About this topic
Tooth pain happens when the nerve in a tooth or the gum tissue around a tooth is irritated. You may have an intense, sharp pain or a mild, dull pain. The pain may be all the time or come and go. Sometimes, you may not know which tooth is causing your pain. You may think the pain is coming from more than one tooth. A fractured tooth, tooth decay, or gum disease are most often the cause of tooth pain. Tooth problems can cause pain in other areas of the head and neck. At times, tooth problems may also cause ear and jaw pain. Pain from a sinus infection may also feel like tooth pain. � �
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may help you heal. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a cup of warm water.
- Avoid very cold or very hot food or drinks. These may make pain worse.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your dentist may send you to an endodontist if you need a root canal.
- Your dentist may send you to a periodontist if you have gum disease.
- Your dentist may send you to an oral surgeon if you need a tooth or teeth removed.
What drugs may be needed?
The dentist may order drugs to: � �
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Based on the cause of your tooth pain, you may have to limit your activity for a short time. Ask your dentist if you need to make changes to your daily routine. � �
What problems could happen?
If dental pain is not treated you may have: � �
- Infection that spreads to other parts of the body
- Gum disease that spreads to other parts of the mouth or body
- Tooth decay that gets worse and causes a loss of the tooth or nearby teeth
- Pain that gets worse or more intense
- Problems eating due to infection or pain
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day. Use toothpaste with fluoride.
- Use dental floss to clean between your teeth every day.
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Limit smoking.
- Try to stay away from foods and drinks that are high in acid, sugar, and starch. These are things like chocolate, sweets, cakes, and fizzy drinks.
- See your dentist for regular cleaning and checkups.
- Wear a mouth guard or headgear when playing sports.
- If you are a smoker, stop smoking. Smoking can make some dental problems worse.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 � � F (38 � �C) or higher; chills; swelling of the gums, neck, or face; discharge around a tooth; or bad taste in your mouth.
- Bad toothache or your mouth hurts a lot
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping
- Trouble swallowing, breathing, or chewing
- Jaw pain with ear, chest, shoulder, or arm pain
- Lots of bleeding from the gums
- Increased pain after a tooth is pulled. This may be a "dry socket " �.
- Your condition gets worse or you have other concerns
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my pain.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing, eating, or sleeping because of the pain.
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association � �
http://www.ada.org/3031.aspx � �
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/abscess � �
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/j/jaw-pain � �
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/cavities � �
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dry-socket � �
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease � �
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth � �
NHS Choices � �
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dental-decay/Pages/Introduction.aspx � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �