tailored treatment program to eliminate the tooth pain.
Q) How long does a toothache last?
Ans. The duration of pain depends on the issues behind your toothache. There is no measurement to let you know the duration of pain without identifying the underlying causes of the pain.
Q) Can I prevent toothaches?
Ans. You can prevent toothaches by indulging in the proper dental care. Proper dental hygiene and regular check-ups are the key to optimal dental health.
Q) When should you visit the dentist for a toothache?
Ans. When you are experiencing continuous throbbing pain that does not alleviate on its own, then it’s time to look for a dentist. A qualified dentist will diagnose the reason for the continuous pain and offer you a treatment plan accordingly.
Q) Can a toothache go away on its own?
Ans. It depends upon the severity of the underlying reason for toothaches. If you are experiencing pain due to the mild underlying symptoms, it may go away on its own. If the problem persists, consulting a dentist is recommended.
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.
