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Toothache: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment
What causes a toothache?
A toothache is a painful response that may be caused by trauma, tooth decay, disease, or bacterial infection.
Most common causes of tooth pain
Untreated tooth decay
Abscessed tooth
Infected gums caused by a bacterial infection
Facial trauma or injury
Teeth clenching or grinding habit
What are the most common symptoms of tooth pain?
Tooth pain symptoms vary person to person and largely depend upon what is causing the tooth pain. Listed below are some of the most common symptoms of tooth pain. All the symptoms listed below are symptomatic of an underlying disease or condition and are not considered normal. If you have any of the symptoms listed below, it is advised to schedule an appointment with your dentist for further examination and diagnosis.
Most common symptoms if a tooth pain
- Toothache
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Raised bump on gum
- Hurts to chew
- Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
- Bad breath
- Bad taste
When should I see a dentist about a painful tooth?
- If you have throbbing tooth pain, call your dentist right away for an appointment
- If your symptoms persist more than 1-2 days
- If symptoms appear without any known precursor event
- If in doubt, never hesitate to call your dentist for an examination appointment
An unresolved toothache can be life threatening. Bacterial infection from a tooth circulates in the bloodstream and can gravely impact your heart, organs, and can even cause death.
Do you need to schedule an appointment?
If you have tooth pain, don’t hesitate to call Dentistry for the Entire Family at (763) 586-9988 for an appointment.
We offer Same day emergency appointments.
What to expect during a toothache exam dental appointment?
- Your dentist will update and review your medical and dental history
- Dentist will ask you to describe your toothache pain and symptoms
- Take any necessary dental x-rays
- Dentist will examine your teeth and mouth to determine the reason for your toothache
- Afterward, the dentist will review and discuss your available dental treatment options to resolve your toothache
- Dental treatment can begin after you make an informed decision about your choice of dental treatment options discussed
The primary goal of a toothache appointment is to resolve your pain. Additional dental appointments may be necessary to complete proposed dental treatment.
How to describe toothache pain to a dentist?
Your dentist will ask you to point to the source of your toothache. Where does it hurt?
- A specific tooth
- Gum tissue
- Jawbone
- Ear
Your dentist will ask you to describe your signs & symptoms.
- Toothache pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Raised bump on gum
- Hurts to chew
- Extreme temperatures
- Bad breath
- Bad taste
When and how often does your tooth hurt?
- On & off
- Constantly
- Only at nighttime
- After eating or drinking
- While chewing
On a scale of 1-10, how intense is your tooth pain, 10 being unbearable?
- Unbearable
- Throbbing
- Dull
- Uncomfortable, yet tolerable
- Sensitive
Do you have a toothache and a fear of going to the dentist?
If you have a toothache and are anxious about calling for a dental appointment, you are not alone. In fact, dental fear tops the list of why most people do not see a dentist annually.
Dentistry for the Entire Family promises NO SCOLDING, NO LECTURES, and NO JUDGMENTS regardless of how long it’s been since your last dental visit. We understand. For your comfort, we offer:
- Relaxation air (nitrous oxide)
- Noise canceling headsets and ceiling mounted tv with your favorite cable channels
- Heated blankets and memory foam support pillows
- And the option of a relaxation pill (Valium). Requires arriving 30 minutes before your appointment and that you have an adult driver.
Are there any over the counter tooth pain relief products available until I can be seen by a dentist?
Listed below are a few options that may help decrease your toothache pain until you can see your dentist for an examination.
- Pain reliever/anti-inflammatory product such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin
- Topical gels/ointments
- Ice pack
- Heating pad
How to prevent a toothache?
Brushing two times daily, flossing every day, and having your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by your dentist every six months will help prevent a toothache. Doing so will enable your dentist to closely monitor any suspect areas of tooth decay as well as check the integrity of any existing dental restorations you may have.
Additionally, it is important that you see your medical doctor annually for a physical. There are a number of medical conditions with a known systemic link to dental health. One example is diabetics are at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease.
Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet low in sugar to help reduce your risk of developing a dental cavity that can progress into a painful toothache if not treated.
Exercise daily for health and to help manage daily stress to help reduce your probability of bruxism, grinding and/or clenching your teeth during sleep. People who brux their teeth without wearing a protective nightguard may develop tooth pain.
Are you ready to schedule an appointment?
If so, call (763) 586-9988 for a same day emergency dental appointment.
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