So you’ve got a toothache, what to do now? Well, that all depends on why your tooth is aching. Toothaches can be caused by a myriad of reasons such as:
- tooth fracture
- tooth decay
- infected gums
- abscessed tooth
- or grinding teeth
With all of these many varied causes, so too can the symptoms vary depending on the cause of your toothache. Some of the most common symptoms of a toothache are:
- tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or just constant. In some cases, pain may only be felt when applying pressure to the problem area
- fever or headache
- swelling around the tooth
- foul tasting drainage from the problem tooth
So When Should you see Your Dentist About a Toothache?
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see your dentist immediately about your toothache:
- if your toothache persists for more than 24-48 hours
- if your toothache is severe in it’s pain
- if when opening your mouth you have a fever, ear ache, or pain
Besides just dealing with the pain, proactively seeking treatment of a toothache is very important because that toothache could be the result of an infection. This infection, if not treated quickly, could then spread to other areas of your head and body.
Dental Treatment Options for a Toothache
Treatment options for a toothache vary depending on the cause. If your dentist determines the cause to be a cavity, then treatment is as simple as getting a filling, or you may need to end up having the problem tooth extracted. However, if the cause is diagnosed as an infection. Then more intense treatment may be necessary such as having a root canal. If it’s a bacterial infection, then your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics if there is a fever or swelling of the jaw associated with the infection.
Toothache Prevention
As with most oral health issues, toothaches are a result of tooth decay, which is the direct result of poor dental hygiene over a long period of time. So what to do to prevent toothaches? Simply brush, floss, and rinse every day. It really is just that simple.
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