Questions and Answers About Toothaches
A toothache is your body’s way of telling you that something is amiss. While unpleasant, experiencing toothaches can signify an underlying condition like tooth decay, a tooth abscess, or other oral health conditions. While many people have experienced a toothache in their lifetime, a considerable amount of misinformation remains. With National Toothache Day on February 9th, there is no better time to share facts about toothaches, their causes, symptoms, and other important information.
Common Questions and Answers:
1. What is causing my toothache?
Toothaches can have a wide range of causes. Some of the most common include cavities, damaged filling, broken tooth, infected gums, abscessed tooth, or repetitive motions like teeth grinding, teeth clenching, or gum chewing.
2. What are some symptoms of toothaches besides pain?
Most people associate toothaches with tooth pain; however, that is not the only symptom that you may experience. Other common toothache symptoms include fever, headache, swelling of the gums or oral tissues, and foul drainage from the affected tooth. Tooth pain can also differ from person to person. A toothache may feel like a throbbing sensation, sharp, or can be a dull, constant ache.
3. What is the difference between a toothache and tooth sensitivity?
Some people confuse a toothache with tooth sensitivity. While both can cause discomfort, tooth sensitivity often affects several teeth while a toothache usually just affects one tooth.
4. Can a toothache cause an earache?
Yes, it is common for tooth pain to radiate to other parts of the face or neck, including the ears. Referred pain may make you think that you have an ear infection due to a common nerve supply. If you are not sure where the pain is coming from, see your Clermont dentist for an exam.
5. When should I see my dentist about a toothache?
Sometimes a toothache will go away on its own depending on the cause. For example, a toothache caused by something stuck in between the teeth will usually go away when the item is removed. However, you should see your dentist if you have a toothache that has lasted longer than one to two days, if your toothache is severe, or if you have other symptoms like fever, earache, or discomfort when opening your mouth.
6. Why is my toothache worse at night?
If you are suffering from a toothache, you may notice that the pain gets worse at night. This can happen for several reasons. First, the position of the head when we lie down causes more blood to rush to the teeth which can increase the pain. There are also fewer distractions at night to prevent you from thinking about the pain. Grinding your teeth at night can also aggravate the pain.
7. What will happen when I go to the dentist for a toothache?
When you see your dentist in Clermont for a toothache, you will likely be asked questions about how long you’ve had the pain and what type of pain it is (e.g., sharp, dull, persistent, etc.) Your dentist in Clermont FL may take X-rays of your teeth to get a better look after performing a visual examination.
8. What treatment is available for a toothache?
As a toothache is simply a symptom of another problem, your dentist will try to determine the underlying cause of the pain. If the toothache is caused by decay, your dentist may recommend a standard filling. If there is an infection of the tooth nerve, a root canal may be necessary. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to eliminate an infection if you have a fever, swelling of the jaw, or other signs of infection.
Contact Our Clermont Family Dentistry Practice Today
Most toothaches can be prevented with a proper at-home oral health regimen and regular visits to your dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning. However, even with excellent oral hygiene habits, you can develop a toothache. If you are suffering from a toothache or have signs of an infection, reach out to our friendly dental team at Hancock Village Dental for an appointment.
