Regardless of how diligent you are about following a good dental health routine, the odds are that you will experience a toothache at some time in your life. The first thought most people have when they get a toothache is that they must have a cavity. That may be the cause of the problem but there are also a number of other possible sources of mouth pain your dentist will consider.
Cavities and Cracked or Broken Teeth
Sharp and stabbing pain that occur when you bite down usually indicates that you do indeed have a cavity or a cracked took. Persistent pain always indicates a need to call your dentist as throbbing or pervasive pain may be a sign of infection or an abscessed tooth.
If you have any fever or swelling of the jaw, it is likely more than one visit to the dentist will be required. Antibiotics are often prescribed to alleviate infection and tooth removal or repair follows a few days later. You will be able to return to work or school during this process.
Gum Problems and Tooth Sensitivity
While experiencing sharp pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods may be caused by a cavity, but it can also be caused by something else. Receding gums or thin tooth enamel can also cause mouth pain.
If cold, hot, sweet or very acidic liquids and foods, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth painful, then you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel that protects your teeth gets thinner, or when gum recession occurs, this exposes the underlying surface (dentin) which reduces the protection the enamel and gums provide to the tooth and root.
Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and a soft-bristled toothbrush may help alleviate your pain until you can see your dentist.
Jaw Problems
If your pain is centralized more in the jaw, it may be caused by temporomandibular disorders (TMJ) caused by a trauma or direct injury to the jaw, tooth grinding, or in rare cases by arthritis or cancer of the jaw. Wisdom teeth and impacted molars can also cause persistent jaw pain.
Tooth pain should never be ignored. Many toothaches are not severe and may seem more of an inconvenience than anything. However, waiting until your pain grows worse is seldom a good choice.
Contact Weninger Dentistry immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever
- Pain when you bite
- Swelling around the tooth area
- A foul-tasting discharge
- Continuous, lasting pain
Whatever the severity of your tooth pain, it is best to make an appointment with us at Weninger Dentistry so we can identify the issue. The causes of toothaches are not always clear, and a conclusive diagnosis as to the source of the pain and subsequent professional treatment is always the best course of action.