A toothache is a painful sensation that occurs in and around a tooth, generally as a result of decay or an infection. When a tooth is decaying or infected, it can become extremely sensitive to pressure or heat and can cause pain when biting or chewing.

What Causes A Toothache?

Toothaches are a common problem and can be caused by a variety of things.

• Decay: The most common cause of toothaches is tooth decay. Decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth create acids that destroy tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard, protective coating on your teeth. As it wears away, the inner part of the tooth becomes exposed and sensitive.
• Abscesses: An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the roots of a tooth. It’s painful and can cause fever, swelling, and difficulty opening your mouth. Abscesses are caused by an infection and should be treated by a dentist right away.
• Tooth fractures: A fractured tooth can also cause a toothache. Broken teeth are often sharp and sensitive, which can cause pain. The only real treatment for a fractured tooth is to have it repaired with a crown or filling.

The other causes of a toothache may include an impacted wisdom tooth, a damaged filling, trauma, gingivitis, sinus issues, food lodged between teeth, braces or wires irritating teeth, repetitive motions like teeth grinding, and infected gums.

Symptoms of A Toothache

Some common symptoms of a toothache are the following:

• Pain on chewing
• Pain with temperature change: hot, cold or sweet foods
• Loose, fractured, or discolored teeth
• Gums that are red, puffy, tender, or bleed easily
• Sensitivity to cold, air, sweets, or pressure
• Swelling in the gums
• Bad breath
• Tender lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Tooth pain after eating hot or cold foods
• Pain when biting down or between meals

Treatments For A Toothache

If you have a toothache, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. The dentist will examine your teeth, your gums, and the inside of your mouth. Your dentist might recommend a dental exam and cleaning. Cleanings help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Dentists use a variety of treatment options to treat toothaches, and they depend on the cause. 

• Dental cavities are holes in the teeth that are caused by tooth decay. If the toothache is the result of cavities, the dentist will remove the bacteria and fill the cavity using a dental filling. 
• Gum disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If gum disease is the reason for your toothache, deep cleaning will be performed by your dentist. 
• Abscesses develop when a cavity or gum disease is left untreated. The bacteria in the infection then comes out through the tooth and forms a pus-filled pocket. In such cases, antibiotics will be suggested, followed by a root canal treatment. 

Toothache Prevention

To prevent toothache and other dental issues, the best thing you can do is practice good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day, keeping your mouth clean by rinsing with mouthwash along with visiting your dentist for routine cleanings and exams can help you maintain good oral health.

To learn more about the prevention and treatment of toothaches, call Tijuana Dental Studio at (619) 955-6901 (USA) or (664) 685-6460 (Mexico). You can also visit us at Calle Quinta, Zona Centro, Tijuana Baja California 7974.