Severe Toothache Pain

Proper brushing can help prevent toothaches.

Toothache pain is concentrated in a tooth or around the gums. Some toothache cases can be resolved at home but severe pain should be diagnosed by a dentist.

Causes

The most common causes of toothaches are dental cavity, abscess, gum disease, cracked tooth, exposed tooth root, an impacted tooth, or erupted tooth.

At Home Treatment

Before you go to see your dentist, try cleaning your teeth well at home by rinsing with warm water and flossing. Purchase an over-the-counter spot treatment for your tooth pain to try to relieve the pain.

When to Call Your Dentist

Call your dentist if the pain lasts more than a few days and at home treatments are not effective, if you have a fever with the toothache, or you show signs of infection, such as red and swollen gums or pain when biting.

Dentist Follow Up

Take the antibiotics prescribed by your dentist until they are all gone. Have a follow up visit with your dentist to make sure the cause of the toothache is resolved. Call your dentist if the pain does not subside.

Toothache Prevention

Once tooth decay starts, it is difficult to stop. Prevent toothaches in the future by developing a regular tooth cleaning regime, visit a dentist for a cleaning 1 to 2 times per year, use a fluoride rinse once per day, and limit your intake of sugary foods.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Toothache First Aid
• eMedicine Health: Toothache