Toothaches are a common dental symptom. As dentists, we often get calls from patients who are concerned about tooth pain, sensitivity, or recurring discomfort that is localized to an area of their mouths. And in every case, we say the same thing; “let’s schedule an appointment”. No matter what is causing your toothache, it is always important not to ignore it. Almost every toothache is caused by an underlying dental issue. Dental issues also rarely resolve themselves and frequently worsen over time. In this article, we will cover a few of the different causes of toothaches, but if you live in the Swampscott area and are experiencing a toothache, we’d highly recommend giving our office a call.
Toothaches & Dental Abscesses
A dental abscess or an abscessed tooth refers to an infection that occurs beneath the gums near the root of a tooth. When bacteria enter a tooth (either through an untreated cavity or a crack in the tooth) it can cause an infection. This infection can lead to many different symptoms including a fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a pocket of pus referred to as an abscess. However one of the most common symptoms is consistent pain around the tooth. Often patients will notice pain that is localized and triggered by putting pressure on that tooth when they bite or chew.
Toothaches & Root Canals
Similar to abscessed teeth, when dental decay is in the root of a tooth it can cause a toothache. Toothaches that are recurring or causing radiating pain are often signs of dental decay inside the tooth. Frequently, patients who need root canals will also notice sensitivity to temperature and pressure.
Toothaches & Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism is one of the few instances where a toothache might not actually be coming from the tooth. Bruxism is a condition where patients grind their teeth in their sleep. All of that pressure on the teeth can cause jaw pain as well as soreness around a tooth. Left untreated, bruxism can cause a tooth to crack which can lead to the infections and root canal problems we mentioned above. Luckily, a custom mouth guard is usually a surefire way to stop tooth grinding and relieve your symptoms.
Other Causes of Toothaches
There are many causes of toothaches. It would be incorrect to tell any patient that their toothache is 100% a sign of one issue or another without seeing them for an exam first. For example, a common cause of toothache for young adults is issues with their wisdom teeth. Toothaches can also be related to sinus infections or periodontal disease (gum disease). If your tooth hurts, the best thing you can do is see a dentist.
Dental Exams & Toothache Treatments in Swampscott MA
The worst thing you can do for your oral health is ignore the signs that there is a problem. If you have a toothache, do not wait for your next scheduled dental appointment to address it, give us a call and our team will take a look and help you get the treatment you need.