Toothache is any pain originating in the teeth. It can be caused by many different factors, including dental cavities and the emergence of wisdom teeth, and is often described as a dull, throbbing or shooting pain. In some cases, toothache can signal a more serious problem such as an abscess or infection. Understanding the basic information about toothache can help reduce the risk of complications.
Causes
Many different conditions can cause toothache. Cavities—also known as dental caries—occur when the tooth enamel begins to deteriorate, exposing the inner nerves to painful stimuli such as heat and cold. Cavities are among the main causes of toothache and are often associated with tooth sensitivity.
The emergence of wisdom teeth is another common cause of toothache. Wisdom teeth often crowd other teeth and can cause pain when breaking through the surface of the gums. Other potential causes include sinus infection and trauma to the affected tooth.
Symptoms
Toothache itself is sometimes described as a dull, gnawing pain. It may be aggravated by hot or cold temperatures, especially when associated with dental cavities. Pain often radiates to surrounding teeth, making it difficult to pinpoint the source of pain.
The presence of other symptoms can signal more serious problems. According to Merck, fever, headache and swelling on the floor of the mouth require prompt assessment to rule out infection.
Complications
Left untreated, toothache can worsen and become a recurring problem. When pain is caused by cavities, lack of treatment can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.
Abscess—or the formation of pus around the painful tooth—can lead to life-threatening complications, including brain abscess, endocarditis and sepsis, according to Medline Plus. When sinus infection is the source of pain, failure to treat the infection can result in similar outcomes.
Prevention/Solution
Many over-the-counter medications exist to treat toothache. Topical gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine provide fast relief of toothache, while over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are also effective, but can take longer to work.
The best way to prevent toothache is to take proper care of your teeth and gums. Brush teeth twice daily, remembering to gently brush along the gumline. Limit your intake of sugar and floss each night before retiring to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
The emergence of wisdom teeth is often complicated due to crowding or decay. In such cases, removing wisdom teeth before they emerge is recommended. Treatment with antibiotic drugs can cure bacterial infections associated with toothache.
Warning
If you experience toothache accompanied by fever, headache, vision changes or other severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Failure to treat infections can lead to life-threatening outcomes.
