What’s causing my toothache?

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If you have been experiencing a toothache, especially one that is ongoing, you may be wondering what could be the cause? Toothaches are not only painful but extremely frustrating as well, we use our mouths quite a lot throughout the day. Not only can toothaches cause long-standing pain and sensitivity in your mouth, but the pain can even start to spread to your whole head; and in the long run, if the pain endures long enough, these toothaches can result in migraines and nausea. If you are suffering from a toothache, not only do you need to understand why, but you definitely want to find a way to achieve relief from the pain and discomfort.

A toothache is commonly caused by:

  • Tooth decay
  • A tooth covered in an abscess
  • A tooth fracture or deep chip in the tooth
  • A damaged filling
  • TMJ, or grinding of the teeth
  • Infected gums

If you are enduring a toothache, you may be suffering from the following symptoms:

  • A dull ongoing pain in the tooth
  • Sharp pain in the tooth
  • Throbbing pain in the tooth
  • Pain when pressure is applied to the tooth
  • Swelling in the gums around the tooth
  • Jaw aches
  • Headaches
  • Fever
  • A bad taste in the mouth from drainage from the infected tooth

When should you go and see your dentist?

You should see your dentist as soon as possible to address your toothache if:

  • You find that your toothache has lasted longer than one or two days
    Your toothache is verging on unbearable
  • Your toothache is accompanied by fever, an earache, or pain felt when opening your mouth wide

Usually, the most common cause of a toothache is due to a cavity because of tooth decay. It is extremely important that if you are experiencing ongoing pain in your tooth, that you go and see your family dentist in Irving. If a toothache is a consequence of tooth decay or gum disease, you will need to seek immediate dental care to repair and heal the tooth before the damage leads to tooth loss. The longer you wait to see your dental health care professional, the more likely you will be to endure more intense pain and much higher medical costs to repair the tooth or address the gum problems.

How will a toothache be treated?

Treatment will be determined depending on what the cause of the toothache is. If it is due to a cavity, your dentist will likely then proceed to fill the tooth. If there is an infection deep within the tooth, then you will maybe need to undergo a root canal. It is important to make sure you see your dentist quick to resolve the issue before it worsens.

What now?

If you have more questions about a toothache or symptoms you may be experiencing, here at Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we would love to help you answer them. If you are looking for a trusted and caring family dentist, well, then you have found just that. Contact us for an appointment today and let us help keep you and your family smiling.