What's Your Tooth Ache Telling You?

A tooth ache is a pain in or around a tooth that may be caused by:

* Tooth decay.
* Abscessed tooth.
* Tooth fracture.
* Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth.
* A damaged filling.
* Infected gums.

Tooth ache Symptoms may include:

* Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth.
* Swelling around the tooth.
* Fever or head pain.
* Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth.

When Should I See A Dentist?  See your dentist immediately if:

* You have a tooth ache that lasts longer than one or two days.
* Your tooth ache is severe, and
* You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide

Proper identification and cure of dental infections is vital to prevent its spread to other parts of the face and skull and possibly even to the bloodstream.

What Happens During the Dental Appointment?   Your dentist will get your medical history and conduct a physical exam. Your dentist will ask you questions about the pain, such as when the pain started, how severe it is, where the pain is located, what makes the pain worse, and what makes it better.  He or she will examine your mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, throat, sinuses, ears, nose, and neck.  X-rays may be taken as well as other tests, depending on what your dentist suspects is causing your tooth ache.

What Treatments For Tooth Ache Are Available?  Treatment depends on the cause of your tooth ache.   If a cavity is causing the tooth pain, your dentist will fill the cavity or possibly extract the tooth, if necessary.  A root canal might need to be performed if the cause of the pain is determined to be an infection of the tooth's nerve.  Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner aspects of the tooth cause such an infection. An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw.  Phototherapy with a cold laser may be used to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with the tooth ache.

How Can Tooth Aches Be Avoided?   Since most tooth aches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene can prevent tooth aches. Good oral hygiene practices consist of brushing regularly with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing once daily, and seeing your dentist twice or thrice a year for professional cleaning.  In addition to these practices, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and the fluoride applications.