You don’t have to live with a toothache. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the worse the underlying problem will get, and there’s a solution for every type of toothache. The key, however, is visiting a dentist in a timely manner so that they can find out what’s wrong and go to work for you.
In many cases, gum disease is the cause. In others, it may be a cavity or cracked tooth. Whatever the case, the San Diego Dentist Association member that you choose as your dentist can put an end to your pain and resolve the problem so you can have a healthy and beautiful smile.
Toothache Identification
You may not need any help determining that you have a toothache, but some symptoms can be subtle and confused with other conditions. Here are common signs of a toothache:
- Pain, of course, especially when it’s constant
- Swelling of the face, especially around the jaw or a specific tooth
- Fever, which is an indication that you have an infection
- Bad taste in your saliva that can’t be otherwise explained
You may have all these symptoms or only some. Other symptoms may be present as well. No matter the case, you should not live with pain, discomfort or other symptoms and should see a dentist.
Take note that if pain is extreme, visit an emergency room or urgent care facility and arrange an appointment with an SDDA dentist as soon as possible afterward. As you await treatment, an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol should significantly reduce pain and swelling, just be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage.
Toothache FAQs
What causes a toothache?
Cavities are often the cause of a toothache, and underlying gum disease may be involved. Other causes include a cracked tooth, abscess or a filling gone bad. A toothache can also be the result of clenching, grinding and other repetitive motions. Because there are so many possible causes, we recommend that you speak to your dentist as soon as you feel pain. A toothache usually doesn’t get better on its own.
Does a toothache always require a dental visit?
Usually, yes. But not always. If your toothache is caused by repetitive movement, it may go away without any treatment. If your toothache is caused by anything else, however, you must see a dentist for treatment. Untreated toothaches only get worse, potentially spreading infection throughout your body.
What can a dentist do about a toothache?
Curing a toothache is often simpler than you might think. The dentist may not have to do anything complicated to provide you relief. Often only a simple filling is needed. In some cases, you may need gum disease treatment, root canal therapy or even an extraction. In many cases, you will be prescribed antibiotics to help you fight off infection, which will help ease the pain as well. Your SDDA dentist will use digital x-rays and other diagnostic tools to understand what’s causing your toothache. The goal is to treat both the toothache and its underlying cause for long-lasting results.
Is a toothache preventable?
A dentist can’t promise you that you won’t ever have a toothache. You can, however, significantly reduce your odds of a toothache with proper at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash are your first lines of defense against toothaches. Ozone-infused water and other specialized treatments may help in special cases too. The goal is to eliminate plaque and the bacteria it harbors.
When you take care of your teeth and gums, a toothache can often be avoided, and that means less pain and discomfort in your life. With good dental care at home and at the dental office, you can have a smile that will last a lifetime and teeth that will function well for chewing, speaking and more.
To learn more about toothaches and how to eliminate them, reach out to an SDDA dentist now. A caring dental professional is waiting to help you meet your goal of having a pain-free mouth now and in the future.