About Toothache Pain
A toothache is pain felt around the teeth or jaw. The pain can vary in intensity, and it is normally caused by problems with the teeth, gums or jaw. A dental exam is usually necessary to pinpoint the cause of the pain, and treatment by a dentist can solve the problem and eliminate a toothache in most cases.
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Pain from a toothache may be constant, throbbing, dull or sharp, according to WebMD. In some cases, you may feel pain only when you eat or apply pressure to the tooth. Hot or cold substances may cause pain or make it worse. Swelling, fever and headache may also be present with a toothache. You may notice drainage with a bad taste coming from the area of the tooth.
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Cause
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Tooth pain is most commonly caused by tooth decay or infection, according to the U.S. National Library of Health. Gum disease, jaw injuries, impacted teeth, tooth root sensitivities and cracked teeth can also cause a toothache, according to MedicineNet. Pain is common when teeth are erupting. The eruption of wisdom teeth commonly causes pain in adults. A toothache can sometimes be caused by referred pain from another part of the body. Heart attacks, earaches and sinus infections can all cause tooth pain.
Treatment
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Pain from a toothache can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications, but the cause of the pain will have to be treated by a professional in most cases. A dentist may fill a cavity or remove a tooth to treat tooth decay. A root canal may be necessary if a tooth's nerve is infected. An antibiotic will be prescribed if symptoms of infection are present.
Prevention
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Preventing tooth decay will avert many of the causes of tooth pain. Regularly brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and see your dentist every six months for a checkup and tooth cleaning. Minimizing sugary foods can also promote dental health. Talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments and sealants that can prevent tooth decay.
Warning
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See your dentist about any tooth pain lasting longer than one or two days, according to the U.S. National Library of Health. Always contact your dentist if you have a severe toothache. If your tooth pain is accompanied by fever, earache or pain when opening the mouth, see your dentist promptly.
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- Photo Credit "wisdom tooth perspective" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: becstarr (Bec Plumbe) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
