Toothache is one of the most common complaints which dentists treat, and it can be rather disconcerting and uncomfortable. Most toothaches are caused by an underlying dental problem such as infection, decay or injury around the nerve or to the tooth itself.
Unlike tooth sensitivity, people with toothache usually experience persistent discomfort, with changes to dietary or brushing regime failing to relieve symptoms. Pain can vary from mild to severe, and an appointment with your dentist should be made as soon as possible so that the underlying cause can be identified, and a treatment plan put in place.
Symptoms and Causes of Toothache
People who experience toothache and jaw pain typically complain of pain within or around a particular tooth. Healthy teeth and gums should not be painful, so pain should not be ignored as it will not go away on its own.
Some of the most common causes of toothache include:
- Facial trauma – injuries involving the face/jaw can result in damaged teeth (chipped or cracked), which may expose the dental pulp and result in severe pain.
- Cavities – tooth decay leads to demineralisation of the teeth and reduced protection from tooth enamel, as such you may experience pain if nerve endings have been exposed.
- Stuck food – some hard foods such as popcorn kernels may get stuck between teeth, causing pain.
- Bruxism – habitual tooth grinding causes excessive wear and tear on the teeth.
- Gum disease
- Dental abscess
Severity of Symptoms
Toothache pain can be mild or severe, depending on the underlying cause. If pain is accompanied by swelling, this is a key indicator for infection. You should seek professional treatment from your dentist immediately.
Pain may be intermittent or persistent, with some individuals reporting a ‘throbbing’ sensation. In addition to tooth pain, you may experience fever or bad breath.
Alleviating Pain – At Home
Whilst toothaches will not go away on their own without professional treatment, symptoms can be managed until you are able to visit your dentist. Rinsing your mouth out with salt water will aid in reducing swelling and clearing away bacteria within the mouth. For pain relief, paracetamol may be used.
Dental Treatment for Toothache
Following an initial examination, your dentist will propose an appropriate treatment. Most cases of toothache can be treated via:
- Root canal therapy
- Dental crowns
- Fillings
- Gum treatment
- Occlusal splint (for toothache caused by tooth grinding)
Early intervention will typically result in more favourable treatment outcomes. In some cases, dental fillings may be all that is necessary to restore function and integrity to the tooth and prevent your issue from progressing any further. In the later stages, root canal therapy or dental crowns may be necessary.
Prevention is always better than a cure. Tooth decay is easily preventable, yet it remains the leading cause of toothache. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and attending 6-monthly dental check-ups will go a long way in reducing your risk of experiencing toothache.
Experiencing Toothache? Call Glowing Smiles Dental Today
Toothache pain can be very uncomfortable, and it’s important that the underlying cause is identified and treated in the early stages. Contact Glowing Smiles Dental to book an appointment with one of our dentists, we look forward to seeing you soon.
