Fix Tooth Pain & Toothache

What is a toothache?

If you find that there is a throbbing pain in your mouth or your tooth is causing pain whether you are using it or not, your mouth is trying to tell you that you may have tooth damage.  Problems like tooth decay, cavities, infections and inflammation are all reasons you may have a toothache.  Other than throbbing in your mouth, toothaches can cause:

  • Pain when you bite down on something
  • Pain when you chew on sweet food
  • Constant aching
  • A tender mouth
  • Fever
  • Bad breath
  • A bad taste in your mouth
  • Tingly teeth
  • Red gums
  • Puss coming from your gums
  • Aching jaw
  • Swelling

Toothaches can be problems for both adults and children and require attention from the dentist if you have persistent symptoms.  The dentist will examine your mouth, take x-rays and determine if one of the following reasons are the source of your toothache.

  • Tooth Decay

If bacteria has led to plaque and tooth decay, you may find that you have small brown or black spots on your teeth.  Cavities jeopardize the enamel on your teeth and require professional dental treatment.

  • Tooth Abscess

If you have an infection inside your tooth in the pulp, then you may develop a pocket of puss in the gums.  The dentist will need to determine if the infection is from a crack or a cavity and treat the infection before it spreads.

  • Tooth Fracture

If you have chipped, cracked, or broken a tooth from biting something hard or from an accident, then the damage to your tooth has allowed bacteria, food, or some other foreign particle to irritate the nerve tissue.

  • Damaged Filling

If you have already had a tooth repaired with a filling, the older filling may have been chipped or damaged from biting or chewing and needs to be replaced.

  • Infected Gums

Gingivitis, or gum infection, can lead to more serious gum disease or periodontitis in addition to tooth loss.

  • Grinding or Clenching

Grinding your teeth or bruxism may happen while you are sleeping when you don’t know you are doing it.  You may tooth erosion or fractured teeth as a result of this habit.

  • Loose Crown

Like an old filling, your old crown may have come loose or needs to be replaced over time.  A crown is used to protect and strengthen damaged teeth and may need to be reattached if the cement has worn away.

  • Eruption of Tooth

When teeth are growing into place, they can cause pain in the nearby teeth, the gums and even the jaw.  If your mouth is not large enough to accommodate the new teeth, the dentist may need to address the impacted tooth.

  • Additional Causes

Less common reasons for your toothache include: a problematic bite, sinus infection, heart disease or even food particles caught between your teeth.

You and the dentist can discuss all the possible causes for your toothache and the best treatment plan to address your problem.  Toothaches are not simple problems that will go away on their own so be sure to make an appointment with the dentist.

More on Fixing Teeth : Fix Broken Teeth