Toothache: what it means, how to ease it, and when to call us
Common causes of toothache, safe ways to ease the pain until your appointment, and the warning signs that mean you need care right away.
A toothache is your mouth’s way of telling you something is wrong. Sometimes the cause is minor, like a piece of food stuck between teeth. Often it is a problem that will get worse without treatment. Here is what tooth pain can mean, how to ease it safely, and when to get help.
Common causes of tooth pain
- Tooth decay. A cavity that reaches the inner layers of the tooth can cause sensitivity and aching.
- An inflamed or infected nerve. When decay or injury reaches the pulp at the center of the tooth, the pain is often throbbing, keeps you up at night, or lingers after hot or cold.
- A cracked or broken tooth. Sharp pain when biting or releasing can signal a crack.
- Gum problems. Gum disease, or food trapped under the gum, can make the area around a tooth sore.
- Grinding or clenching. This can make teeth and jaw muscles ache, especially in the morning.
- Pain from elsewhere. Sinus congestion, jaw joint problems and even some headaches can feel like tooth pain.
Because so many problems feel alike, the only way to know the cause is an exam, usually with an X-ray.
How to ease the pain until your appointment
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Floss gently around the sore tooth to remove anything trapped.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the package, if it’s safe for you.
- Hold a cold compress against the outside of your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
- Avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods and chew on the other side.
Don’t put aspirin or other tablets directly on the gum or tooth. They can burn the tissue. And remember that relief is temporary: if the pain fades, the problem is usually still there.
When to seek care right away
Call us as soon as possible if you have:
- Pain that lasts more than a day or two, or keeps getting worse.
- Swelling of the gum, face or jaw.
- A bad taste in your mouth, a pimple-like bump on the gum, or fever.
- A broken tooth or a lost filling or crown.
Facial swelling that spreads quickly, or trouble breathing or swallowing, can be a sign of a serious infection. Go to an emergency room or call 911.
Why you shouldn’t wait
A toothache rarely goes away for good on its own. An infection that is left untreated can spread to the bone and surrounding tissues, and a tooth that could have been saved with a filling may later need a root canal or extraction. Early treatment is almost always simpler and more comfortable.
We make room for dental emergencies
If you’re in pain, call SmileNY Dental. We’ll make every effort to see you as soon as possible, find the cause of your discomfort, and relieve it. Learn more about Emergency Treatment, or contact us.