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Toothache refers to any pain or discomfort in the teeth and jaws caused by a problem affecting the teeth. It can range from mild to severe.

What Causes Toothache?

Toothaches can come on gradually or suddenly. No matter the cause of the pain, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible.

When a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, it can result in severe toothache. This typically occurs when a cavity or crack in the tooth is left unattended. Sometimes, decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, causing the tooth to become extremely sensitive and prone to pain. The other causes of toothache include the following:

Some of the most common causes of toothache include the following:

• gum disease
• cavities
• abscessed tooth
• injury
• impacted teeth
• cracked tooth
• broken tooth
• worn tooth
• pulpitis

Symptoms of Toothache

When the pain caused by a toothache is severe, it may interfere with your ability to sleep. Your jaw may also feel sore or tender when chewing. Even brushing your teeth can be uncomfortable. Your teeth may feel loose or even fall out. The other symptoms of toothache include the following:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Sensitivity
• Tooth discoloration
• Bad breath
• Gum swelling
• Fever
• Drainage
• Loose teeth

If you experience any of these symptoms, we advise you to schedule an appointment at our practice as soon as possible.

Treatment For Toothache

If you’ve experienced a toothache, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with a dentist to determine the cause of the pain. Your dentist will then be able to recommend a treatment plan, which could include the following:

• Cavities:If your toothache is caused by a cavity, it will need to be filled to prevent pain from worsening.
• Abscess: An abscessed tooth will need root canal therapy. In the meantime, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics.
• Gum disease: Gum disease can cause pain and swelling in the mouth. Your dentist may be able to treat the infection with antibiotics and deep cleaning.
• Grinding: Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, can wear down your teeth and cause pain. Your dentist may fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from the damage of grinding.
• Tooth fracture: A tooth fracture can be caused by a blunt force to the mouth or a tooth weakened by decay. Your dentist may repair the tooth with a filling, crown, or bridge.

How to Prevent Toothache

Toothache can be painful, so it’s good to know how to prevent it! The best way to prevent toothache is to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss daily. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time, and make sure to brush your tongue! Along with brushing, it’s also important to visit our dentists twice per year for a dental cleaning and checkup.

The dentist at Dental Specialists of North Florida can help you keep your teeth healthy. We have two dental offices in Florida. Contact us from your nearest location or visit our website to book an appointment.