Toothache: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, And Prevention

A toothache can indicate some sort of dental problem. Teeth can ache when there is an inflammation of the pulp, a dental cavity, a fractured tooth, or an infection. If you experience a toothache, it is important to schedule an appointment for a dental exam to determine the cause of the pain.

What Causes Toothaches?

A toothache is usually the result of some kind of dental problem. Typically, a toothache is caused by decay, gum disease, cracked teeth, loose fillings, exposed tooth roots, or teeth that have become abscessed. A toothache can be very painful and can keep you from sleeping, eating, and functioning normally. If you are experiencing a toothache, it’s important to seek dental treatment right away.

Symptoms of Toothaches

If you experience a toothache, you might feel one or more of the following symptoms:

• Intense pain when chewing or biting
• Pain when you breathe
• Swelling around your tooth
• Gums that are red or tender to the touch
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Tenderness when your tooth is exposed to temperature extremes

At-home Treatments For Toothaches

If you have a toothache, it is important to schedule your consultation with our dentist immediately. Before you reach us, you can follow these tips to ease the pain. Rinse your mouth with warm water. This can help to wash away any food debris or bacteria that could be infecting your mouth and causing a toothache. Then, you can brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash to remove any additional debris or bacteria.

An over-the-counter pain relief medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken for mild to moderate pain. It can reduce inflammation and relieve pain temporarily. Your dentist may also suggest an antimicrobial mouth rinse, which contains chlorhexidine. This can help to kill any bacteria that may be causing the pain.

Treatments For A Toothache

There are various treatments available for toothaches; they depend on the cause.

If the toothache is caused due to tooth decay, a filling or root canal treatment may be required. A root canal infection can also be treated with a root canal treatment. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if the toothache is due to infection. If the tooth is cracked or broken, a dental crown may be recommended. If tooth grinding is the reason for your toothache, your dentist may suggest you wear a night guard while sleeping. 

What Are The Tips To Prevent A Toothache?

• Brushing and Flossing:Brush twice a day and floss once a day to remove bacteria and plaque that collect between teeth.
• Diet: Avoid foods high in sugar, or food that is difficult to chew, such as hard candy or ice.
• Rinsing: Rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
• Dental visits: Never skip your biannual dental visits for teeth cleaning and dental examination.
• Mouthguard: Wear a mouth guard while playing contact sports to prevent injury to the mouth. 

In the event of a toothache, call us at (773) 880 5080 for an emergency appointment. You can also visit Stone Dental Group-SE Chicago Dentistry at 2845 N Sheridan Rd #914, Chicago, IL 60657. We will assist you further.