TOOTHACHE

Toothache refers to the painful sensation felt in and around the teeth. It is usually as a result of tooth decay. Toothache can manifest in several ways, and the frequency varies. Hot or cold drinks and food can trigger a toothache. The pain that accompanies toothache can be mild or severe. It can also be sharp and acute— sometimes, a broken tooth or a lost filling can trigger it.

Identifying the exact spot of pain can be difficult. You might not be able to ascertain if the pain is in the lower or upper teeth because it radiates — you can feel pain from the ear side if a lower molar is affected. For the upper teeth, the toothache might feel like it is from the sinuses. You might also feel soreness and tenderness on your jaw.

Do I Need To Visit A Dentist?

If you experience toothache for more than two days, you need to visit your dentist for immediate treatment —treatment is necessary because the case could become worse if you do not treat it. The toothache can cause the pulp of the teeth to become infected, which could consequently cause a dental abscess, accompanied by severe and frequent throbbing pain.

While you are awaiting your appointment with a dentist, you can use ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce discomfort and pain. Aspirin should not be given to children who are less than 16 years.

What Are The Causes Of Toothache?

Toothache is the discomforting pain felt when there is an inflammation of the dental pulp, which is the innermost layer of the tooth. The pulp is the home of blood vessels and nerves of the teeth — the following can cause inflammation of the pulp:

Cracked Tooth: Cracks in teeth are usually small in size; in fact, it is impossible to see the cracks with naked eyes.
Tooth Decay: The decay of a tooth will cause the formation of cavities in the hard layer of the tooth.
Receding Gums: Shrinking of the gum will cause the exposure of the sensitive parts of the tooth
Periapical Abscess: This refers to the collection of pus at the root of a tooth— it is usually due to a bacterial infection.
Sinusitis: This refers to pain around the upper jaw.
Ulcers on the gums
Swollen gums

How Can Toothache Be Treated?

The cause of pain will determine the type of treatment you would have for your toothache. To determine the most suitable treatment for you, your dentist will assess your oral cavity and in some cases, carry out an X-Ray to find out what is wrong. If your toothache is as a result of tooth decay— the decayed area will need to be removed and replaced with a filling.

If your toothache is as a result of a broken filling, your dentist will take out the filling, as well as the decayed part, before replacing it with a new one. You will need root canal treatment if the pulp in your teeth is infected. The root canal treatment involves the removal of the infected pulp and the insertion of new filling to seal the tooth. Complete removal of your tooth might be required if any of these treatment options do not ease the toothache.

How To Prevent Toothache

Toothache can be prevented through the following ways:

Avoid smoking; it can worsen the pain.
Use dental floss or mouthwash to clean in between your teeth.
Reduce the intake of sugary food and drinks— you should have them only at mealtimes or as an occasional
Visit your dentist regularly for dental check-ups. It will help reduce the risk of developing future dental problems — your overall oral health will determine the frequency of your check-ups.
Children should also visit the dental clinic every six months for early detection of tooth decay— it will prompt on-time

Need Help?

Are you experiencing toothache? You can contact us at Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic to provide immediate treatment. Visit us in London, to meet with our experienced dental team or you can give us a call on 02071830755 to book an appointment.