Toothaches are a common occurrence, however, it can be concerning when you don’t know the causes.
What are the Symptoms?
A toothache can start suddenly, causing pain and discomfort. The pain may be mild to severe and can be experienced as a constant, throbbing and it could come and go. You may also experience pain in your head, ears and jaw.
You may also experience:
- Swelling around your tooth and inside your mouth
- Swelling of your jaw and face
- Pain when chewing
- Bleeding from your tooth or gums
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food
- Fever
When should I see a Dentist?
You should book an appointment with your dentist once you notice a toothache, but if you are experiencing severe pain and swelling, you should book for an appointment as soon as possible. We can determine the cause of your pain sooner rather than later. Swelling can be an indication of infection, so it’s important to resolve the issue quickly. It’s best to book an appointment even if the swelling calms down as it could be the sign of a problem.
What are the Causes?
Toothaches and swelling can be caused by a variety of dental issues such as tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, receding gums or abscess. Other health issues can contribute to painful teeth, including sinus infection, mouth ulcers or jaw problems.
Other triggers include:
- Gum Disease
- Chipped/cracked teeth
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Dental abscess
- Mouth ulcers
- Root canal infections
- Tooth grinding (bruxism)
What are the Treatments?
Treatments for a toothache may vary depending on the cause. Some treatments may involve a filling, root canal therapy or a crown. We will determine the cause of the toothache at your appointment, from here we can provide you with the best solution and care to resolve it. In the time between noticing your aches and swelling and your appointment, it’s best to practice some at-home care. Some of these tips include:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
- Eating soft foods
- Not smoking
- Placing an ice pack or cold compress against your face
- Sleeping with your head slightly lifted
- Gargling with salt water
These are also useful to adopt when you’re recovering from treatment.
Tony Weir Orthodontist are here for your emergency dental needs. So if you are experiencing a toothache or swelling, get in touch with our team immediately. We can provide care and solutions to your toothaches and swelling.