What is a toothache?
A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. Minor toothaches can come from a temporary gum irritation that you can treat at home. More serious toothaches are caused by dental and mouth problems that won't get better on their own and will need to be treated by a dentist.
Why is my toothache so painful?
The pulp inside your tooth is soft material filled with nerves, tissues and blood vessels. These pulp nerves are among the most sensitive in your body. When these nerves are irritated or infected by bacteria (abscess), they can cause severe pain.
Symptoms and Causes
What are possible causes of toothache?
Toothaches can be caused by:
1. Tooth decay.
2. Abscessed tooth (a bacterial infection inside the center of the tooth).
3. Tooth fracture (broken tooth).
4. A damaged filling.
5. Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding or clenching teeth. These motions can wear down your teeth.
6. Infected gums.
7. Eruption (teeth coming out of the gums) or removal of a tooth (for example, wisdom teeth).
What are symptoms of toothache?
Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth (biting down on something).
Swelling around the tooth.
Fever or headache.
Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth.
A bad odor from the mouth.
If you experience trouble breathing and swallowing along with your pain, call a dental professional right away.
Can my toothache go away on its own?
Some toothaches that come from pain around (but not inside) your tooth can get better without a trip to the dentist. Pain from a temporary irritation (redness) in the gum can be resolved within a few days. During this time try not to chew around the affected area. Eat soft foods, like eggs and yogurt, and avoid sweets and very hot or very cold foods if teeth are sensitive.
How do I treat a toothache at home?
For temporary relief of a toothache, you can do the following:
Rinse with warm saltwater. Saltwater can loosen debris between your teeth, act as a disinfectant and reduce inflammation. Stir a 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
Rinse with hydrogen peroxide. A hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) helps to reduce inflammation and pain. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and rinse thoroughly. Don't swallow it.
Cold compress. For swelling and pain hold a cold compress of ice wrapped in a towel to the painful area for 20-minute periods. Repeat every few hours.
When should I see a dentist for a toothache?
See your dentist as soon as possible if:
You have a toothache that lasts longer than one or two days.
Your toothache is severe.
You have a fever, earache or pain when you open your mouth wide.
You experience swelling in the mouth or face.
The proper diagnosis and treatment of dental infections are important to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the face and skull and possibly even to the bloodstream.
Toothaches can be extremely uncomfortable but the pain isn't permanent as long as it's treated. Your dental professional can relieve your pain and prevent any infections in your mouth from spreading in your body.
Can a toothache make me sick, or even be fatal?
A toothache itself isn't fatal. But an untreated infection in your tooth (or any other part of your body) can spread. You can become sick, and this illness could turn into something serious or even life-threatening. So if you toothache isn't getting better it's a good idea to contact your dentist.
