Toothaches: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Oftentimes, it seems like a toothache will set in without warning. You may wake up with one or notice the pain while relaxing on the couch. Discomfort can also range from mild to severe depending on the true cause. Fortunately, our Jackson, MI, emergency dentists are here to help.
Here’s what you should know about and the signs that point to a more serious oral health issue.
What Exactly Is a Toothache?
Regardless of the cause, a toothache is general pain that is in or around a tooth. A handful of factors can contribute to a toothache occurring. Some minor toothaches can be treated with at-home remedies while others end up being more intense.
Knowing when to listen to your body and seek professional care at our Jackson, MI, dental office is important. If a serious toothache is not quickly dealt with, there is a chance that tooth extraction will be the only solution.
Read More → An Overview of Simple Tooth Extractions
We want to keep your smile healthy at all costs. If your pain is too much to self-manage and lasts longer than 2 days, please give us a call right away and our dentists will work quickly to pin down the cause.
Common Toothache Causes & Symptoms
When it comes to toothaches, it isn’t hard to know you have one. The pain can be outright distracting and make it difficult to eat or drink. Because a toothache can mean any number of things, our dentists will need to thoroughly examine your mouth to determine what’s going on. X-rays may also be helpful in ruling out certain causes as our dentists will be able to see underneath the gum line.
Most toothaches are a result of:
- An
- Tooth decay
- A fractured tooth
- Damaged fillings
- Excessive grinding or clenching
- Gum infection or disease
- An accumulation of food or debris between teeth
Any of the above causes will often result in sharp, throbbing, or . Sometimes pain only occurs when pressure is applied to the tooth. There may also be swelling associated with the toothache.
Most symptoms will resolve on their own or with simple remedies. However, it’s best to contact our office if you are experiencing extended pain or symptoms that could indicate infection.
Be sure to see our dentists if your toothache is:
- Lasting longer than 1 or 2 days
- Severe
- Accompanied by a fever, earache, or pain when you open your mouth wide
- Resulting in a bad taste in your mouth
- Causing red or bleeding gums
- Leading to swelling in your cheek or jaw
Your Toothache Treatment Options
Before treatment can be chosen, our team of dentists will conduct an oral examination. Your medical and dental history will also be reviewed to give our dentists the whole picture.
Depending on the cause, we may need to fill a cavity, perform an emergency root canal, prescribe antibiotics, or possibly extract a tooth. Our dentists will do everything they can to alleviate your pain and save any affected teeth.
If your toothache is only minor, we recommend that you first try:
- Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater
- Using floss to dislodge trapped food particles
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
When There’s Tooth Pain, Don’t Wait
Our emergency dentists in Jackson, MI, urge you to seek help if you’re dealing with tooth pain that just won’t go away. We can work to uncover the real cause behind the toothache and possibly save your smile from worse complications down the road. Call The Dental Experience today at (517) 787-5367 to request an appointment.