01 Nov Common Causes of a Toothache
Toothaches can range from annoying to unbearably painful. The causes of toothaches can range from something as simple and easily treatable as a popcorn husk stuck in between two teeth, to cavities and other more serious conditions.
Some toothaches may be temporary, and some may indicate something lurking beneath the surface of your teeth or gums. At Prescott Dentistry, we’re familiar with all types of toothaches and their causes. If you have a toothache, read on to learn more about why your tooth may be hurting.
What Are Toothaches and Why Are They So Painful?
A toothache refers to pain experienced either in or around a tooth. There are different types of tooth pain, from a shooting pain inside your tooth, to throbbing gum pain, to gentle, dull aches. Minor toothaches may be temporary and resolve on their own, but serious, long-lasting tooth pain means you should see a dentist right away.
Because the mouth is home to many highly sensitive nerves, toothaches can be very painful. The pulp of your teeth contains nerves, and blood vessels, which are very sensitive. You may experience serious pain if the pulp of a tooth gets infected or traumatized.
Causes of Toothache Under the Crown
Understanding where the tooth pain is coming from will help to determine the cause. If you feel like your tooth pain is coming from inside your tooth, it could indicate a very serious condition.
Causes of toothache under the crown of the tooth include:
- Tooth decay
- An abscessed tooth (bacterial infection inside the tooth)
- Damaged fillings
- Infected gums
- Repetitive grinding or clenching
Causes of a Toothache That Comes and Goes
If your toothache comes and goes, it is important to note what you’re doing when you notice the pain. If the pain comes while eating, it could be caused by a food particle lodged between two teeth. Sporadic tooth pain could also indicate the beginning stages of a cavity.
If you notice pain when you eat foods that are very hot or very cold, you may have a temperature sensitivity. If you have a toothache that comes and goes, mention it to your dentist at your next cleaning. If the pain worsens or becomes constant, make an appointment to get it checked out right away.
Temporary At-Home Toothache Relief
If you have a toothache, the best thing you can do is get it treated before it can become a serious problem. While you’re waiting for your appointment, there are a few things you can do to try and relieve the pain.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Wrap an ice pack or cold compress in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 20 minutes.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Rinse your mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide—do not swallow!
Toothache Treatment at Prescott Dentistry in Prescott, Arizona
Don’t wait until it’s too late to get your toothache treated! A toothache is a sign that something is wrong inside your mouth, so it’s important to get it checked out before it becomes a bigger problem. Call Prescott Dentistry right away to schedule an appointment to get your toothache diagnosed and treated, so that you can keep your teeth healthy and pain-free!