Extreme Toothache

Extreme toothache interferes with work and daily life.

It's hard to turn your frown upside-down when experiencing extreme toothache. Pain associated with dental problems is a source of stress and interferes with work and relationships in daily life. People with extreme toothache should seek out medical help as soon as possible.

Statistics

In a study published in "Special Care in Dentistry" in 2009, medical researcher Leonard A. Cohen and colleagues found 44.3 percent of people interviewed experienced five toothaches or more in 10 years. People who experienced high pain intensity found their toothaches interfered with daily life significantly.

Causes

Dental decay, infection of the tooth, infection of the gums and injury or extraction of a tooth all can cause extreme toothaches. According to the website eMedicineHealth, pain radiating from the ear, jaw, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and heart can also cause toothaches.

Prevention

Prevent toothache by flossing, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and regularly visiting a dental hygienist. In a study published in the "Journal of Periodontology" in 2000, researcher Mieko Nishida and colleagues found calcium was important in preventing dental and periodontal diseases.

Treatment

Over-the-counter prescriptions and home remedies may not be sufficient to reduce extreme dental pain. Seek out help from a dental health professional in order to ascertain the cause of the toothache and treat it accordingly.

References

• PubMed: Toothache pain: behavioral impact and self-care strategies.
• Journal of Periodontology: Calcium and the Risk For Periodontal Disease
• eMedicineHealth: Toothache