Toothache: Everything You Need To Know

Toothache is the pain you feel when your tooth is damaged or infected. It can vary from mild to severe and may occur suddenly or gradually.

To diagnose tooth decay, your dentist may perform a physical examination of your teeth. X-rays and other tests may also be needed to determine the underlying cause of your pain.

What Are The Causes of Toothache?

• Tooth decay or cavities. Tooth decay is caused when plaque buildup on your teeth is left untreated. This can result in small openings in your teeth called cavities. If left untreated, the decay can progress, eventually causing a toothache.
• Tooth infection or abscess. If cavities are not treated, they can progress into an infection. This can cause swelling, pain, and pus. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to further complications.
• Impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the final teeth to erupt in your mouth. However, this doesn’t always happen. If wisdom teeth only partially erupt or do not erupt at all, they can become impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth can result in infection, pain, and swelling.
• Gum disease. Gingivitis, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums. If left untreated, the gums may recede, exposing the roots of your teeth. This can result in infection, pain, and swelling.
• Oral piercings. Tongue rings and lip piercings can cause damage and irritation to your teeth. This can result in tooth pain.

Symptoms of Toothache

Some common symptoms of toothache include:

• Pain while eating or drinking
• Pain while brushing or flossing
• Pain that persists for more than a couple of hours
• Pain while biting down on something
• Pain that gets worse while eating or drinking
• The tooth is sensitive to touch
• Swelling in gums
• Swelling in face
• Bad breath

Treatments For Toothache

Treatments for a toothache depend upon the cause of the toothache. If tooth decay, or dental caries, is causing you a toothache, your dentist will clear the bacteria and fill the cavity with dental fillings. If you have a tooth abscess which is an infection in the tooth’s root or between the teeth and gums, the treatment may include antibiotics, draining the abscess, or performing a root canal. When a tooth is chipped or broken, the dentist may place a crown over the tooth to strengthen the tooth and protects it from further damage. Dentists may also recommend a root canal treatment if the tooth is badly broken below the gum line. If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, your dentist will likely recommend undergoing wisdom teeth removal surgery. This will remove the tooth and relieve your pain.

To learn more about maintaining good oral health, call Stonegate Family Dentistry at (615) 624-6919 to book an appointment. You can also visit us at 206 A N Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.