Toothaches: Everything You Need To Know

A toothache is a pain that originates from a tooth. The tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, or it may feel painful when you chew on it. A toothache may indicate a dental condition that requires treatment.

What Causes A Toothache?

Tooth pain occurs for a number of reasons. A cavity is an infection of the tooth’s enamel and dentin. Decay develops when plaque builds up on the tooth. This causes the enamel to erode and the dentin to become exposed. The nerves in the tooth are exposed, which triggers pain. If the decay is not treated, it will continue to progress, causing more pain as it eats away at the tooth. The other causes of toothache include cracked or chipped teeth, tooth trauma, tooth sensitivity, gum disease, tooth wear, infection, etc.

What Are The Symptoms of A Toothache?

Some patients describe their toothaches as throbbing or aching, while others report sharp, stabbing pain. Gum-related toothaches typically produce a dull, constant pain. If your tooth hurts, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough examination.

The major symptoms of a toothache include the following:

• Sharp, throbbing, or constant toothache
• Pain when pressure is applied to the tooth (biting down on something)
• Swelling around the tooth
• Fever
• Headache
• Foul taste in the mouth
• A bad smell from the mouth

Treatments For A Toothache

To treat a toothache, a dentist will perform an exam. The dentist will ask questions regarding the pain, check the tooth for signs of damage, and take an x-ray. A dentist can also provide a dental cleaning to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth.

If your toothache is caused by a cavity, the dentist will remove the decay and clean your tooth. Once your tooth is clean, they will fill it with a filling. If your tooth has structural damage, the dentist may recommend a dental crown. This will strengthen your tooth and prevent it from breaking in the future. In case of a dental infection, the dentist may give antibiotics to treat the infection, followed by a root canal treatment. For toothaches due to gum disease, a scaling and root planing procedure can help.

Prevention of Toothache

The best way to prevent toothaches is to practice good oral hygiene at home. Brushing and flossing regularly will prevent food debris from accumulating on and between teeth. If food particles remain in the mouth, bacteria can feed on them and produce an acidic substance that wears down tooth enamel and causes cavities. When cavities form, toothaches can occur.

Choo Choo City Dentistry, located in Chattanooga, TN, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (423) 756-0957 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to know more about the services provided at the dental practice.