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 are the causes?
- Tooth decay or loose filling
- Gum disease or food trapped between the teeth or under the gums
- Infection or tooth or gum abscess
- Impacted tooth
- Exposed tooth root or nerve
- Pain after a dental procedure like a pulled tooth or gum surgery
- Mouth injury or head trauma
- Broken, cracked, or chipped tooth
- Clenching or grinding the teeth
What can make this more likely to happen?
You may be more likely to have tooth pain if you do not take good care of your teeth, gums, and mouth. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Pain when chewing
- Tooth is sensitive to hot or cold
- Gums are bleeding, red, or swollen
- Swelling of any area of the head and neck
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping or eating
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your dentist will look at your teeth and mouth. The dentist will check your teeth by gently touching and tapping on the teeth. The dentist may ask about problems with heat, cold, or if the pain has kept you from sleeping. Sometimes, the dentist may do other tests to check your teeth. You will most likely need to have an x-ray of your teeth and mouth. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Treatment is based on what is causing the problem. ‚
- Your dentist may flush a sore area with warm water. This will loosen any trapped food pieces.
- Your dentist may apply a coating of fluoride to the tooth. This works best if the decay is in an early stage.
- Your dentist may remove the decay. Your tooth will need a filling if the decay has worn away the surface enamel.
- Your dentist may do a root canal. This is needed when the nerve of the tooth is infected or inflamed.
- You may need to have the tooth pulled if the damage is beyond repair.
What drugs may be needed?
The dentist may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
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
- 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.
- 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.
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.ada.org/3031.aspx ‚
Mouth Healthy ‚
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. ‚