If you have ever had a toothache or tooth pain, you know it isn’t fun. And, if left untreated, it will not likely go away on its own. Other than the most common question, “how do I get immediate relief from toothache?”, there are several other important questions you should ask about dental pain to determine how severe it is. For more accurate answers and to determine a possible cause, you should visit your dental professional ASAP. The blog from dailyhealthtips covers important questions that patients frequently ask their dental professionals about toothaches.
Top 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Toothaches
While most toothaches, or tooth pain, will go away within a few minutes, others can last for days or even weeks. In order to avoid the problems that come with toothache, you need to get comprehensive answers to your questions so you can take action. We have listed the top seven frequently asked questions about toothaches so you don’t have to run to Google for answers.
1. What is Toothache?
One of the common complaints dental professionals hear daily is toothache. A toothache is described as a pain, inflammation or ache in or around a tooth that can be an annoying and unpleasant experience. A minor toothache can result due to gum irritation (temporary) that can be treated at home. More serious toothache is caused by mouth and oral health problems that won’t resolve on their own and will need professional treatment.
2. What Are The Common Causes of Toothache?
A toothache could be an indication of a more serious problem linked to the following causes:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- A damaged filling
- Impacted wisdom tooth
- Sensitivity
- Tooth pulp inflammation (pulpitis), triggers sharp pain in the central area of the tooth.
- A cracked or fractured tooth due to mouth trauma
- A tooth abscess (a bacterial infection in the centre of the tooth)
- Bruxism (grinding and clenching of your teeth from time to time)
3. What Are The Symptoms Of Toothache?
Toothache is a common complaint that everyone may experience at least once in their life. Identifying a toothache right away can be critical to your overall dental. No matter the level of your tooth pain, you should always take it seriously. Common warning signs and symptoms that may lead you to seek professional assistance include the following:
- Headaches
- Bad breath
- Swollen glands
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Mouth trauma or injury to the area
- Pain with chewing in your jaw or teeth
- Bleeding or fluid discharge from around the gums or a tooth
- Swelling around the tooth
- Swollen gums
- Sharp, lingering pain after consuming cold or hot foods and liquids
- Pain from applied pressure on the tooth
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with your dental professional right away.
4. Can My Toothache Go On Its Own?
Most toothaches that come from pain or soreness around (but not inside) the tooth can be resolved without visiting a dental professional. A toothache that is caused by a temporary irritation in the gums can get better within a few days. It is advisable to avoid chewing around the affected area during this time. Also, incorporate soft foods like yoghurt and eggs into your diet, and avoid sugary foods and very cold or very hot foods and beverages if your teeth are sensitive.
5. How Can I Relieve Toothache At Home?
This is a very common question patients frequently ask about toothache. For many individuals, a warm salt water rinse is one of the most effective first-line treatment options. Swelling and tooth pain can also be reduced by wrapping ice or a cold pack in a piece of soft cotton cloth and applying it on your cheek for ten to fifteen-minute intervals. Consider taking anti-inflammatory medicines to dull the pain and reduce swelling if you cannot see a dental professional right away.
6. How Do I Prevent Toothache Or Tooth Pain?
To prevent gum disease cavities, and tooth sensitivity, it is recommended to practice good oral hygiene. Here are some simple but effective things anyone can do to lower the risk of developing toothaches.
- Brush your pearly whites twice every day for at least two minutes
- Floss your teeth once a day
- Visit your dental professional every six months for professional teeth cleaning
- Say no to sugary drinks and foods
- Drink lots of water throughout the day
- Avoid smoking and using tobacco in any form
- Avoid unhealthy habits like biting down on forks or pencils
7. When Should I Visit A Dental Professional?
Book an appointment with your dental professional immediately if:
- Your tooth pain is severe
- You have trouble closing or opening your mouth
- You have a fever
- You notice swelling around your tooth
- And, if you have concerns or questions about your condition
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, our guide to commonly asked questions about toothaches answers all your important questions. If you have more questions regarding toothache or tooth pain, feel free to ask in the comment section, our team will definitely try to include them in our next post.
