A toothache can be caused by anything from a popcorn hull stuck in your gum to a broken tooth or a bacterial infection. Some toothaches may come from temporary gum irritation. However, serious toothaches need treatment by a dental professional to resolve the discomfort and whatever problem is causing it.
Overview
What Is A Toothache?
A toothache is a discomfort in or around a tooth. Minor toothaches can come from a temporary gum irritation you can treat at home. More serious toothaches are caused by dental and mouth problems that won’t get better on their own and will need to be treated by a dentist.
Why Is My Toothache So Discomfort?
The pulp inside your tooth is a soft material filled with nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. These pulp nerves are among the most sensitive in your body. When irritated or infected by bacteria (abscess), these nerves can cause severe discomfort.
Signs, Symptoms, & Causes
What Are The Possible Causes Of A Toothache?
Toothaches can be caused by:
- Tooth decay.
- Abscessed tooth (a bacterial infection inside the center of the tooth).
- Tooth fracture (broken tooth).
- A damaged filling.
- Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum, grinding, or clenching teeth. These motions can wear down your teeth.
- Infected gums.
- Eruption (teeth coming out of the gums) or tooth removal (wisdom teeth).
What Do Toothaches Feel Like?
You may feel:
- Throbbing discomfort or swelling in or around your tooth or gum
- Fever
- Sharp discomfort when you touch your tooth or bite down
- Tenderness and achiness in or around your tooth
- Discomfort sensitivity in your tooth in response to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Burning or shock-like discomfort, which is uncommon
Diagnosis & Tests
What Happens When I Go To The Dentist’s Office For My Toothache?
Temporary, homemade discomfort relief won’t be enough if your toothache progresses. Call your dental professional when it becomes clear that the problem in your mouth is getting worse despite your best efforts.
At the office, your dental team will review your medical history. You’ll be asked questions like:
- Where is the discomfort located?
- When did it start?
- How severe is it?
- What makes the discomfort worse, and what gives you relief?
The dental team will examine and check your mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, throat, sinuses, ears, nose, and neck. You’ll probably get x-rays of your mouth taken to help show the cause of your toothache.
Management & Treatment
Dental Treatment
Most people go to a dentist for a toothache since problems with their teeth cause most toothaches.
Your dentist will use x-rays and a physical exam of your teeth to detect tooth decay or other dental problems. They may also give you discomfort medication and antibiotics to treat an infection.
If your toothache is due to tooth decay, your dentist will remove the decay with a drill and fill the space with dental materials. An impacted tooth may require surgical removal.
If your dentist can’t find the cause of your toothache, they may refer you to a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.
Sinusitis Treatment
Your doctor may treat sinusitis with antibiotics or decongestant medications. In rare cases, you may need surgery to open your nasal passages. In this case, your doctor will refer you to a specialist.
Home Treatment
Things that may help temporarily relieve your tooth discomfort include:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) discomfort medication, such as aspirin
- OTC topical dental discomfort medication, such as benzocaine (Anbesol, Orajel)
- OTC decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), if your discomfort is due to sinus congestion
- Clove oil applied to your aching tooth
Check with your doctor or dentist before using any product with benzocaine. Children under two shouldn’t use any products containing benzocaine.
Prevention
How Can Toothaches Be Prevented?
Since most toothaches result from tooth decay, good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Good oral hygiene consists of brushing regularly with fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing once daily, rinsing once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning. In addition to these practices, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.
Outlook - Prognosis
Can A Toothache Make Me Sick Or Even Be Fatal?
A toothache itself isn’t fatal. However, an untreated infection in your tooth (or any other body part) can spread. You can become sick, and this illness could turn into something serious or even life-threatening. So, if your toothache isn’t improving, contact Radix Dentistry immediately to schedule a same-day appointment.
Living With
When Should I Call A Doctor?
Call Radix Dentistry in Leander, TX, or walk in today if you have a toothache with any of the following symptoms:
- Discomfort that persists for more than a day or two
- Fever
- Signs and symptoms of infection, such as swelling, discomfort when you bite, red gums, or a foul-tasting discharge
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
What Your Preventative Appointment Can Help Identify
Preventative visits allow the dentists and dental hygienists at Radix Dentistry to look beyond the surface of your smile. Even when your teeth feel fine, early signs of wear, gum inflammation, cavities, clenching, grinding, or oral tissue changes may be present. Finding these concerns early can help reduce the need for more involved treatment later.
Your appointment may include:
- A careful review of your teeth, gums, and existing dental work.
- Digital x-rays when needed to evaluate areas that cannot be seen during a visual exam.
- Screening for signs of oral cancer or abnormal tissue changes.
- Evaluation of bite wear that may suggest teeth grinding or clenching.
- Personalized home care guidance based on your brushing, flossing, gum health, and risk factors.
Personalized Guidance For Long-Term Oral Health
Preventative dentistry works best when your care plan fits your mouth, habits, and goals. Some patients may need routine six-month visits, while others benefit from more frequent monitoring due to gum concerns, a history of cavities, dry mouth, orthodontic appliances, or dental restorations. Radix Dentistry can help you understand the right interval for your care instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
The team can also make practical recommendations for improving your daily routine. This may include adjusting brushing technique, choosing the right flossing tools, discussing fluoride options, or recommending a nightguard if grinding is affecting your teeth. Small changes at home can make a meaningful difference when they are based on your specific needs.
Helping Families Stay Ahead Of Dental Concerns
Preventative dentistry is valuable for every stage of life. Children may benefit from sealants and fluoride treatment as their teeth develop. Teens may need extra support with brushing around orthodontic appliances or monitoring wisdom teeth. Adults often need ongoing attention to gum health, enamel wear, aging restorations, and signs of grinding. Radix Dentistry provides care that considers where each patient is in their oral health journey.
For families in Leander, TX, having a consistent dental home can make it easier to keep everyone on track. Regular visits help establish comfort, build trust, and create a reliable record of changes over time. That continuity allows the dental team to notice subtle shifts and recommend treatment only when it is truly appropriate.
Ready To Make Your Appointment?
Radix Dentistry’s goal is to provide you with optimal care in a relaxed environment.
Contact us today to get started.