Toothache is no laughing matter. The pain can be mild or severe and it is usually worse at night, particularly when you’re lying down, making it difficult to sleep. So what is causing your toothache and how do you treat it? Keep reading to find out.
Common causes of toothache
As well as tooth decay, toothache may be caused by:
- Tooth abscess
- A cracked tooth
- Loose or broken fillings
- Repetitive movements, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth
- Infected gums
What are the symptoms of toothache?
Symptoms of toothache may include:
- Tooth pain that feels sharp, throbbing, or constant. Some may only feel pain when pressure is applied to the tooth.
- Swelling around the tooth
- A fever or headache
- Foul-taste caused by drainage from the infected tooth
When do I need to see a dentist?
If you have toothache for more than a day or two, visit your dentist as soon as possible to have it treated. The longer you leave it, the worse it will get.
If your toothache isn’t treated, the pulp inside your tooth will eventually become infected, and this can lead to a dental abscess.
What treatment will I receive for toothache?
The treatment receive will depend on the cause of the discomfort, so the dentist will need to examine your mouth and possible carry out an X-ray in order to identify the problem and plan the best treatment.
Possible treatment options may include:
- Removing the decayed area and replacing it with a filling
- Root canal treatment if the pulp inside your tooth is infected
- Extraction if the tooth cannot be treated
Can I prevent toothache?
The best way to avoid getting toothache is to keep on top of your oral hygiene so that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible
To do this, you should:
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride
- Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks
- Use dental floss to clean between your teeth and, if necessary, use a mouthwash
- Avoid smoking – it can make some dental problems worse
It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly for a check ups – so if you would like to make an appointment with us here at Leeds Dental Centre Liverpool, please call us on 0151 722 3000 or fill in our online form here and we’ll get back to you.