A minor toothache may not be an urgent issue, but it’s also not something you necessarily want to ignore. It’s important to know what might be causing that pain to understand the difference between a toothache you can address at home and one that requires a visit for general dentistry in Webster.
To help you do that, we’ve created this easy guide to understanding toothaches. Read on to learn the symptoms, causes, and potential treatments of this common dental issue and when to speak to your general dentist.
Symptoms of a Toothache
The most obvious toothache symptom is an aching in your tooth, but there are some other issues connected to toothaches to keep an eye out for, as well.[1]
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Headaches
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Swollen gums
- Fever and chills
If you experience a fever and chills with a severe toothache, seek emergency dental services. You may have an abscessed tooth that poses a threat to your oral and overall health.
Causes of a Toothache
There are various reasons why you might be experiencing a toothache.[2] Some are minor and can potentially be treated at home, while others may require more elaborate measures, such as root canals or even tooth extraction, to treat. Here are some of the most common of those causes.
Tooth Decay
Poor oral hygiene and diet can lead to tooth enamel erosion and decay. A cavity can become sensitive to hot and cold or consistently ache if it gets big enough.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is an infection of the gum tissue, most often caused by poor oral hygiene. Infected gum tissue can begin to recede, leaving sensitive areas of the tooth exposed, leading to sensitivity and sometimes pain.
Tooth Injury
A damaged tooth can lead to various forms of toothache, including throbbing pain, dull pain, or sensitivity to hot and cold.
Stuck Food or Debris
Additionally, when food or another object becomes wedged between two teeth, it can lead to swelling and aching in the surrounding area.
Tooth Infection
Severe pain, swelling, fever, and chills indicate an infected tooth, which you should treat immediately by seeking emergency dental care.
Potential At-Home Treatments
If you’ve determined that your toothache is not an emergency, try these home treatments while you await your family dentistry appointment.[2]
- Use a cold compress
- Rinse with lukewarm salt water
- Remove stuck objects with floss
- Take over-the-counter pain medications
Either way, call our office, and we can help assess how soon you need care and expert dentistry in Webster.
What Can a General Dentistry in Webster Do to Treat a Toothache?
Speak with your dentist about your toothache symptoms, and they will be able to determine their cause. If it’s a cavity, getting a filling will likely be the solution. If it’s tooth damage, you may need a crown. A root canal or tooth removal may be in order if it’s a tooth infection.
Should you have one of your natural teeth removed, don’t worry. There are many ways to replace missing teeth, including dental implants, partial dentures, bridges, and more.
The Best General Dentistry in Webster
If you need general or cosmetic dentistry services in Webster, NY, contact Empire Dental Care at 585-671-1650. We’re dedicated to helping our patients meet their goals of achieving and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.
Sources:
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-toothache/basics/art-20056628
