TOOTHACHES—PART I
A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth that may be caused by tooth decay; an abscessed tooth; a tooth fracture; a damaged filling; repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth; or infected gums
Symptoms of a toothache may include:
- tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results when pressure is applied to the tooth. For others, hot or cold foods or beverages cause the pain.
- swelling around the tooth
- fever or headache
- foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth
When Should I See a Dentist About a Toothache?
See your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:
- you have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
- your toothache is severe
- you have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide
Proper identification and treatment of dental infections are important to prevent their spread to other parts of the face and skull and even to the bloodstream.
If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!