Toothache: Understanding Your Pain

Do you have a throbbing or shooting pain in your mouth? Toothaches are not fun. When you have one, it can be difficult to concentrate on anything else. Tooth pain is a sign that something is wrong, and you should never ignore it. Dental clinics in Indiana can evaluate and treat your toothache before the problem gets worse. The following facts can help you understand more about toothaches and their causes.

Toothaches: The Symptoms

The primary symptom of a toothache is pain, but this can manifest in different forms. Tooth pain and related symptoms may be described in the following ways:

• Sharp or throbbing pain
• Shooting pain
• Pain that only occurs when pressure is applied to the tooth
• Sore, swollen gums
• Unpleasant taste
• Fever, headache, or general malaise

Underlying Causes of Toothaches

Tooth pain occurs when the soft center of a tooth becomes inflamed. Inadequate cavity prevention leading to subsequent tooth decay is not the only possible cause of a toothache. Inflammation may also be due to the following:

• Damaged dental fillings
• Gum disease
• Infection at the root of the tooth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Tooth-grinding or jaw-clenching

Common Toothache Triggers

Certain behaviors and foods may trigger the onset of tooth pain or make an existing toothache worse. It may be necessary to consult a dental service provider to manage trigger activities. Potential triggers include the following:

• Biting into something hard
• Cold or hot foods and beverages
• Candy or sweet foods
• Clenching teeth or putting pressure on the affected tooth

Get the Care You Need

Today, dental clinics in Indiana offer many pain-free ways to manage dental problems like cavities. To learn more about cavity prevention and treatments for tooth pain and other symptoms, consult a dental service near you for professional evaluation.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Indiana, call Wadas Dental today or make an appointment.