Toothaches – Causes – Symptoms – Treatment
A toothache is also known as dental pain which is actually in teeth and their supporting structures caused by various dental diseases. The most common causes include the inflammation of the pulp which is usually in response to dental trauma, tooth decay, or other factors such as apical periodontitis, dentin hypersensitivity, dental abscesses, alveolar osteitis, temporomandibular disorder and acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.
The tooth pain is usually caused due to the irritation of the nerve in between the teeth but there exist many other causes for tooth pain. Gum disease, dental infection, leaking fillings or loss of a tooth, obstructive sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint disorders are the other common causes of dental pain. The pain which originates outside the dental area will get radiated to the mouth and gives the impression of tooth pain. This usually happens when there is a problem with your jaw joint, nerve, ears, muscles, and sinuses. Sometimes heart problems can give rise to tooth pain.
Causes
The pain in and around the tooth is called tooth pain and its causes are mentioned below.
- Abscessed tooth
- Tooth decay
- Damaged filling
- Tooth fracture
- Infected gums
- Due to repetitive motions such as grinding teeth or chewing gum.
Usually, they occur from inflammation of the middle portion of the tooth which is called as pulp. Nerve endings exist in the pulp and so you will experience pain. Pulpitis or inflammation to the pulp is caused by the dental cavities, infection, and trauma.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a toothache include the following:
- A headache or fever
- Swelling around the tooth probably in the gums.
- Tooth pain may be constant, throbbing or sharp. Some people experience pain only when they apply pressure to the teeth.
- You will taste a foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth.
- Pain with chewing.
- Discharge or bleeding from around the gums or a tooth.
- Cold or hot sensitivity.
- Trauma or injury o the area.
- Swelling of the cheek or jaw or swelling around a tooth.
- Some of these symptoms are associated with the gum disease or dental decay (periodontal disease). Area of redness around the tooth or dental decay will point to the source of pain. The pain will become more intense if one taps on the infected tooth.
Jaw pain and toothache are very common. It is very usual for an individual to feel mild pain from the pressure and cold or hot exposure to the tooth. But if the pain is severe and exists for more than 20 seconds after the temperature exposure or pressure, then you are supposed to consult a dentist and get the treatment according to his prescription or can lead to a very serious issue if left untreated.
Treatment
- Fillings may be required in this situation and a deep professional cleaning is recommended under the gum line.
- If you get a fever or swelling, then an antibiotic will be prescribed.
- If the causes are unrelated to the teeth and jaw, such as sinus infection, TMJ disorders, nerve or muscle problems, then the management will take place according to the specific condition.