Make the Pain Go Away!
Most of us have suffered a toothache at some point in our life. What are some of the causes of a toothache? How does our Placerville dentist relieve the pain? When is it important to see a dental professional? Let’s look at the answers to these questions.
Toothache Symptoms
Toothache pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain. At either extreme, it still manages to impact daily life. The tooth is either extremely sensitive, or it hurts continuously. Even somewhere in between is completely inconvenient.
The symptoms of a toothache may include:
- Pressure pain that only occurs when chewing, for example
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold beverages or foods
- Persistent pain that is sharp, throbbing, or constant
- Swelling in the gums around the tooth
- Fever
- Headache
Understanding the root cause of tooth pain and how to alleviate it is important for understanding why it won’t go away by itself and why a visit to the dentist can even be life-saving.
The Cause of Toothaches
Toothaches are often the body’s response to the inflammation of a tooth’s nerve. Here are some of the most common causes of toothaches.
- Tooth Decay — the primary cause of a toothache is decay. When tooth decay advances to the point where it reaches the inner layer of the tooth (the dentin), it becomes sensitive, and pain at times is significant.
- Gum Disease — gum diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, often cause persistent pain. This is due to the inflammation of the gum tissue and the degradation of the bone that supports the teeth.
- Tooth Abscess — an abscess occurs when there is a bacterial infection in the nerve portion of the tooth. This causes severe pain and might result in swelling and fever as the infection spreads.
- Cracked Tooth — teeth that have cracked from injury or years of wear and tear can expose the dentin or pulp of the tooth, leading to pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet items.
- Impacted Teeth — wisdom teeth, or third molars, often become impacted due to lack of space in the jaw. This often leads to pain, swelling, and infection in the gum tissue.
Addressing toothache pain and its underlying causes is especially important. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to more serious dental health issues, such as infections that spread to other parts of the body. Such blood-borne infections have even lead to death — all because of something as simple to fix as a toothache!
Toothache Pain Relief
Pain is exhausting, so relieving a toothache is a priority for our dental office. Therefore, consult a dentist if you experience:
- Persistent Pain — if your toothache lasts more than 1-2 days.
- Severe Pain — intense or unbearable pain can indicate a serious dental issue.
- Fever, Swelling, or Redness in the Face — these symptoms could signal an infection that requires immediate treatment.
- Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing — these are signs of a more serious condition, such as an abscess, that over time spreads an infection to other parts of the body.
- Pain When Biting — this may indicate an infection or a cracked tooth.
- Foul Taste or Smell — a sign of infection that could be coming from an abscess or decay.
Seeking professional dental care is crucial for diagnosing the underlying cause of a toothache and receiving appropriate treatment to cure the pain and to prevent further complications.
Here to Help with Toothache
At the Placerville Dental Group, we help our patients determine why they have a toothache and provide the necessary care to alleviate the pain. Most important, with regular checkups and dental care, we help our patients to avoid toothaches! If you are dealing with tooth pain, contact our office immediately and set up an appointment to begin your toothache recovery.
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