Toothache

Toothache or tooth pain can often be induced when the nerve of a tooth is irritated, but there are numerous other causes of tooth pain. Dental infection, gum disease, plaque, dental decay, injury, broken teeth, poorly placed fillings or crowns, failing or leaking fillings or crowns, or loss of a tooth (including tooth extractions), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea are all common causes of dental pain. There are cases, however, where pain originating outside the dental area radiates to the mouth, thus giving the impression of tooth pain. This frequently happens when there is a problem with the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ), ears, nerve, sinuses, and/or muscles. Occasionally, heart problems can make the sensation of tooth pain.

One can prevent the majority of dental problems by flossing, brushing, and practicing many different products, such as Xylitol- and fluoride-containing rinses and toothpaste, and having teeth professionally cleaned on a regular schedule. The dental practitioner may apply sealants, varnishes, and fluoride, which are especially important in children but can also be valuable to adults and the elderly, too.

Toothache Causes

Toothaches occur from inflammation of the central part of the tooth called pulp. The pulp contains nerve endings that are very sensible to pain. Firing of the pulp, or pulpitis, may be caused by dental cavities, trauma, and infection.

Toothache Symptoms and Signs

Toothache and jaw pain are common ailments. It is not unusual for one to experience mild pain from pressure and hot or cold exposure of the tooth. Nevertheless, if the pain is severe and persists for longer than 15 seconds after the pressure or temperature exposure, then this could be an indication of a more serious problem. If there is severe inflammation of the tooth, the pain can radiate to the nerve, the ear, or the jaw. The signals and symptoms that might lead one to seek care include the following:

    Pain with chewing
    You may have sensitivity to hot or cold
    Bleeding or discharge from around a tooth or gums
    Swelling around a tooth or swelling of the jaw or face
    Injury or trauma to the expanse
    These signals and symptoms may sometimes be associated with dental decay or gum disease (periodontal disease). Dental decay or an area of redness around the tooth's gum line may point to the root of pain. If one taps an infected tooth, it may produce the pain more intense. This sign may show to the problem tooth even if the tooth appears normal.
    A toothache needs to be distinguished from other sources of pain in the face. Sinusitis, ear or throat pain, or an injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) That attaches the jaw to the skull may be mixed up with toothache. Pain from a richer structure (called referred pain) May be extended along the nerve and be felt in the jaw or tooth. In order to pinpoint the root of the pain and get relief, call the dentist or doctor.

When to Seek Medical Care for a Toothache

One should visit the doctor or dentist for advice for the following concerns:

    Dental pain is not alleviated by over-the-counter medications. Even when it is remedied, a dental evaluation can be beneficial as the pain could be something that can be fixed more easily when treated earlier.
    If one has severe pain more than two days after a tooth is pulled, it is possible that the tooth socket is not healing properly. A term known as "dry socket syndrome" may have occurred and the patient should see a dentist immediately.
    Nuisance may be associated with swelling of the gums or face, or the patient may have discharge around a tooth. A fever is another signal of infection in dental disease. These signals may indicate an infection surrounding the tooth, the gum, or the jaw bone (maxilla or mandible). Fever and swelling may indicate the bearing of an abscess. Dental abscesses may need antibiotics and surgical opening (drainage) Treatment involves drainage of the abscess. When this process is recommended to be done inside the tooth (endodontic drainage), a "root canal" is performed.
    Worn out or knocked-out teeth unfortunately are common. Unless associated with more serious injuries, the dentist should be contacted as soon as possible. The earlier a patient seeks treatment, risk of infection is decreased and teeth have a higher chance of being saved. It is especially important that children who have damaged their primary teeth (baby teeth) Be cared for right away in that such injuries can affect secondary teeth (adult teeth).
    Nuisance may be present at the angle of the jaw. If spreading the mouth causes pain, it is likely that the temporomandibular (TMJ) The joint has been bruised or inflamed. This can occur from an harm or just by trying to eat something that is too big. The dental practitioner may be able to suggest solutions to this problem.
    Wisdom teeth can have pain. As wisdom teeth (molars) come out, inflammation of the gum around the erupted crown often occurs. This can then contribute to gum infection. The pain commonly occurs in the lower third molar and may extend to the jaw and ear. At that place may be swelling in the affected area so that the jaw cannot close properly. In dangerous cases, pain in the throat and the floor of the mouth may make it difficult to swallow.

Any story of trauma, chest pain, heart disease, or rashes may suggest causes of pain other than purely dental. What seems to be a toothache could be a symptom of a much more severe underlying issue. The accompanying symptoms in conjunction with toothache or jaw pain indicate that the patient should visit the doctor or a hospital emergency department.

    High fever or chills: This shows a more widespread infection that may require medication stronger than oral antibiotics.
    Recent head or face injury: If the patient has headaches, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms after an injury to the face or mouth, the patient may have a more serious injury in addition to the dental injury.
    A facial rash: This could be an indication of a growing infection related to a tooth. The physician should be able to decide what is appropriate.
    Any jaw pain occurring with chest pain: Although jaw pain is most commonly done by dental disease, it is sometimes referred pain from other areas. People with heart disease, especially people who have had stents placed, people with diabetes, or those who have experienced heart surgery may have jaw pain as a symptom of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or angina (ischemia). If the jaw or tooth pain is associated with vertigo, sweating, or shortness of breath, the patient should see a doctor immediately.
    Difficulty swallowing or excessive pain or bleeding from gums: If the patient has a history of a weakened immune system, diabetes, or steroid use, they are more susceptible to infections. Infections can often be more grave and extensive or caused by unusual organisms. Dental and gum infections in people with these conditions may need more aggressive treatment. An abscess may require draining or IV antibiotics, for example.

Toothache Diagnosis

A medical history and physical examination will usually indicate the appropriate diagnosis. Sometimes radiographs, often mentioned to as X-rays, can be used along with other diagnostic aids. Panoramic radiographs and cone beam computed tomography views are applied to further evaluate the teeth and bones throughout the mouth and the skull. Occasionally, laboratory evaluation, including ECG tracings of the heart will assist the doctor. If the reason is something other than a dental or jaw problem, the doctor may prescribe medications directed at the problem. If the shape is more severe, the doctor may admit the patient to the hospital for further care. The patient may be touched to a dentist for further treatment.

Home Remedies for Toothaches

    For toothaches
        Over-the-counter pain medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may be used. These should be submitted as directed on the package and around the clock on a schedule while the patient arranges a dental appointment.
        Avoid very cold or spicy foods because this may make the pain worse.
        A household remedy for pain relief is to bite on a cotton ball soaked in oil of cloves. Oil of cloves is available at most pharmacies.
    For jaw pain
        Aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, ibuprofen) May be helpful for problems in the articulation of the jaw in adults.
        Acetaminophen (Tylenol), not aspirin, should be utilized for children and teenagers.
        If pain occurs every time the patient opens their mouth widely, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) May be the beginning of the pain. Yawning or taking a large bite of food may intensify the pain. An assignment with the doctor or dentist will help to determine the cause.