A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth that may be caused
by:
- Tooth decay
- Abscessed tooth
- Tooth fracture
- A damaged filling
- Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth
- Infected gums
Symptoms may include:
- Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some
people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the
tooth.
- Swelling around the tooth
- Fever or headache
- Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth
When should I see a dentist?
See your dentist as
soon as possible if:
- You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
- Your toothache is severe
- You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth
wide
Proper identification and treatment of dental infections is
important to prevent its spread to other parts of the face and
skull and possibly even to the bloodstream.
What happens during the dental appointment?
Your
dentist will obtain your medical history and conduct a physical
exam. He or she will ask you questions about the pain, such as when
the pain started, how severe it is, where the pain is located, what
makes the pain worse, and what makes it better. Your dentist will
examine your mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, throat, sinuses,
ears, nose, and neck. X-rays may be taken as well as other tests,
depending on what your dentist suspects as the cause of your
toothache.
What treatments are available?
Treatment depends on
the cause of your toothache. If a cavity is causing the toothache,
your dentist will fill the cavity or possibly take the tooth out,
if necessary. A root canal may be needed if the cause of the
toothache is determined to be an infection of the tooth's
nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner aspects
of the tooth cause such an infection. An antibiotic may be
prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw.
How can toothaches be prevented?
Since most
toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral
hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Good oral hygiene
practices consist of brushing regularly with a fluoride-containing
toothpaste, flossing once daily, and seeing your dentist twice a
year for professional cleaning. In addition to these practices, eat
foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride
applications.