Toothache

The Pain Stops Here - Get Lasting Relief from Toothache

People say toothache is one of the most annoying and unbearable kinds of pain. 

This is not surprising since toothache can really ruin your day! 

We provide emergency dental services to help you relieve pain quickly. 

In order to bring you back to feeling your best, our skilled dentists will assist you in determining the source of your toothache and will administer the required care. 

Contact us today to book an appointment!

Numerous conditions, including cavities, gum disease, and even damaged teeth, can result in toothaches. 

Only your dentist can properly diagnose and treat the problem.

Toothaches can be really debilitating and it's important to get them checked out. Plus, if you wait too long, it could get worse and require more extensive treatment.

What causes a Toothache?

A toothache may have a number of causes, including:

Tooth Decay: Dental pain is most frequently caused by tooth decay. This is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth that produces acid that eats away at the enamel and causes cavities. Plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars to form an acid that attacks and weakens the enamel. Without adequate treatment, the acid keeps wearing away the enamel, causing cavities and eventually pain in the tooth.

Gum Disease: Another prevalent reason for toothaches is gum disease. It occurs when plaque and bacteria buildup on teeth and gums, leading to inflammation and infection. As bacteria accumulate, they can cause the gums to become swollen and tender, leading to pain when eating and drinking. Additionally, the infection may result in pockets forming between the gums and teeth, which may promote tooth decay and additional gum disease.

Tooth Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity can cause sharp pain when exposed to hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods, or pressure. This is because the bacteria cause the protective enamel layer of the teeth to thin, exposing the sensitive dentin layer underneath. This can also cause the root of the tooth to become exposed, which can cause severe pain.

Cracked or Broken Tooth: A cracked or broken tooth can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, causing pain and sensitivity. This can happen when a tooth is subjected to extra pressure or force, such as when eating hard candy or biting down on a hard object. If the crack or break is deep enough, it can reach the inner layers of the tooth and cause the protective enamel layer to thin, exposing the sensitive dentin layer underneath.

Grinding Teeth: Grinding teeth can cause tooth pain by putting excessive pressure on the teeth and jaw, leading to soreness and sensitivity. Additionally, this may result in chips and cracks in the teeth, which over time may result in more wear and strain. The grinding can wear away the enamel, resulting in increased sensitivity and tooth pain.

Abscessed Tooth: An abscessed tooth is a very painful condition that develops when germs get inside the tooth's pulp and cause a pus-filled pocket to form. If the infection is not treated, it could spread to the jawbone and other areas of the head and neck. It can also cause a fever, bad breath, and difficulty opening the mouth.

Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontic treatment can cause tooth pain as teeth are moved and adjusted. Infections can progress and result in sepsis, facial swelling, bone loss, and other serious health problems if they are not treated. As teeth are moved during orthodontic treatment, the mouth can become sore and uncomfortable. Additionally, the pressure of the braces can cause additional discomfort and pain. 

How long does a toothache last? 

The underlying source of the discomfort affects how long a toothache lasts. In some cases, a toothache may only last a few minutes or hours, while in others, it may hurt for several days or even weeks.

If a toothache is not treated, it can develop chronic and linger for weeks, months, or even years. Consult a doctor as soon as you can to stop the sickness from getting worse. In addition to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss, untreated toothaches can result in more serious consequences.

The pain may go away within a few days if the toothache is brought on by a minor problem, such as tooth sensitivity or a little cavity. However, if the discomfort is being caused by a more serious issue, such as gum disease, an abscessed tooth, or a broken tooth, it is imperative to get professional dental care immediately away. Delaying treatment can lead to further tooth damage, more severe pain, and possible tooth loss.

Take the first step towards a healthy smile: Book your free consultation today.

How do dentists treat toothaches? 

Dentists at Middletown Dental Care treat toothaches by diagnosing the underlying cause of the pain and providing appropriate treatment. This can include filling cavities, removing decay, or treating gum disease. Sometimes the patient needs more care, and the dentist will need to refer them to a specialist. Here are some typical remedies for toothaches that dentists use:

Fillings: The dentist may need to remove the decay and place a dental filling in the tooth if a cavity is the source of the toothache.

Root Canal Therapy: Root canal therapy may be required to remove the damaged tissue and ease the pain if the toothache is brought on by an infection or inflammation in the pulp of the tooth.

Gum Disease Treatment: If gum disease is the cause of the toothache, the dentist may need to perform a deep cleaning or scaling and root planning to remove bacteria and plaque from below the gum line.

Dental Crowns: Dental crowns may be required to restore the tooth's structure and relieve pain if a cracked or broken tooth is the root of the discomfort.

Tooth Extraction: The dentist may have to remove the tooth if it has suffered extensive damage and cannot be repaired in order to stop further discomfort and harm.

Pain Relief Medications: Dentists frequently advise using acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the pain and swelling brought on by toothaches.

Steps to prevent toothaches:

Occasionally, toothaches are unavoidable. It is not always your fault that they occur.

You can take the following steps to lower your risk:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles caught in between your teeth. This aids in preventing gum disease and tooth decay, both of which are common causes of toothaches.

Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods: Sugary and acidic foods and beverages can damage tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and sensitivity. To help protect your teeth, try to restrict your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages.

Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at sleep or play sports, wearing a mouthguard can help avoid injuries to your teeth and toothaches.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly: By allowing your dentist to identify and address any potential problems early on, regular dental checkups every six months can help avoid toothaches.

Treat Dental Issues Promptly: If you do have dental issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, or a damaged tooth, contact your dentist right away to avoid the problem growing worse and maybe developing into a toothache.

Consult our experienced dentists at Middletown Dental Care today and take steps to maintain your oral health for a lifetime of healthy smiles!