From time to time we can develop toothaches or throbbing tooth pain that can last for a day or longer, which can affect our eating habits, our ability to sleep, and how we go about our day-to-day lives. Knowing the causes of toothache is very important in properly treating the actual issue and not just relieving the toothache pain.
Before you read further please note that if you have ongoing tooth pain lasting more than 1-2 days, it is important to contact your local dentist right away. If you do not have a Paducah area family dentist, Dr. Ben Johnson at Johnson Family Dentist is always accepting new patients of all ages.
What Can Cause Toothache Pain
There are several causes of severe tooth pain including:
Sensitive or infected gums
Abscessed tooth
Chipped or broken tooth
Damaged fillings (see our blog on Types of Dental Fillings)
Grinding of teeth (learn about the benefits of mouth guards if you grind your teeth)
Decayed food
Bacterial infection
Severe trauma to the teeth or jaw such as an accident or problems with TMJ
Wisdom teeth coming in (late teen, early adult years)
Additional causes of toothache such as cold drinks, sweet foods, biting down, or putting pressure on the teeth can at times be triggers or make the tooth pain worse.
Toothache Symptoms to Watch For
Depending on the severity and causes of toothache, there are several symptoms you may experience:
Tooth pain that can be described as sharp, throbbing, and constant
Tooth pain that occurs when pressure is applied to the teeth
Swollen or painful gums
Swelling and inflammation around the tooth
Fever
Headache
Earache
Foul-tasting drainage from the tooth or infected area
When to Call a Dentist for a Toothache
Whether or not you know the causes of toothache, be sure to call your dentist if your toothache lasts for more than 1 or 2 days. If symptoms such as a fever, earache, or foul taste accompany the toothache, you should also call your dentist immediately. If your tooth pain affects what you can or cannot eat or your sleeping patterns, or if you find yourself constantly taking painkillers to try to relieve the pain, contact your local dentist.
Don’t postpone seeking treatment to find the causes of toothache, as the issue will likely only get worse or more severe.
Only a dental examination can determine the causes of toothache, which is necessary for the proper treatment.
How to Get Rid of a Toothache
Once your dentist has determined the causes of toothache pain he or she will be able to recommend proper treatment to treat both the pain and the cause of the pain. For example:
If a cavity is causing the tooth pain then a filling or extraction may be required.
If the toothache pain is caused by an infection at the tooth’s nerve you may require a root canal.
If your gums are infected you may need to be prescribed an antibiotic.
If you are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth you may require a custom night guard.
While you wait to see a dentist or receive dental treatment, there are several home toothache remedies and activities you can try to help relieve the pain:
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
Take pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen.
Rub the area with over the counter toothache pain relievers such as benzocaine.
Floss teeth to remove foot particles that may be causing pain.
Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the tooth pain is located.
If you are looking for a Paducah area dentist, give Johnson Family Dental a call today at (270) 554-2432. Johnson Family Dental is conveniently located at 2913 Lone Oak Road in Paducah. Our regular office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8am to 5pm.